There are various ways oysters could be presented, such as raw on the half shell, fried, grilled, or baked. 

Oyster Florentine and Oyster Rockefeller are two classic preparations involving oysters.  

These dishes are commonly found in seafood restaurants. Both feature oysters topped with a variety of savory ingredients.  

The flavorful toppings in these dishes enhance the natural brininess of the oysters.  

So, what is the difference between the two dishes?  

The difference between these oyster dishes is based on what ingredients are in the topping.  

In this post, we explore the features that set these dishes apart. 

What is oysters Florentine?

Oysters Florentine is a dish that originated in New Orleans, Louisiana.  

It typically features fresh oysters topped with a spinach and cream-based sauce, then baked or broiled. 

This dish also incorporates ingredients like parmesan cheese and sometimes breadcrumbs for added texture.  

The preparation involves sautéing spinach in butter and blending it with a rich cream sauce.  

The oysters are placed on a baking dish, covered with the spinach mixture, and baked until the edges are golden.  

The result is a creamy and savory combination with a distinct flavor from the briny oysters, earthy spinach, and the creaminess from the sauce.  

This dish has a flavor characterized by the natural saltiness of the oysters, the earthiness of spinach, and the richness of the cream and cheese. 

What is Oysters Rockefeller?

Oysters Rockefeller is a dish that was invented in the late 19th century at Antoine’s restaurant in New Orleans.  

The dish typically consists of oysters on the half shell topped with a mixture of herbs, breadcrumbs, and various green vegetables, then baked or broiled.  

The green vegetables for Oysters Rockefeller may include spinach, parsley, green onions, and celery. 

This dish may also make use of an anise-flavored liqueur like Pernod.  

The mixture is combined with breadcrumbs and butter, creating a flavorful and textured topping.  

To prepare Oysters Rockefeller, the green vegetable and herb mixture is sautéed and then blended with breadcrumbs to form a paste.  

The oysters are shucked and arranged on a baking dish, topped with the flavorful mixture, and baked until golden brown.  

The dish has a delightful texture from the combination of the plump and tender oysters beneath the crunchy breadcrumb and herb topping.  

The flavor profile is rich, with a balance of the oyster’s brininess, the earthiness of the greens, and the aromatic herbs. 

Difference between Oysters Rockefeller and Oysters Florentine 

Both dishes are classic seafood dishes, but they differ in their toppings.  

Oyster Rockefeller typically features oysters topped with a rich blend of ingredients like spinach, herbs, breadcrumbs, and butter, often baked or broiled. 

On the other hand, Oyster Florentine incorporates spinach and a cream-based sauce as toppings.  

Therefore, Oyster Florentine has a creamier topping compared to Oyster Rockefeller.