What to Serve with Smoked Oysters: 9 Easy Sides

You can pair smoked oysters with many different dishes, but they go best with grilled meats like steak, pork chops, and even chicken. They also work well with a simple salad of greens, tomatoes, and bacon.

Smoked oysters go with just about anything, but if you find yourself without a side dish that would pair well with your smoked oysters, don’t worry!

I’ve put together a list of nine easy sides to serve with your smoked oysters.

Whether you’re planning a back yard barbecue on the beach or need a dinner party dish, these nine sides will work.

Read Also: How Long To Cook Oysters

What to Serve with Smoked Oysters: 9 Easy Sides

Smoked oysters should be the star of the show with whatever side dishes you choose.

These easy sides will shine and make your smoked oyster platter stand out.

1. Your Favorite Meat

Smoked oysters are an incredibly versatile food.

They’re tasty on their own, can be mixed into a variety of dishes, or topped on all sorts of meals.

But, if you’re looking to make the most out of your smoked oysters, why not pair them with your favorite piece of meat?

Maybe you think that sounds a little strange, but trust us: it’s delicious.

The contrast in taste between the briny oysters and a succulent piece of beef, chicken, lamb, or pork is sure to delight your palate.

Plus, you get the added bonus of all the health benefits from eating both!

So next time you’re preparing a smoked oyster meal for yourself or your family, try pairing it with some meat—you won’t be disappointed!

2. Celery Root Salad

If you’ve never given celery root salad a try, it’s high time you did.

Celery root salad is a delicious mix of parsley, celery root, and shallots dressed in olive oil and lemon juice, and tossed with tender cubes of smoked salmon.

And that’s it—that’s all you need for a deliciously savory side dish that will go perfectly with your smoked oysters!

The richly savory flavors of the two courses will come together amazingly well, so don’t be afraid to try something new!

3. Grilled vegetables

One side dish you may want to try with smoked oysters is grilled vegetables.

This side is a great way to cleanse your palate in between bites of the smoky oyster morsels.

The vegetables also help cancel out some of the saltiness of the oysters, which leaves you feeling refreshed and energetic.

To prepare this side dish, you’ll need 2 tablespoons olive oil, one sweet onion (sliced into 1/4-inch rings), one head of garlic (separated into cloves but not peeled), one bunch green onions (cut into 3-inch sections), two medium yellow squashes (quartered lengthwise), two medium zucchini (quartered lengthwise), and 1/2 teaspoon salt.

1. To cook, lightly brush grill rack with oil.
2. Heat coals or gas grill for direct heat.
3. Sprinkle vegetables with salt.
4. Place vegetables on grill rack over medium heat.
5. Cover and grill about 20 minutes, turning once, until tender and browned.

4. Baked sweet potatoes

A baked sweet potato has a lighter, simpler flavor than smoked oysters, so it doesn’t compete with the taste of the oysters.

And because it has a soft texture, it complements the crispness of your smoked oysters.

5. Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms are the perfect accompaniment to smoked oysters because they share an umami flavor profile (but in different ways).

See Also: What to Serve with Stuffed Mushrooms: 33 Easy Side Dishes

Oysters have a deep, briny flavor that is offset nicely by the rich creaminess of the cheese and bread fillings in stuffed mushrooms.

This is a match made not just in heaven but also on your dinner table!

6. French Onion Soup

French onion soup is a classic side dish that has been around seemingly since the beginning of time.

It’s no surprise, then, that some people worry that serving it with smoked oysters might be too much of a good thing—it could be too much flavor.

But we’ve tried it and we love it!

The savory, salty flavor of the oysters is such a great contrast to the rich, hearty flavor of the soup.

It’s like not one but two yummy flavors for your taste buds!

7. Crispy Baked Cauliflower

Crispy baked cauliflower is a cleverly disguised snack that’s low in carbs and calories (so you won’t feel guilty), but still has plenty of taste.

This recipe lets your oven do most of the work for you: just toss cauliflower florets in some olive oil and salt, then bake for about 15 minutes.

You’ll end up with crispy, golden brown cauliflower that you can eat on its own or dip into hummus or ranch dressing (if you’re not trying to be super healthy).

And if it turns out that you’re not quite as big a fan of smoked oysters as you thought you would be?

You’ve got something else tasty and crunchy to munch on!

8. Caprese Salad

Caprese Salad is a simple option—just make sure to use fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, and drizzle everything with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

The acidity of the tomato helps cut through the heaviness of the oysters.

Plus, it’s just as easy to prepare as the oysters are, so you don’t have to spend extra time in the kitchen!

9. Caesar Salad

A salad is a wonderful side dish to serve with smoked oysters because it is light and refreshing.

Caesar salad in particular pairs well with smoked oysters because of the acidity and creaminess of the dressing, which contrasts nicely with the smoky flavor of the oysters.

The croutons also add a nice crunchy texture that compliments the smooth texture of the oysters.

Not only does this dish go well together taste-wise, but they are also each healthy foods.

The smoked oysters are rich in protein and omega 3 fatty acids, while Caesar salad is high in fiber, vitamins A and C, and iron.

This pairing will help you feel satisfied without overindulging on fattening or unhealthy ingredients.

What to Consider When Serving Sides with Smoked Oysters

If you’re planning a dinner party and want to serve smoked oysters as an appetizer, there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, you’ll want to make sure that the main course pairs nicely with the oysters.

The smoked flavor of the oysters will stand out more powerfully against foods that have a lighter flavor profile.

You also want to make sure that your main course is not fish or seafood, since having too many courses made from the same type of food can be off-putting to guests.

Second, it’s important to think about texture when you’re planning your sides.

Since oysters are soft and salty, they pair well with foods that have a crunchy texture, such as chips or fried vegetables.

Third, you’ll want to make sure that your side dish complements the flavor of the oysters themselves.

While some people enjoy smoked oysters plain, others prefer them accompanied by sauces or dips.

If you plan on providing sauces or dips for your guests, make sure they don’t clash with other elements of the meal.

FAQ

What Cheese Goes with Smoked Oysters?

Cheese is a great option because there are many different kinds of cheese to go with smoked oysters.

If you want something sweet, try some cheddar or Pepper Jack cheese!

If you’re going for something spicy, try some jalapeno or habanero pepper cheese!

You can also mix it up by trying both sweet and spicy cheeses together like Swiss and American cheese slices spread onto crackers or bread with your smoked oysters on top!

What Wine Goes with Smoked Oysters?

Smoked oysters make a great snack, whether you’re having a party or just looking for something to tide you over until dinner.

If you’re serving smoked oysters, odds are that you probably want to serve them with a nice glass of wine, but what kind of wine goes with smoked oysters?

Here’s the good news: any type of white wine goes with smoked oysters!

That means you can pick your favorite, or if you’re getting your smoked oysters catered, you can ask your caterer what they’d recommend.

If we had to pick one favorite white wine to serve with smoked oysters, though, it would be Pinot Grigio.

Pinot Grigio has a fruity taste and aroma that makes it perfect for pairing with seafood and shellfish—and it pairs perfectly with the salty taste of smoked oysters.

If you’re looking for an easy match for the next time you serve up some smoked oysters, give Pinot Grigio a try!

What Condiment Goes with Smoked Oysters?

If you’re looking for a condiment to go along with your smoked oysters, the best options are hot sauces, tartar sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or cocktail sauce.

These all pair well with the salty and slightly fishy taste of smoked oysters.

You can also dip your smoked oysters in ketchup or a vinegar-based barbecue sauce if you want something sweet.

What Goes with Canned Smoked Oysters?

Oysters are a great starter for a summer meal.

Canned smoked oysters are perfect for pairing with a light salad or pasta.

The rich flavors of the oysters pair perfectly with the crisp freshness of the salad or pasta.