Leah Chase's Holiday Oyster Dressing

Side Dish

Recipe courtesy of Chef Leah Chase, Dookie Chase Restaurant, New Orleans, LA

Serves 6 to 8

Ingredients: 
  • 2 pints fresh oysters in liquid
  • 1 lb ground round
  • 10 slices day-old white sandwich bread
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 2 sticks butter 
  • 1/2 cup diced onions
  • 1/2 cup diced celery
  • 1/4 cup diced green bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic
  • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • salt to taste
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley
  • 2 whole eggs, beaten
  • 3/4 cup seasoned Italian breadcrumbs

Holiday Oyster Dressing

Click image to enlarge 

Method: 

Preheat oven to 350º F.
Drain oysters, reserving liquid, and coarsely chop. Break bread into 1-inch cubes and place in large mixing bowl. Add oyster liquid and 3/4 cup water. Allow bread to soak until water is absorbed.
In a large cast iron skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add ground meat and stir constantly until golden brown. Ground meat should be well-browned, 15-20 minutes. Add onions, celery, bell peppers, and garlic.  Sauté 3-5 minutes or until vegetables are wilted. Add bread, any remaining liquid from bowl, and chopped oysters. Blend well into vegetable mixture. Cook, stirring constantly, for approximately 15-20 minutes. Season to taste using thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and parsley.
Pour mixture into mixing bowl.  Stir and cool slightly, 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add beaten eggs, blending quickly into warm mixture to keep from scrambling. Pour mixture into 9 x 13-inch baking pan and top with breadcrumbs. 

Bake until golden brown, approximately 30 minutes.

Chef's note: Leah suggests placing the bread slices on a cookie sheet covered with clear wrap one to two days prior to making this stuffing or use day-old or stale bread.


 

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