Tips for Hosting an Oyster Roast

If you want a bona fide taste of Lowcountry living—and we mean that literally—we suggest you look no further than an oyster roast, a staple of many backyard gatherings here in our area. And since oyster season roughly runs from September through April, there’s no better time than the present to gather friends and family and host a roast of your own! Sound difficult? It’s really not. We’ve put together a few tips to help make this event a success worth savoring.

First things first: Find your oysters. If you’re not into the idea of harvesting your own, the Bluffton Oyster Company is a great local resource for fresh oysters. According to Southern Living, a good rule of thumb is to purchase one bushel (about 50 pounds) for every five people.

Next, you’ll want to find an outdoor area large enough for building a roasting pit. As we are graced with spacious and beautiful surroundings here in the Lowcountry, finding that sweet spot should be relatively easy! After securing your location, you’ll need to gather the necessary materials for constructing the pit. For a step-by-step breakdown of how to build your own roasting pit and cook the oysters, we recommend checking out this excellent article from Southern Living. If space is an issue, however, using a grill for your oyster roast is always an option. Either way you go, dining alfresco is the key to this fun event!

After the actual roasting is complete, which takes no more than 8-10 minutes, there’s nothing left to do but pry open those delicious mouthfuls of meat with an oyster knife, discard the shell, and enjoy with your favorite sauce. Oysters are frequently paired with hot sauce, melted butter, or cocktail sauce, but you can get as creative as you want! If you’re feeling adventurous, go ahead and bookmark this article which contains unique recipe ideas from some of America’s best oyster bars. Serve your oysters with classic southern side dishes such as grilled corn, red potatoes, coleslaw, or cornbread, and you’ll have a delicious meal that your guests are sure to remember.

Lowcountry living at its finest!

Photo by Jillian Clark | This image originally appeared in WALTER magazine | Used with permission 

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