Compound Butter Baked Oysters

Buttery and baked (or grilled!) to perfection — these oysters are topped with rich compound butter that melts into the most irresistible bite. Perfect for a dinner party or a coastal-inspired night in.

This is one of my favorite things my dad makes during the summer, grilled on the Green Egg. There are so many ways to mix up the compound butter—garlic herb, lemon parsley, bacon shallot — and I’m sharing them all below!

Serves 12 oysters

Ingredients

For the Oysters

• 12 fresh oysters, scrubbed and shucked (keep them in the cupped shell)

• Rock salt or foil (to stabilize on a tray, if baking)

• Lemon wedges, for presentation

For the Spicy Cajun Compound Butter

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 tbsp paprika

• 2 cloves of garlic, minced (or 2 tsp garlic powder)

• 2 tsp white pepper

• Zest of 1 lemon

• 1 tsp cayenne pepper

• 1 tsp oregano

• 2 tsp salt

Other Compound Butter Inspiration

Want to switch it up? Try one of these. Comment if you want the full recipe!

• Bacon Shallot: Crispy bacon bits, sautéed shallots, parsley, lemon juice, and Parmesan

• Garlic Herb Cilantro: Minced garlic, Italian seasoning, chopped fresh cilantro, parsley, rosemary, lemon zest

• Lemon Parsley: Lots of lemon zest, juice, parsley, and a pinch of sea salt

• Miso: Sambal, white miso paste, and a pinch of salt

Directions

1. Make the Spicy Cajun Compound Butter:

   Let the butter soften at room temperature. Mix all butter ingredients in a bowl until smooth (or pulse in a food processor). Scoop the mixture onto parchment or plastic wrap, roll into a log, and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to firm up.

2. Prep the Oysters:

   Scrub the shells clean under cold water and shuck them, keeping the oyster and its liquid in the cupped half of the shell. If baking instead of grilling, nestle them on rock salt or foil to keep them level.

3. Grill or Bake the Oysters:

   On the Green Egg (or any grill):

   • Preheat to medium-high (400–475°F)

   • Place oysters cup-side down directly on the grates

   • Top each with a slice or spoonful of compound butter

   • Close the lid and grill for 4–5 minutes, until the butter is melted and bubbling

   In the Oven (Optional):

   • Preheat to 450°F

   • Arrange oysters on a baking sheet stabilized with foil or salt

   • Top with compound butter

   • Bake for 5–10 minutes, until the oysters are plump and the butter is golden and sizzling

4. Serve Hot:

   Carefully remove the oysters from the grill or oven. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and extra herbs if you’d like. They’re smoky, buttery, and disappear fast.