Creamed Oyster and Noodle Casserole

Creamed Oyster and Noodle Casserole

When I first came across this in the stack of unpublished recipes my grandmother left behind, I thought it was somewhat of a waste of perfectly tasty fresh oysters and the flavor could be savored more appropriately by eating them on the half shell. To be honest, the idea of a casserole made with any form of seafood mostly reminded me of the somewhat frumpy old fashioned tuna casserole. With such a strong emphasis on fresh oyster flavor, this dish is far from a waste or old and frumpy. The oyster liquor (a fancy word for the juice of the oyster) provides an ocean freshness like the smell of salty sea air at low tide (cliche enough?). Chunks of oyster complete the dish and who doesn’t love noodles!

The original recipe called for poppy seeds, which I left out because it just doesn’t seem to add anything to the dish. I did, however; add lemon juice, which cuts nicely through the fat of the half and half. And if used, grated Parmesan sprinkled on top with bread crumbs complements the saltiness of the oysters.

I made this for Christmas Eve this year and was pleasantly surprised that my 12 year old cousin took both seconds and thirds – proof of how delicious this casserole really is…

1/2 a 16oz package broad egg noodles
1/4 cup unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all purpose flour
1 1/2 cups hot half and half or heavy cream mixed with
1/2 cup hot oyster liquor
1/2 lemon juiced
pinch cayenne or 1 teaspoon Tabasco sauce (optional)
salt and white pepper to taste
2 dozen raw oysters, cut in quarters
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1 teaspoon dried tarragon
3/4 cup fresh white bread crumbs or panko bread crumbs mixed with
1/4 cup melted butter and sauteed until just golden
grated Parmesan (optional)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees and butter a casserole dish (roughly 1-1 1/2 quarts)
Cook noodles in plenty of boiling, salted water until just tender. Drain and place noodles in a bowl.
In a heavy pot, melt butter. Stir in flour, and cook for about four minutes, stirring constantly. Add combined cream and oyster liquor, again stirring constantly. Use a small wire whisk when adding liquid to butter flour mixture to break up any lumps. Add lemon juice and cayenne or Tabasco (if using). Season well with salt and pepper. Add quartered oysters, tarragon, and chopped parsley. Add this mixture to noodles in bowl and toss gently together.
Pour into buttered casserole. Sprinkle golden bread crumbs and Parmesan over top. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until very hot. Serve at once.

Note: Casserole maybe prepared ahead and refrigerated up to the point of sprinkling bread crumbs. Remove from refrigerator at least an hour and half before baking.

Serves 4 – 6.

Yum

6 comments

  • I’m so glad I decided to see if there were any new posting on your blog. I’ve been thinking about seafood and champagne for our Valentine’s Day dinner. Although I agree with you that oysters are best tasted raw on the half-shell, my husband prefers them cooked. Oyster casserole sounds like a perfect main course for a romantic dinner.

    • Thanks Madonna! You and your husband will not be disappointed. It’s an excellent dish. Let me know how it turns out 🙂

      • Hi Megan,

        I’m sorry I took so long to reply. What a fantastic dish. It’s definitely one I’m keeping in my recipe collection. Thanks for sharing.

        I posted a comment about Paula’s cookbooks on the Chowhound site and mentioned your blog. Several people have replied asking for a link to your site, which I’m going to go there to post right now.

        My husband’s been out of town on business for a few days. I’m baking a batch of the brownies as a “welcome home” surprise.

        Madonna

        • Thanks Madonna – I’m so glad you enjoyed this casserole. It’s one of my favorites of the unpublished recipes so far.
          Definitely appreciate the Chowhound mention- thank you!
          The brownies are classic – I plan to post them soon. Hope your husband enjoyed them!

  • WOW this was AWESOME!!!! I started to make Tuna Noodle Casserole and had no tuna but found a couple of cans of canned oysters. (I’m sure fresh would really make it extra special). Tried to follow the directions as close as possible and couldn’t believe the taste! This is a keeper and I just wanted to thank you for putting it here for me to find. Your grandmother must of been a fabulous cook. Can’t wait to try more of her recipes!

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