What to Serve with Oysters (10 Delicious Dishes to Try)

Most people don’t know what to serve with oysters. They’re a delicious but unusual appetizer, and finding a side dish that goes well with them can be hard.

When I was growing up, my mom always served us oysters on New Year’s Eve.

We would slurp them down with lemon juice and hot sauce, and it was a tradition that I always looked forward to.

Now that I’m an adult, I’ve continued the tradition by hosting my own New Year’s Eve party, and over time I’ve made a good list of items to pair with oysters.

So in this article, I’ll share my top 11 picks for what to serve with oysters. Trust me, your guests will be impressed.

What to serve with oysters

1. Caesar salad
2. Hush puppies
3. Potato salad
4. Mac and cheese
5. Mashed potatoes
6. Baked beans
7. Coleslaw
8. Grilled vegetables
9. French onion soup
10. Caprese salad

Caesar salad

Caesar salad is the perfect side dish for oysters. It is light and refreshing, with just the right amount of acidity and smokiness in the dressing that pairs well with the oysters.

Meanwhile, the crunchy texture of the croutons provides a nice contrast to the velvety texture of the oysters, and the Parmesan cheese provides a delicious depth of flavor.

This salad pairs perfectly with the light, briny taste of oysters. Whether you are serving them raw on the half shell or grilled, Caesar salad is the perfect accompaniment.

Hush puppies

Hush puppies are a type of corn-based fritter that originates from the southern United States. They are typically deep-fried, but they can also be baked or grilled.

Hush puppies can be served as a side dish or appetizer, and they go particularly well with oysters. One of the reasons why they are such a good match for oysters is that they are healthy and low in fat. They are also high in fiber, which helps to offset the richness of the oysters.

Hush puppies are relatively easy to make, and they can be adapted to suit different tastes. For example, they can be flavored with onions, peppers, or cheese.

Overall, hush puppies are a versatile and delicious side dish that is sure to please everyone at the table.

Potato salad

Potato salad is a classic side dish that goes well with a variety of main courses. It also happens to pair perfectly with oysters. The creamy texture of the potato salad compliments the briny taste of the oysters, and the potatoes help to balance out the richness of the dish.

Plus, potato salad is simple to make. Simply boil potatoes until tender, then mix them with mayo, onion, celery, parsley, and eggs. Season to taste and serve alongside your favorite oysters.

Potato salad is a versatile side dish that is sure to please any crowd. Try it next time you’re looking for a new twist on an old classic.

Mac and cheese

Mac and cheese is the perfect side dish for oysters. The creamy, cheesy sauce pairs perfectly with the briny oysters, and the al dente noodles provide a nice contrast in texture.

Plus, mac and cheese is easy to make using either your own recipe or a boxed mix. Simply follow the instructions on the box or recipe, and you’ll have a delicious side dish that will complement your oysters perfectly.

Mashed potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that goes well with many different main courses. They can be plain or loaded with butter, cheese, and bacon. They can also be flavored with garlic or herbs.

Mashed potatoes can be made in many different ways, but they all have one thing in common – they’re comforting, delicious, and perfect for soaking up the briny juices of fresh oysters.

Whether you’re looking for a traditional mashed potato recipe or something new and exciting, serving mashed potatoes alongside your oysters is always a winning combination.

Baked beans

Baked beans make a delicious and healthy side dish for oysters. They are relatively easy to make from scratch, and you can control the level of sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar to the recipe.

Baked beans are also very versatile, so feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to find a flavor that you enjoy.

When pairing baked beans with oysters, I recommend choosing a light variety of beans such as navy or cannellini. This will help to complement the delicate flavor of the oysters without overpowering them.

Coleslaw

Coleslaw is a tasty and healthy alternative to traditional side dishes such as potato salad or macaroni salad. It is made with cabbage, mayo, vinegar, and other seasonings, and can be customized to taste. So if you don’t like one of the ingredients, you can simply leave it out or substitute something else.

Coleslaw goes well with oysters because it is light and refreshing, and the acidity of the vinegar helps to balance out the richness of the oysters.

So next time you are looking for a side dish for your oysters, consider coleslaw!

Grilled vegetables

Grilled vegetables make the perfect side dish for oysters. The smoky flavor of the vegetables helps to cleanse your palate between bites of the oysters, and the variety of colors and textures provides a pleasing contrast.

The natural smokiness of the grill enhances the flavor of the vegetables, while the charring adds a lovely contrast in texture. Best of all, you can use your favorite vegetables – from asparagus to zucchini – and drizzle them with a little olive oil for extra flavor.

So next time you’re planning a seafood feast, be sure to include some grilled vegetables on the menu. Your guests will thank you for it!

French onion soup

French onion soup is a rich, hearty soup that is perfect for those cold winter nights. It is made with onions, beef broth, and wine, and served with a crouton and cheese on top.

French onion soup goes well as a side dish for oysters because the rich flavor of the soup helps to offset the briny taste of the oysters. It is also filling and creamy, making it a good choice for those who are looking for a heartier meal.

French onion soup can also be made ahead of time and reheated, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.

Caprese salad

Caprese salad is a simple dish made with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. It is typically seasoned with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. The dish gets its name from the Italian island of Capri, where it is said to have originated.

Caprese salad makes an excellent side dish for oysters. The acidic tomatoes help to cut through the richness of the oysters, while the creamy mozzarella and earthy basil provide a perfect balance of flavor.

The dish is also light and refreshing, making it a perfect accompaniment to a seafood meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What wine pairs best with oysters?

Wine is an essential part of any seafood feast, and it pairs especially well with oysters. The light, delicate flavor of wine helps to enhance the flavor of the oysters, and the acidity helps to balance out their richness.

There are a variety of wines that pair well with oysters, so you can choose a white, red, or even sparkling wine. My personal favorite is a dry Riesling.

How many oysters should I serve per person?

The general rule of thumb is to serve six oysters per person. However, if your guests are adventurous eaters or if you are serving a particularly large variety of oysters, you may want to serve a few more.

Conclusion

When it comes to what pairs well with oysters, the options are endless. You can serve up a variety of side dishes that will complement the briny flavor of the oysters and provide a delicious contrast in taste. My personal favorite is coleslaw, but French onion soup and Caprese salad are also excellent choices. So next time you’re planning a seafood feast, be sure to include some of these delicious side dishes on the menu – your guests will love them!