
Baked oysters with herbed spinach butter and breadcrumbs
Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
12 min
Total Time
32 min
Servings
4
24 oysters
Difficulty
Medium
Cost
Premium
$$$
Baked oysters with herbed spinach butter and breadcrumbs
Fresh oysters on the half shell topped with a rich spinach-herb butter, breadcrumbs, and a splash of Pernod, baked until bubbly and golden. Created in 1899 at Antoine's.
20m
Prep Time
12m
Cook Time
32m
Total Time
4
Servings
Medium
Difficulty
Premium $$$
Cost
(Updated )
Oysters Rockefeller were named for the richest American because the sauce was so rich. This New Orleans classic tops briny oysters with a verdant, anise-scented herb butter.
Pulse spinach, softened butter, garlic, Pernod, a pinch of cayenne, salt, and pepper in a food processor until combined.
Spread a layer of rock salt on a baking sheet and nestle the shucked oysters in the salt to keep them level.
Spoon a generous tablespoon of the spinach-butter mixture onto each oyster.
Sprinkle breadcrumbs over each oyster and drizzle lightly with melted butter.
Broil 4 inches from the heat for 4-5 minutes until the topping is bubbly and golden. Serve immediately.
Arrange on a platter for easy sharing at your next gathering
Pair with your favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor
Watercress is actually believed to be in the original recipe
All provide a similar anise flavor
Ask your fishmonger to shuck the oysters for you if you're not comfortable doing it yourself.
The rock salt bed is not optional—it keeps the oysters level so nothing spills.
Best eaten immediately. Do not store cooked oysters.
Not recommended—oysters are best fresh from the oven.
Per serving (60mg) · 4 servings
A light, low-calorie option · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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