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  3. Oysters Rockefeller
Oysters Rockefeller on a bed of rock salt with golden topping

Baked oysters with herbed spinach butter and breadcrumbs

Oysters Rockefeller

Oysters Rockefeller

32 minMedium

Prep Time

20 min

Cook Time

12 min

Total Time

32 min

Servings

4

24 oysters

Difficulty

Medium

Cost

Premium

$$$

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Oysters Rockefeller

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

Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen

May 24, 2024(Updated April 13, 2026)

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.

Why This Recipe Works

Keeping the oysters on a bed of rock salt in the pan steadies them so the precious liquor and topping don't spill. The Pernod adds a subtle anise note that defines the dish.

Ingredients

  • 24 fresh oysters, shucked on the half shell
  • 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
  • 4 tbsp butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup fine breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp Pernod or anise liqueur
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

  1. 1

    Pulse spinach, softened butter, garlic, Pernod, a pinch of cayenne, salt, and pepper in a food processor until combined.

  2. 2

    Spread a layer of rock salt on a baking sheet and nestle the shucked oysters in the salt to keep them level.

  3. 3

    Spoon a generous tablespoon of the spinach-butter mixture onto each oyster.

  4. 4

    Sprinkle breadcrumbs over each oyster and drizzle lightly with melted butter.

  5. 5

    Broil 4 inches from the heat for 4-5 minutes until the topping is bubbly and golden. Serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

Ways to Serve This Dish

  • Arrange on a platter for easy sharing at your next gathering

  • Pair with your favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor

Substitutions

SpinachWatercress or arugula

Watercress is actually believed to be in the original recipe

PernodOuzo, absinthe, or a pinch of fennel seed

All provide a similar anise flavor

Tips & Storage

Pro Tips

  • 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.

Storage

Best eaten immediately. Do not store cooked oysters.

Reheating

Not recommended—oysters are best fresh from the oven.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (60mg) · 4 servings

Calories160
LowModerateHigh

A light, low-calorie option · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet

Protein8g
Carbohydrates12g
Fat4g
Fiber340mg
Sugar0g
Sodium1g

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of oysters should I use?
East Coast varieties like Blue Point or Wellfleet are traditional, but any fresh oyster works.
What if I don't have Pernod?
Use a splash of absinthe, ouzo, or skip it—the anise flavor is nice but not essential.

Explore More

More AppetizerOven Recipes
Sarah Chen

About Sarah Chen

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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