New Orleans Styled Chargrilled Oysters

If you’ve ever had Gulf oysters kissed by open flame, you know there’s nothing quite like them. Smoky, buttery, and briny all at once, these oysters are a celebration of coastal flavors elevated with rich Italian cheeses and fresh herbs. Perfect for entertaining or as a treat for yourself, this recipe captures the magic of fire, sea, and simplicity.

Jump To Recipe

Why We Love this Chargrilled Oyster Recipe

The salty brininess of Gulf oysters pairs beautifully with the nutty richness of Parmigiano and the sharp tang of Pecorino. The butter adds luscious depth, while the fire from the grill brings that irresistible smoky char. It’s a rustic, elegant dish that feels indulgent but comes together in minutes.

How To Step-By-Step

1. Prepare the grill — Light your charcoal and allow it to heat until the coals are glowing red with a light layer of white ash. This ensures steady, even heat for the oysters.

2. Prep the oysters — If you’ve bought them unshucked, carefully shuck the oysters, keeping as much of their natural briny liquor in the shell as possible. Arrange them on a tray so they’re stable and ready for the grill.

   

3. Mix the topping — In a medium bowl, combine the Parmigiano Reggiano, Pecorino Romano, chopped parsley, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Toss gently with a fork to keep the cheese light and fluffy.

4. Melt the butter — In a small saucepan or heatproof container, melt the butter over low heat. Keep it nearby, as you’ll be ladling it onto the oysters as they cook.

   

   

   

5. Set the oysters on the grill — Place the oysters directly on the grates, nestling them in so they sit level. This helps prevent the juices from spilling out. Make sure your oysters are close together and touching.

   

   

6. Add the topping — Sprinkle each oyster generously with the cheese mixture. Don’t be shy — a little extra helps form that golden, caramelized crust.

   

   

7. Butter & flame — Carefully ladle the melted butter over the oysters. The butter dripping onto the coals will cause the flames to rise, lightly charring the cheese and creating that irresistible smoky flavor.

8. Repeat for depth of flavor — After the flames die down, sprinkle a bit more of the cheese and parsley mixture over the oysters for added texture and freshness.

   

9. Cook until bubbly — The oysters are done when the cheese is melted, lightly golden, and the edges of the oysters start to curl. This usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes depending on your flame. Try not to cook them for too long or they will pop.

   

   

10. Serve immediately — Remove the oysters carefully with tongs, transfer them to a platter, and serve hot with lemon wedges and crusty bread to soak up the buttery juices.

    
    

Serving Suggestions

Serve these chargrilled oysters hot off the grill with crusty bread to soak up the buttery juices, or alongside a crisp white wine like Vermentino or Sauvignon Blanc. They make a perfect appetizer for a dinner party or a festive centerpiece for a casual backyard cookout.

Traditional Latin Mass Reading - November 12th

Epistle

1 Peter 5: 1-4, 10-11

Dearly beloved, The ancients therefore that are among you, I beseech, who am myself also an ancient, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ: as also a partaker of that glory which is to be revealed in time to come: feed the flock of God which is among you, taking care of it, not by constraint, but willingly, according to God: not for filthy lucre's sake, but voluntarily: neither as lording it over the clergy, but being made a pattern of the flock from the heart. And when the prince of pastors shall appear, you shall receive a never fading crown of glory. But the God of all grace, who hath called us into his eternal glory in Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little, will himself perfect you, and confirm you, and establish you. To him be glory and empire for ever and ever. Amen.

Gospel

Matthew 16: 13-19

And Jesus came into the quarters of Cesarea Philippi: and he asked his disciples, saying: Whom do men say that the Son of man is? But they said: Some John the Baptist, and other some Elias, and others Jeremias, or one of the prophets. Jesus saith to them: But whom do you say that I am? Simon Peter answered and said: Thou art Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answering, said to him: Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-Jona: because flesh and blood hath not revealed it to thee, but my Father who is in heaven. And I say to thee: That thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give to thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven. And whatsoever thou shalt bind upon earth, it shall be bound also in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose upon earth, it shall be loosed also in heaven.