Baked Oysters with Bacon and Leeks

Ingredients for Baked Oysters with Bacon and Leeks

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1 tablespoon plain flour

• 240ml whipping cream

• 230g bacon (preferably applewood-smoked), chopped

• 950ml thinly sliced leeks (white and pale green parts only

• from 4 large)

• 100g finely chopped celery

• 1 bay leaf

• 1/8 teaspoons cayenne pepper

• 2 tablespoons dry white wine

• 2 tablespoons grated Pecorino Romano cheese

• 20 medium oysters, shucked, or four 230g jars shucked oysters

• 110g fresh breadcrumbs made from crustless French bread

How to make Baked Oysters with Bacon and Leeks

Melt butter in small skillet over medium heat. Add flour; whisk 2 minutes. Add cream slowly and whisk until mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat.

Sauté bacon in heavy large skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 6 minutes. Transfer bacon to paper towels to drain. Discard all but 2 tablespoons drippings from skillet. Add leeks, celery, bay leaf, and cayenne to skillet and sauté over medium heat until vegetables are soft, about 12 minutes. Add wine and cook until absorbed, about 15 seconds. Add cream mixture and bring to simmer. Stir until leek mixture thickens slightly, about 3 minutes. Stir in bacon and cheese. Season generously with salt and pepper. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cool slightly. Cover and refrigerate.)

Place 1 oyster on each of 20 oyster shells or place 2 oysters in each of 10 small ramekins. Top oyster in each shell with 2 tablespoons leek mixture, or top oysters in ramekins with 60ml leek mixture. Place on rimmed baking sheet. (Can be made 4 hours ahead. Cover and chill.)

Preheat oven to 260°C. Divide breadcrumbs among shells or ramekins. Bake until leek mixture bubbles and crumbs are golden, about 8 minutes.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.