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National Oysters Rockefeller Day

Food · January 10

A day for oysters Rockefeller, the baked oyster dish topped with green herbs, butter and breadcrumbs, served hot on the half shell.

National Oysters Rockefeller Day falls on Sunday, January 10, 2027. That is 75 days away.

Oysters Rockefeller are oysters baked on the half shell under a rich green topping. The topping is usually made from butter, finely chopped greens and breadcrumbs, and the oysters come to the table hot, still sitting in their shells.

The dish is closely tied to New Orleans, where it is still found on restaurant menus. Recipes vary from kitchen to kitchen. Some cooks use spinach, others use parsley, celery leaves or a mix, and a splash of anise liqueur sometimes goes into the sauce. The name is said to come from the topping's richness, which suits a family name famous for money.

Eating one is a two-part experience. First comes the crisp, buttery crust, then the soft, briny oyster underneath. Because they are cooked, they can be a gentler starting point for people who are unsure about raw oysters.

Plates are often lined with rock salt, which keeps the round shells from tipping and holds the heat. At home, a bed of coarse salt on a baking sheet does the same job. Most people mark the day by ordering a half dozen at a seafood restaurant, or by shucking a few oysters, spooning on a homemade green topping and sliding them under a hot broiler until the edges bubble.

Ways to celebrate

• Order a plate of oysters Rockefeller at a local seafood restaurant.
• Try baking oysters at home with butter, greens and breadcrumbs.
• Compare a spinach version with a parsley version side by side.
• Look up a New Orleans restaurant menu that features the dish.
• Use a bed of coarse salt to steady oyster shells while baking.

Dates

All national days on January 10

Also on January 10

• National Bittersweet Chocolate Day
• National Save the Eagles Day
• Houseplant Appreciation Day

Categories: Food days