Where did oyster stuffing come from?

The history of Oyster Dressing dates back over 300 years ago. This savory side dish was brought to America by the British colonists . At the time, oysters were quite plentiful and could be easily gathered along the shoreline. This Thanksgiving side is still quite popular.

What is the best way to cook oyster?

Steaming Oysters : A Simple Approach The gentle steam allows the briny oysters to cook while keeping their natural juices and flavors intact. All you need is a pot with a steamer basket. Place the shucked oysters in the basket, set over boiling water, and cover to steam for 4-5 minutes until they are firm and opaque.

What temperature should dressing be cooked to?

Cook until the center of the dressing reaches 165 degrees . When checked with a food thermometer. Never place frozen dressing or other frozen food in a slow cooker, it will not reach proper safe temperature fast enough.

Why do people put oysters in stuffing?

Why It Works. Oysters add a savory, briny flavor to the stuffing without making it overly seafood-y . Drying the bread allows it to absorb more flavorful moisture, like chicken stock and oyster liquor.

What is stuffing called in the South?

But for the Thanksgiving side dish in the South, the term dressing was adopted in place of stuffing, which was viewed as a crude term, during the Victorian era. Although dressing and stuffing are interchangeable terms, the signature ingredient of this Thanksgiving side dish in the South is cornbread.

Are oysters good for you?

Oysters are highly nutritious shellfish that offer a wide array of health benefits . They're packed with high quality protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants — all of which benefit health. Still, raw oysters can contain potentially harmful bacteria. To avoid getting sick, enjoy oysters cooked instead.

Can dogs eat oysters?

When served in moderation, oysters can be a special treat for dogs . Provided that oysters are cooked (not fried) and served without seasonings, dog owners can offer them to their pooch without hesitation.

Where did stuffing originate?

History. It is not known when stuffings were first used. The earliest documentary evidence is the Roman cookbook, Apicius De Re Coquinaria, which contains recipes for stuffed chicken, dormouse, hare, and pig.

Why were oysters used to stuff turkeys?

The British brought the tradition of oyster stuffing to the colonies. In 1685, a British cookbook mentioned stuffing poultry or fish with oysters. Since oysters were plentiful (and extremely cheap) in the New World, they were used by the poor or laborers to stretch their meager meat rations .

Where did eating oysters originate?

Oysters are believed to have originated in ancient Rome , where they were considered a luxury food item. They were prized for their unique flavor and texture, and were often served at banquets and feasts. Over time, oysters became more widely available, and they were eventually consumed by people all over Europe.

Are oysters traditional for Thanksgiving?

While oysters aren't commonly associated with a Thanksgiving feast , they actually played a larger role in the origination of the holiday than you'd think. The mollusks were likely feature prominently on the tables of early American settlers, unlike a turkey.

Oyster Dressing Recipe, Oyster Stuffing Recipe, Whats Cooking America (2024)

What's Cooking America » Cooking Articles » » Thanksgiving » Grandma’s Oyster Dressing History and Recipe

Recipe
Comments
Print

This is the dressing of oyster lover dreams! The oyster nectar makes the dressing so moist and flavorful. What’s not to love about a dressing that includes fresh oysters? Oyster Dressing can often be one of the best parts of a Thanksgiving dinner. This dressing must be served as a side dish and not as a turkey stuffing in the turkey.

This recipe was shared with me by Doc Lawrence and his Sips Across America columns. The recipe is by Chef Josh Butler, Executive Chef at the Florida Governor’s Mansion in Tallassee, FL.

Photo Credit: Matthew Mead, The Associated Press

LearnHow To Shuck Oysters.

Pleasecheck out my Thanksgiving Turkey dinner menu which includes Grandma’s Oyster Dressing.

History of Oyster Dressing:

Oyster dressing is a favorite of New Englanders that dates back to the 18th century in America as oysters were predominantly found along the eastern coast of North America. Oysters had been used with or without bread crumbs for stuffing poultry or fish over 335 years. The tradition of oyster dressing was brought over from British colonists that settled in America. In Britain, oysters were added to stuffing that was more traditionally used in fowl (chicken), fish, calves he ad, leg of mutton, hares (rabbit) and pigs.

Oysters used to be more plentiful and the most commonly eaten shellfish in America. They were cheap and plentiful enough for the working class to afford. Many early American cooks stuffed their turkeys and chicken with oysters since it was an inexpensive source of protein. Turkeys were very expensive and adding the oysters helped ensure there was enough protein to feed a large group. As the express wagons and railroads made it more possible to transport goods in the mid-19th century, the oyster market was able to expand and set off a national oyster addiction. Fresh, raw oysters were commonly served in taverns as oysters were a cheap food to serve with beer and liquor. By 1850, every major town in America had an Oyster saloon also known as oyster bars, oyster house or raw bar.

1685 – Earliest cookbook reference: The Accomplisht Cook, London, Sauce with Oysters and Bacon, The oysters were cooked and mixed with spices and herbs stuffed in the pullets belly and roasted.

1796 – American Cookery by Amelia Simmons, Meats – To smother a Fowl in Oysters: “Gill the bird with dry oysters, and sew up and boil in water just sufficient to cover the bird, salt and season to your taste – when done tender, put it into a deep dish and pour over it a pint of stewed oysters, well buttered and peppered, garnish a turkey with sprigs of parsley or leaves of celery: a fowl is best with a parsley sauce

1832 – The Cook’s Own Book: Being A Complete Culinary Encyclopedia, by A Boston Housekeeper. Chicken Stuffing recipe – “Fill your chickens with young oysters cut small, truffles, parsley and spices and roast them.”

1880 – Miss Parloa’s New Cook Book and Marketing Guide by Maria Parloa – Boiled Turkey – “Chop half a head of celery very fine. Mix with it one quart of bread crumbs, two scant table-spoonfuls of salt, half a teaspoonful of pepper, two heaping table-spoonfuls of butter and two eggs. Stuff the turkey with this; sew up and truss. The stuffing may be made the same as above, only substitute oysters for celery, and serve with oyster sauce.”

References:

The Washington Post, Food Section – A Short Course On the History of 8 Thanksgiving Foods, by Amanda Moniz, November 22, 2013

New England Recipes, Oyster Stuffing History.

Wikipedia, Oyster bar.

Oysters: A Culinary Celebration, by Joan Reardon, 2004, Guilford, Conn, Lyons Press.

Historic Columbus Taverns: The Capital City’s Most Storied Saloons by Tom Betti and Doreen Uhas Sauer, 2012, Charleston, SC, History Press

Grandma's Oyster Dressing Recipe:

Prep Time

20 mins

Cook Time

45 mins

Total Time

You Might Also Like:

Creamed Oysters in Acorn Squash
This outstanding dish combines two of my favorite foods, oysters and acorn squash. Besides being delicious, it is beautiful to look at.

Oyster Casserole
This is an excellent oyster dish to serve your family or friends.

Oysters Casino
Oyster lover’s delight! A very easy recipe to prepare and always a favorite with my husband.

Scalloped Oysters
Scalloped oysters are fantastic served as a special side dish, first course, or appetizer with crackers. For many families, this dish is a Christmas tradition.

Related Recipes

Categories:

Heirloom Recipes Holiday Turkey Dinners New England Oyster Side Dish Thanksgiving