Oyster Dressing

Ingredients

• 3 slices center-cut bacon, diced (uncooked)
• 1 cup diced onion (about 1 medium)
• 1/2 cup diced celery (about 1 stalk)
• 1/4 cup diced green onions
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon minced fresh thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
• 6 cups (1-inch) cubed, toasted Italian bread (about 8 ounces)
• 1/2 cup fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 large egg whites, lightly beaten
• 1 cup shucked oysters, rinsed (about 16)
• Cooking spray
• 1/4 cup (1 ounce) shredded Parmesan cheese

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350°.
2. Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until crisp. Remove bacon from pan, reserving 2 teaspoons drippings in pan; set the bacon aside. Add 1 cup diced onion and diced celery; sauté for 5 minutes or until tender. Add diced green onions, garlic, fresh thyme, salt, and red pepper; sauté for 1 minute. Remove from heat.
3. Combine bread, onion mixture, and cooked bacon in a large bowl. Add broth, 1/4 cup water, and egg whites, stirring gently until combined. Gently fold in oysters. Spoon the mixture into an 11 x 7-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Cover and bake at 350° for 30 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with cheese. Bake an additional 30 minutes or until golden brown. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.