Ingredients

  • 2 ounces bacon, diced
  • 12 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 celery rib, diced
  • 12 green bell pepper, diced
  • 12 small onion, diced
  • 2 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons paprika
  • 12 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 12 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2 French baguettes, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 1 lb.)
  • 2 dozen shucked oysters, cut in fourths
  • 12 cup oyster liquid
  • 12 cup chicken broth
  • 2 green onions, minced
  • 2 tablespoons chopped flat leaf parsley
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Method

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Butter 10 x 14" shallow baking dish.
  • In a large skillet, cook bacon over moderate heat until crisp, about 5 minutes.
  • Add butter and allow to melt, then add celery, green pepper, onion, and minced garlic and cook until softened, about 8 minutes.
  • Add paprika, garlic powder, and vayenne, and cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Put the baguette cubes in a large bowl.
  • Spoon the bacon mixture on top.
  • Add the oysters and thei liquor along with chicken broth, scallions, and parsley.
  • In a small bowl, beat eggs with the hot sauce and salt.
  • Pour the egg mixture into the bowl and mix everything together.
  • Scrape the dressing into the prepared dish and bake in the upper 1/3 of oven for about 45 minutes, until heated through and crisp on top.
  • Serve hot.
  • May be made ahead, baked and refirgerated overnight.
  • Reheat before serving.