Travis House Oysters
Creamy oyster casserole with buttery, spicy, and savory flavors, featuring seasoned oysters, garlic, onion, green pepper, and a crispy cracker topping, ideal for seafood lovers.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter ⓘ
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoon paprika ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
- dash cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1/2 medium green pepper, chopped
- 1 quart oysters ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 cup cracker crumbs ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Grease a 2-quart shallow casserole or 6 to 8 individual casseroles.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Stir in flour, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper; cook until smooth and bubbly.
- Add minced garlic, chopped onion, and chopped green pepper; cook until vegetables are tender.
- Gradually stir in oyster liquor if available, or use broth, and cook until mixture thickens.
- Add oysters, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce; heat through without boiling.
- Pour mixture into prepared casserole.
- Sprinkle cracker crumbs evenly over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of butter and olive oil when sautéing the vegetables. If fresh oysters are unavailable, canned oysters can be a suitable substitute, but be sure to adjust the cooking time. You can also add a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick. For a variation, try adding some grated cheese on top before baking. This dish pairs beautifully with Crab Munchies as a starter.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Travis House Oysters with lemon wedges and a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A crisp green salad or steamed vegetables complement the dish well. For a complete seafood feast, consider pairing it with Shrimp Supreme or Crab And Rice Casserole. These pairings create a delightful seafood experience.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Travis House Oysters can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the oysters chewy. Enjoy as a quick meal or a unique appetizer.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Travis House Oysters contains roughly 582 calories, with 27g protein, 114g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (234% of the Daily Value), and iron (208% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1300mg per serving (57% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen oysters for this recipe?
Yes, frozen oysters can be used in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them thoroughly and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the mixture. This will help maintain the texture and flavor of the dish.
What type of cracker crumbs should I use?
You can use any plain or seasoned cracker crumbs, such as Ritz crackers or saltines, for this recipe. For a gluten-free option, try using crushed gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs. The crumbs add a nice crunch to the dish.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To spice up the Travis House Oysters, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a few dashes of hot sauce to the mixture. You might also consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).