If you’ve ever been to a restaurant with oysters on the menu, you will discover that it can sometimes be hard to know what to serve with oysters.
The truth of the matter is that there are plenty of dishes that go well with oysters, and some of them may surprise you!
For example, oysters and sushi are often paired together at restaurants, and who can argue with that?
While sushi and sashimi are more common, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t serve oysters with traditional nigiri either!
Let’s run through other common side dishes on this list of what to serve with oysters.
1. Grilled Corn on the Cob
This is the first on our list of what to serve with Oysters. Grilling corn on the cob is a great way to add a summery flare to this classic dish.
It’s easy and simple and will have your guests feeling like they’re having a luau while you serve them an appetizer.
To start, remove the husk from the corn, brush it down with vegetable oil, and season it generously with salt and pepper.
Wrap each ear in aluminum foil for about 30 minutes before grilling for about 10-15 minutes on medium heat.
Meanwhile, be sure not to overcook your corn, or it will be tough – take it off the grill when it is tender but still crunchy. Have fun experimenting with different spices and flavors!
2. Crab Rangoon Cups
This is the next on our list of what to serve with Oysters. These crab rangoon cups are a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of a favorite Chinese appetizer while also enjoying oysters.
The only thing better than one is eating two! Oysters go well with various toppings, sauces, and garnishes, so experiment until you find your perfect pairing.
3. Sweet Potato Mash
It might sound strange to pair a dish that is traditionally served as a side with a first course, but sweet potato mash makes an excellent pairing for oysters.
It is classic comfort food that can be prepared quickly and easily. The sweetness of the potatoes provides the perfect balance for the salty flavor of the oyster.
Plus, there are endless flavor combinations that you can try out to switch up your dish every time you prepare it. Adding chives or bacon bits will give it extra flavor and mix in other textures.
Mixing in sour cream or heavy cream will make your mashed potatoes even more rich and creamy, while adding some herbs like parsley or thyme can provide an extra layer of flavor without being overpowering.
4. Roasted Green Beans
Wondering what to serve with oysters? Roasted green Beans are a great option. Roasting green beans will bring out their flavor and make them slightly crispy.
They are perfect for dipping since the salt from the oysters will enhance their flavors even more. They can be seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper for a quick side dish that is packed full of flavor.
Roasting them in an oven is simple; just place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and roast at 425 degrees Fahrenheit until they are crisp-tender, about 10 minutes.
5. Broccoli Cheddar Casserole
This classic dish is perfect for serving alongside oysters. Plus, it’s easy to make and typically a crowd-pleaser.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
- Cook broccoli in boiling water for five minutes until tender, then drain and set aside.
- Mix the grated cheddar cheese, milk, and flour in a bowl until fully combined.
- Add the broccoli and stir to combine.
- Pour the mixture into a casserole dish and bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown on top
6. Crostinis
The beauty of crostinis is that they can be prepared ahead of time and then quickly reheated before serving.
If you don’t like the idea of using store-bought bread, it’s also possible to prepare crostinis from scratch.
This is done by cutting whole wheat baguettes into one-inch slices, brushing them with olive oil, and baking them at 350 degrees for 5 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Shrimp Hushpuppies
In the south, shrimp hushpuppies are a popular side dish for just about any meal. These hushpuppies were inspired by the idea of pairing the fried shellfish with a bready crust but without all of the deep fryings.
They’re light and delicate in texture and taste, which helps balance out dishes that can be heavy on their own. These can also be served as an appetizer when topped with garlic butter or cocktail sauce before baking.
8. Lemon Pasta
It’s important that the first thing you serve is something light and refreshing because oysters are an incredibly rich food.
Lemon pasta is a great choice because it features lemon, which has antibacterial properties and can help cut through the richness of the oysters.
The salty flavor of anchovies complements the saltiness of the oysters, while both have a similarly delicate taste profile. This dish is easy to make and should take around 20 minutes.
9. Clam Chowder
This is what to serve with oysters. Clam chowder is a perfect dish for oysters. It’s rich and creamy, which offsets the taste of the oyster.
The soup is also made from ingredients that are commonly eaten in coastal areas, so it makes sense that it would go together well with oysters.
Meanwhile, Clam chowder can be made in various ways, but the most traditional clam chowders use milk or cream as their base and include potatoes, onion, celery salt, and pepper flakes.
Many people also like to add bacon or other meat to their clam chowder. However you make your clam chowder, just remember that it’s a great side dish for oysters!
10. Cornbread Muffins
These savory muffins are perfect as a side dish or appetizer. They’re delicate and buttery while still retaining their structure, thanks to the flour and eggs in the recipe. The cornmeal adds a little extra crunch, which is a nice contrast against the softness of the oysters.
You could also replace the oysters with shrimp for an equally delicious appetizer. Serve them alongside the roast chicken for a satisfying supper.
11. Macaroni Salad
Oysters are a perfect appetizer for any gathering, but knowing what to serve with them can be difficult. This is where macaroni salad comes in!
Macaroni salad is an excellent dish because it provides that subtle sweetness that compliments the oyster’s salty flavor.
Also, it provides a nice crunch for a dish that is often served raw. You can use any type of vegetable you want in this recipe, and it will taste just as good, so feel free to get creative and add your own twist!
12. Smashed Potatoes
The oyster dish from New Orleans typically includes a side of crispy fried potatoes. This dish is called Pommes de Terre Frites and can be found on menus across the Gulf Coast region.
These fries are made by frying thinly sliced potatoes in oil until they are crisp and golden brown, then tossing them in salt.
The recipe for this dish may seem simple, but it is so delicious that it’s worth learning how to make it at home!
- Peel and slice potatoes into thin strips. 2) Soak the slices in cold water for 5-6 minutes before frying them.
- Fry the potato strips (in batches) until they are golden brown and crispy, about 8 minutes per batch.
Conclusion
Oysters are one of the unique delicacies in the world. Boasting both sublime taste and an expensive price tag, oysters are considered by many to be among the most decadent foods on earth.
It’s not hard to see why; they’re packed with flavor, come from the ocean, and have an awesome shape!
But with all that richness, it can be easy to forget that oysters need some company in their shells. If you want to serve with oysters, look no further than this list. These dishes range in preparation time and can be served as appetizers or main courses.
