Baked Oysters Mornay
Baked Oysters Mornay is a delicious and creamy twist on the classic oyster dish, perfect for entertaining or treating yourself to a gourmet experience at home. With a rich cheese sauce made from Gruyere and Parmesan, these oysters are baked to perfection, resulting in a dish that marries the briny flavor of fresh oysters with a luxurious and savory sauce. This recipe is great for a starter and is sure to impress your guests, even those who are hesitant about trying oysters. In fact, after serving this dish at my sister's birthday celebration, she was converted from an oyster skeptic to a fan, proving that Oysters Mornay have a unique charm that appeals to all palates.
N/A
Servings
155
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Oysters
24 (on half shell)
Milk
2 cups (heating)
Gruyere cheese
1 cup (grated)
Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons (grated)
Cornflour
2 teaspoons (mixed with water to dissolve)
Extra Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons (for topping)
Rock salt
as needed (for baking dish base)
Instructions
1
If using whole oysters, shuck them carefully and place each oyster on a half shell.
2
In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it is hot but not boiling.
3
In a small bowl, dissolve the cornflour in a little water to create a slurry. Gradually add this to the hot milk, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency.
4
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the grated Gruyere and the 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese, mixing until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
5
Preheat your grill or broiler to medium-high.
6
Pour enough rock salt to cover the bottom of an ovenproof dish. This will provide a stable base for the oysters.
7
Arrange the oysters in the dish, spooning the Mornay sauce generously over each one. Sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese over the top.
8
Grill the oysters for about 6-8 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
9
Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Information
10.5g
Fat
9g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Baked Oysters Mornay?
Baked Oysters Mornay is a gourmet seafood dish featuring fresh oysters topped with a rich cheese sauce made from Gruyere and Parmesan, then grilled until bubbly.
How many oysters are needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 24 oysters, prepared on the half shell.
What are the main cheeses used in the Mornay sauce?
The sauce uses 1 cup of grated Gruyere cheese and a total of 4 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese.
How do you thicken the Mornay sauce?
The sauce is thickened by adding a slurry made of 2 teaspoons of cornflour dissolved in a little water to hot milk.
Why is rock salt used in the baking dish?
Rock salt provides a stable, level base for the oyster shells, preventing them from tipping over and spilling the sauce during cooking.
How long should the oysters be grilled?
The oysters should be grilled for approximately 6 to 8 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and browned.
What temperature should the grill be set to?
The grill or broiler should be preheated to a medium-high setting.
Is this dish suitable for people who are hesitant about oysters?
Yes, the creamy cheese sauce and baked preparation make it an excellent choice for those new to eating oysters.
How many calories are in a serving of Oysters Mornay?
Each serving contains approximately 155 calories.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 10.5 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein do these oysters provide?
This dish provides 9 grams of protein per serving.
What type of milk is used for the sauce?
The recipe requires 2 cups of milk, heated until hot but not boiling.
When should the cheese be added to the sauce?
The cheese should be stirred in after the saucepan is removed from the heat to ensure it melts smoothly.
Can I use whole oysters for this recipe?
Yes, but you must shuck them carefully and place each oyster on a half shell before adding the sauce.
What is the flavor profile of Oysters Mornay?
It combines the briny, salty flavor of fresh seafood with a luxurious, savory, and creamy cheese sauce.
Is Oysters Mornay considered an appetizer or a main course?
It is primarily served as a starter or appetizer for gourmet meals.
Do I need to boil the milk?
No, you should heat the milk until it is hot but avoid bringing it to a full boil.
How much Parmesan is used for the topping?
Two tablespoons of Parmesan cheese are reserved specifically for sprinkling over the top of the sauce.
What is the preparation for the cornflour?
The cornflour should be mixed with a small amount of water to dissolve it before being added to the hot milk.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
No, the nutritional data indicates that there is no sugar in this recipe.
What category of cuisine does this dish fall under?
It is categorized as European cuisine, specifically seafood.
Can I prepare this for a birthday party?
Yes, the recipe is described as being perfect for entertaining and special celebrations like birthdays.
What does the term Mornay refer to?
Mornay refers to a Béchamel sauce that has had shredded or grated cheese added to it.
Should the sauce be smooth or chunky?
The sauce should be stirred until the cheese is melted and the consistency is smooth.
Are there any fibers or carbohydrates in this dish?
According to the nutritional info, fiber and carbohydrates are null or negligible in this specific preparation.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to shuck the oysters if you are using whole ones and place them on half shells.
How should the oysters be served?
They should be removed from the oven and allowed to cool slightly before serving to guests.
What is the preparation method for the Gruyere cheese?
The Gruyere cheese should be grated before being added to the sauce.
Is the sauce spooned over the oysters before or after grilling?
The Mornay sauce is spooned generously over the oysters before they are placed under the grill.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 total ingredients: Oysters, Milk, Gruyere, Parmesan, Cornflour, Extra Parmesan, and Rock Salt.