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Black Folks Southern Oyster Dressing Recipe

Black Folks Southern Oyster Dressing Recipe

Soul food cornbread oyster dressing is a holiday classic featuring golden cornbread baked with fresh herbs, tender veggies, and briny oysters. It's crispy at the edges, soft and savory inside, with a seasoned richness and that soulful, ocean-kissed flavor in every bite.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Soul Food, Southern Food
Servings: 8
Calories: 328kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Ingredients for the cornbread

  • 1 cup yellow cornmeal medium grind
  • ⅔  cup all-purpose flour 
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 4 tablespoons butter unsalted
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar optional
  • cup cream cheese preferably whipped cream cheese
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream

Ingredients for the cornbread oyster dressing

  • 16 oz oysters chopped into large pieces (fresh oysters preferred, or canned)
  • ¼ cup butter unsalted
  • 1 tablespoon butter unsalted
  • 1 cup yellow onion diced
  • 1 cup celery diced
  • 1 tablespoon thyme dried
  • 1 tablespoon rosemary dried
  • 1 teaspoon sage ground
  • ¼ cup parsley fresh and finely chopped
  • ½ cup chicken stock or chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 large egg

Instructions

Instructions for the cornbread

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and place the 4 tablespoons of butter in the cast-iron skillet. Melt the butter in the oven for approximately 5 minutes.
  • While the butter melts, combine the dry ingredients (cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and sugar) with the cream cheese and heavy whipping cream in a medium-sized mixing bowl.
  • Pour the melted butter from the skillet into the mixing bowl, then mix all the ingredients together.
  • Pour the cornbread mixture into the skillet and bake for 20-25 minutes.
  • Once the baking time is complete, let the cornbread cool for about 10 minutes.
  • Slice the bread lengthwise, then cut it across into 1-inch cubes, and set them aside.

Instructions for the oyster dressing

  • Grease a baking dish and transfer the reserved cornbread cubes to the greased dish. Set the cornbread cubes aside.
  • In a saucepan, sauté the ¼ cup of butter, chopped onion, celery, thyme, rosemary, and sage.
  • Stir to coat the vegetables in the herbs and melted butter, then sauté until they soften and turn slightly brown.
  • Drain the oyster juice, then chop the oysters and add them to the simmering mixture along with the chicken stock, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine.
  • Remove the oyster and herb mixture from the stovetop and set aside.
  • Allow the mixture to cool until it is safe to touch, then combine it with the egg. This prevents the egg from cooking and scrambling due to residual heat.
  • While the oyster and herb mixture is cooling, beat the egg and parsley in a medium-sized bowl.
  • Pour the egg and parsley mixture over the cubed cornbread in the set-aside baking dish, and gently fold in the mixture evenly with the bread cubes.
  • Then, pour the cooled oysters and herb mixture into the cornbread and egg mixture, evenly distributing it with your pour.
  • Cut the 1 tablespoon of butter into small pieces and scatter them evenly on top of the dressing.
  • Cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 350 degrees F for 35 minutes.
  • Uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown, then serve warm and enjoy! Optionally, serve with gravy on top.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 328kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 81mg | Sodium: 530mg | Potassium: 268mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1021IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 148mg | Iron: 2mg
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