Chef John's Scalloped Oysters

Chef John's Scalloped Oysters

12 servings
Discover decadence with this rich, creamy and delicious scalloped oyster casserole.

Ingredients

  • crushed saltine crackers
    3 c
  • unsalted butter

    melted

    ¾ c
  • shucked small oysters with liquor
    4 c
  • cayenne pepper
    ⅛ tsp
  • salt and ground black pepper to taste
  • chopped fresh italian flat-leaf parsley
    2 tbsp
  • heavy cream
    1 c

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

  2. 2

    Combine saltine crackers and butter in a bowl; stir until all crumbs are saturated with butter.

  3. 3

    Spread 1/3 of the saltines mixture on the bottom of a 9x13-inch casserole dish. Pour half of the oysters with their liquor over the saltines mixture. Season with cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Repeat with next 1/3 of saltines and remaining oysters. Season with cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and Italian parsley.

  4. 4

    Sprinkle remaining saltines mixture over the oysters. Drizzle cream slowly and evenly over the top.

  5. 5

    Bake in the preheated oven until bubbling and browned, 40 to 45 minutes. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

    Step 5
Chef John's Scalloped Oysters

Chef John's Scalloped Oysters

60 min12 servings334 cal

Similar Recipes

Maple Glazed Seared Scallops

Maple Glazed Seared Scallops

These Maple Glazed Seared Scallops are an elegant but easy dinner option!  After making these you will never be afraid to make scallops again!

20 minutes6 servings
Oysters Rockefeller 

Oysters Rockefeller 

This easy Oysters Rockefeller recipe is always a hit. Topped with creamy spinach and breadcrumbs that get nice and crispy under the broiler.

30 minutes12 servings116 kcal
Chicken Scallopini

Chicken Scallopini

This chicken scallopini recipe is ready in just 30 minutes. Family-friendly and easy, there's a reason our Test Kitchen calls it "Old Faithful."

30 minutes4 servings
Baked Scallops

Baked Scallops

Baked scallops in a buttery sauce, topped with bread crumbs and seasoned with garlic, paprika, parsley and Parmesan make a terrific seafood main dish.

50 minutes363 kcal
Scallop Recipe with Cream Sauce

Scallop Recipe with Cream Sauce

This seared scallop recipe has a rich and creamy Parmesan sauce and is perfect over a bed of pasta. Make it for dinner tonight in under 30 minutes!

25 minutes
Chef John's Chicken Lazone

Chef John's Chicken Lazone

Creamy, Cajun-spiced Chicken Lazone is an incredibly delicious one-pan recipe for chicken breasts in a flavorful pan sauce, adapted from the famous New Orleans dish by Chef Lazone Randolph.

90 minutes4 servings411 kcal
Seared Scallops With Tomato Salad

Seared Scallops With Tomato Salad

A perfectly seared scallop needs little more to taste complete. A squeeze of lemon is sufficient, but if you want a stellar partner to balance the sweet saline bite of caramelized sea scallops, make this tomato salad of tomato salads dressed with an acidic, savory vinaigrette inspired by mignonette, the classic accompaniment to raw oysters. It’s dotted with minced shallot to carry tomatoes and earthy spring mix — and scallops, of course — to umami heights.

30 minutes2 servings122 kcal
Chef John's Jollof Rice

Chef John's Jollof Rice

This is a foolproof recipe for cooking Jollof rice, West Africa’s most popular dish, which can be served as a side dish or a main.

45 minutes175 kcal

Ratings & Reviews

Be the First to Rate

Your rating helps others discover amazing recipes. Share your experience and let others know what you think!

About this Recipe

Craving a classic comfort food that feels both indulgent and deeply satisfying? Chef John's Scalloped Oysters offers just that—a rich, creamy casserole that transforms simple ingredients into a truly memorable dish.

What makes this recipe truly special is its celebration of the oyster, enveloped in a luscious cream sauce and topped with a buttery, crisp saltine crust. It's a testament to how a few high-quality components, like fresh small oysters and rich heavy cream, can create a profoundly decadent experience. You'll love how the simple preparation belies the complex flavors.

Prepare for a dish that is wonderfully savory, with the delicate, briny notes of the oysters shining through the creamy base. The finely crushed saltine crackers, combined with melted unsalted butter, create an irresistible texture contrast—a tender, moist interior crowned with a crisp, golden-brown topping. A hint of cayenne pepper adds a subtle warmth that perfectly complements the richness without overpowering it, while fresh Italian flat-leaf parsley brightens every bite. This elegant casserole is designed to serve a crowd, making it perfect for gatherings or special dinners.

Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your liking; a touch more cayenne pepper can deepen the warmth, or you can opt for freshly cracked black pepper for a milder zest. While saltine crackers provide that classic, savory crunch, you could experiment with other mild, buttery crackers for a slight variation in texture, though saltines are key to the traditional flavor. You can also sprinkle in extra fresh parsley at the end for an even brighter finish.

This Scalloped Oysters recipe is ideal for holiday dinners, a comforting Sunday meal, or any occasion when you want to impress with a luxurious seafood dish. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad to balance its richness, perhaps with a squeeze of fresh lemon to highlight the oyster's natural flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions