Image by Kevin Dunlap

Oysters Bienville

‘Tis a great deal of pleasure to behold the mesmerizing sight of a platter of Oysters Bienville. Originating in the city of New Orleans, this tasty dish has since proliferated to many parts of the Western Hemisphere.

Oysters Bienville


Oysters Bienville is created by shucking large oyster shells to extract the succulent meat within, then mixing it with a medley of ingredients; this includes butter, shallots, garlic, peppers, sherry, Parmesan cheese and a host of other spices. Once the ingredients are combined, the mixture is placed atop the oysters and allowed to bake until golden in color.

What makes this delight so tantalizing is its combination of both savory and sweet flavors that burst on the tongue. The salty tang of the oysters pairs beautifully with the mild heat of the peppers, while the sherry and Parmesan cheese adds a delightful depth of flavor.

Moreover, the appearance of this dish is nothing short of charming. The bright orange hue of the peppers stands out strikingly against the white of the oysters and the creamy yellow hues of the melted butter and Parmesan cheese.

In conclusion, Oysters Bienville is a must-try culinary experience for anyone seeking an unforgettable gastronomic journey. Its unique combination of flavors and textures make it a delicacy that is sure to please even the most discerning connoisseur.

Oysters Bienville recipes

Amazing Oysters Bienville recipes sourced from the web.

Image by Kevin Dunlap Oysters Bienville

Oysters Bienville


4.6 / 5 (10 votes)
Cooking time:
Epicurious
Image by Hanxiao Oysters Bienville

Oysters Bienville


3.4 / 5 (5 votes)
Cooking time:55 min
Food Network
Image by Kevin Dunlap Oysters Bienville

Oysters Bienville


/ ( votes)
Cooking time:
Louisiana Cookin

The origin of Oysters Bienville

The iconic New Orleans dish, Oysters Bienville, is something of a delicacy that can be found in the Crescent City. As of the early twentieth century, this savory combination of oysters, butter, celery, shallots, and other spices has become a staple dish that locals and tourists alike have relished for years. However, what is the origin of this wildly popular dish?

Well, according to local lore, it all began when the French-Canadian explorer, Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville, landed in the city back in 1718. He quickly recognized the area’s abundance of seafood, particularly oysters, and was determined to show off his culinary prowess by creating a unique dish with them. Thus, thanks to Bienville's creative ingenuity, the exquisite Oysters Bienville was born.

Since then, the recipe has been experimented with and tweaked over the years. The current incarnation of the dish remains close to the original version, although additional ingredients such as crabmeat, shrimp, mushrooms and peppers have occasionally been used to vary its flavor profile and add an extra layer of complexity. The result is a truly sublime dish that continues to amaze diners to this day.

Oysters Bienville has remained a firm favorite in New Orleans for centuries, served at upscale French-Creole restaurants and laid out at simple, informal seafood dives alike. Despite its age and the fact that the creator of this scrumptious dish is lost to history, it has held on to its rightful place among the city’s most traditional and beloved culinary creations. Such indelible footing is a testament to the unique flavor profile this dish offers – one that is certainly not soon to be forsaken.

FAQs about Oysters Bienville

How long do you Cook oysters?

The exact time to cook oysters will depend on the size and type of oyster you are cooking, as well as the method of cooking. Generally speaking, oysters should be cooked until they are opaque and firm to the touch, which is usually 2-4 minutes in the oven or pan-frying, and 4-8 minutes when steaming or boiling.

How to make Bienville oysters?

1. Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F.

2. Place a 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter.

3. Once the butter has melted, add 2 tablespoons of chopped onions, 1 tablespoon of chopped green bell pepper and 1 teaspoon of minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables are soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

4. Add 1/2 cup of white wine and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let simmer for 2 minutes.

5. Add 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon of dry mustard and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Stir to combine.

6. Add a single layer of shucked oysters to the pan and then spoon the sauce on top.

7. Bake for 10 minutes, or until the oysters are just cooked through.

8. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, lemon wedges and hot sauce, if desired. Serve the Bienville oysters immediately. Enjoy!

What is a Bienville?

Bienville is a type of shrimp. The Bienville shrimp is native to the estuary areas and marshes of the Gulf Coast, from Mobile Bay, Alabama to St. Marks, Florida. It is identified by its white body with gray stripes along its back and long thin antennae protruding from its head. Bienville shrimp are commonly used in Louisiana-style cooking, especially Jambalaya, Gumbo, and Etouffee.

Who invented oysters Bienville?

No, oysters were not invented by Bienville. Oysters have existed in the wild since ancient times. Some of the earliest known evidence of oyster consumption dates back to Mesopotamian settlements along the Tigris and Euphrates rivers around 4500 BC.

Types of Oysters Bienville

Oysters Bienville is a classic seafood dish that has been served since the early 1900s, when the legendary chef Louis Bienville concocted the French-Creole recipe. This delectable specialty consists of fresh oysters roasted in a bed of seasoned butter and various other ingredients including mushrooms, green peppers, onions, and a white sauce that has been infused with cognac.

This sumptuous seafood concoction is sure to tantalize the taste buds with its complex yet harmonious flavors. The buttery base offers just enough richness without being overwhelming. Meanwhile, the nutty mushrooms, sweet bell peppers and zesty onions provide an extra layer of flavor and texture. Finally, the addition of the cognac-infused béchamel sauce contributes a heady, intoxicating accent that elevates the entire dish.

It's no wonder that Oysters Bienville is so beloved by seafood lovers and chefs alike. The versatility of this classic dish allows it to be prepared in a variety of ways, from the traditional method of roasting the oysters to more modern variations such as grilling or pan-frying.

Those who prefer a spicier take on the dish can experiment with Cajun seasoning, adding a few dashes of dried pepper flakes or some freshly ground cayenne for extra kick. For a more indulgent approach, cream or half-and-half can be mixed into the sauce for a richer flavor.

Regardless of how you prepare your Oysters Bienville, it's sure to be a crowd pleaser! With its robust and harmonious flavors, this classic French-Creole dish is one that should definitely not be overlooked.