Oysters with a garlicky panko and Parmesan topping baked until the breadcrumbs are crispy, then topped with chopped fresh parsley and lemon zest. These roasted oysters are out-of-this-world good!

Maine’s Damariscotta River is renowned for producing some of the finest oysters in the world … and I am not just saying that because it’s in our backyard, quite literally. The unique combination of cold, crisp water and the river’s tidal flow (the ocean churns the water through twice a day) – plus the combination of sea water and fresh water creates the perfect environment for these bivalves to thrive. They are plump, briny and incredibly tasty. 

Plus, how beautiful are these oysters?

While we love shucking and eating oysters on the half shell raw, roasted oysters offer a different, equally delicious experience, highlighting the flavors of the oyster in a new light. And when you top the oysters with butter, garlic and crispy panko crumbs … you have one of the tastiest things I have ever eaten. Truly.

Also, roasted oysters are a wonderful way to get turn those who are squirmish about raw oysters into oyster lovers (we all have family or friends like that in our lives, right?!).

Ingredients you’ll need for these roasted oysters:

• Oysters, inspected, shucked, with their liquor
• Butter – we love Kate’s Butter
• Garlic
• Italian seasoned panko crumbs
• Parmigiano Reggiano – freshly grated
• Chopped parsley
• Lemon – you’ll use the zest, then cut into wedges for serving with the oysters

Instructions:

1. Prepare the oysters: Shuck the oysters, being careful to preserve the liquor. Loosen the oyster meat from the bottom shell, but leave it in the bottom half of the shell.
2. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Line a small baking pan with rock salt, or, crumple up a piece of aluminum foil, then stretch it back out. Nestle the shucked oysters into the salt or into the crumpled foil so that their liquor remains in the shell. Or, if you have an oyster pan like we do, by all means use that! These things are FABULOUS!
3. Make the topping: Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about a minute, stirring constantly. Add panko crumbs and cook until the panko has absorbed the melted butter, about another minute.
4. Assemble and roast: Spoon panko mixture onto the oysters and sprinkle with Parmesan. Place oysters into the oven for 10-12 minutes, until the oysters are bubbling, the edges of the oyster curl inward and the topping is golden brown.
5. Serve: Remove the oysters from the oven. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and lemon zest.

Tips for Roasting Oysters

• Choose oysters from reputable fishmongers and places you trust: And look for oysters that are tightly closed (no cracks), are plump and have a fresh, briny smell. Also, toss any oysters that appear dried out with very little liquid (liquor). When in doubt, toss it out. Here’s a good overview on how to choose oysters, how to store them and how to shuck them.
• Don’t overcook: Overcooked oysters can be tough and rubbery. Cook them just until they are tender and the edges start to curl. And in this case, until the topping is golden brown.
• Get creative with toppings: Experiment with different toppings to create your own unique roasted oyster creations. Some other oyster recipes we love are:
  • Surf and Turf Oysters
  • Oysters on the Half Shell with a Champagne Mignonette
  • Grilled Oysters with Garlic Butter

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do you have any recommendations for wine pairings?

My first recomendation is: always drink what you like. That being said, a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, complements the buttery and briny flavors of these oysters perfectly.

Would you serve these as an appetizer or a main course?

These roasted oysters are the best appetizer … or they make a great light meal served alongside a salad and some crusty buttered bread.

Where specifically did you get these Damariscotta oysters?

These oysters are from Scully’s in Edgecomb, Maine, but we also frequent Glidden Point Oysters just down the street. Glidden Point ships oysters all over the country, so they are a great option for those who don’t live in mid-coast Maine.

Here’s how to make these delicious baked oysters.