Romantic Oysters with Spinach (Printable version)
Fresh oysters baked with creamy spinach and herbs, served warm with a golden breadcrumb topping.
# Ingredient list:
→ Oysters
01 - 12 fresh oysters, shucked, shells reserved
→ Spinach Mixture
02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 - 2 shallots, finely minced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
05 - 5 oz fresh spinach, chopped
06 - 2 tablespoons heavy cream
07 - 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
08 - 1 tablespoon Pernod or dry white wine (optional)
09 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
10 - Pinch of ground nutmeg
→ Topping
11 - 4 tablespoons breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
12 - 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
13 - 1 tablespoon melted butter
14 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
15 - 1 lemon, cut into wedges (for serving)
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 425°F or set broiler to high heat setting.
02 - Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add shallots and garlic; sauté until fragrant, approximately 2 minutes.
03 - Stir in chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
04 - Add heavy cream, 2 tablespoons Parmesan, Pernod or wine (if using), salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Cook until mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let cool briefly.
05 - Arrange shucked oysters on a baking tray lined with rock salt or crumpled foil to stabilize shells. Spoon generous amount of spinach mixture over each oyster.
06 - In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons Parmesan, melted butter, and chopped parsley until well combined.
07 - Sprinkle crumb mixture evenly over oysters. Bake or broil for 6-8 minutes until topping is golden and bubbling.
08 - Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges on the side.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The creamy spinach topping with just a hint of Pernod creates this incredibly luxurious flavor that feels like something you would order at a high end restaurant
- They come together in about 30 minutes but look and taste like you spent all day preparing something special
02 -
- Rock salt is not just for presentation, it genuinely keeps the oysters from spilling their precious filling all over your baking sheet
- The spinach mixture should cool slightly before you spoon it onto the oysters, otherwise it can slide right off
03 -
- If you want to add even more richness, fold in some crispy cooked bacon right into the spinach mixture
- Position your oven rack about 6 inches from the broiler to get that perfectly golden topping without burning the breadcrumbs