The 3-Ingredient Canned Oyster Snack That's Endlessly Customizable

When we think of oysters, we're generally thinking of the raw version. They're nice and briny with a touch of unctuous sweetness. If you're going with fresh oysters, you should know a bit about the best toppings for raw oysters. And, when buying them fresh, you could use some help with the complete guide to buying and serving oysters.

But what about tinned oysters? Even if you're not a fan of the raw version, you might just want to try some out of the can. They can be deliciously smoky or have a pretty straightforward salty brine, but are quite a bit firmer than the raw ones. And they are a key ingredient in a super simple appetizer that you can put together in minutes. So, beyond just the tin, what else do you need to add for a perfect customizable canned oyster snack? We reached out to a true expert on the subject for a Chowhound exclusive. Charlotte Langley, the CEO of Nice Cans (@justnicecans on Instagram), a boldly flavorful and wonderfully sustainable tinned seafood brand, gave us a bit of advice.

Langley says, "I love smoked oysters on Melba toasts with cream cheese — it's been a favorite snack of mine since I was a kid. That combo is nostalgic, comforting, and still totally holds up." It's as simple as spreading a piece of toast with cream cheese and topping with a smoked oyster. But you can substitute your crusty base and add other flavors to customize it to whatever your tastes.

Charlotte Langley recommends using a base that will hold up to the oyster and cream cheese moisture and won't detract from the natural flavor. "I'll reach for anything with crunch that won't go soggy," she says, "sourdough crostini, seeded crisps, or rye crackers. You want a base that lets the oysters shine." For a simple spreadable mix, you can drain your tinned oysters and mix them in a bowl with softened cream cheese and a few extra ingredients. Langley likes a bit of lemon zest, capers, fresh dill, and a small dollop of horseradish to "give it that sharp, cocktail sauce vibe — but creamier. Sometimes I'll add finely minced shallot or a pinch of Aleppo pepper for something a little more modern and layered." Worcestershire sauce and some cayenne pepper also make great additions and will highlight the oyster flavor without overpowering it.

Beyond just cream cheese, Langley says you can go in a lot of directions. "I love building little layered bites: goat cheese on a rye crisp, topped with a smoked oyster, quick-pickled shallot, and a snip of chive. Or I'll go in a Southern direction — cream cheese, cucumber slice, hot sauce, and a sprinkle of Old Bay." There are a number of ways to upgrade canned oysters, and Langley suggests following your mood for whatever flavors you may be into at the moment.

As for other cheese options, Langley says, "Soft, tangy cheeses work best — like goat cheese, crème fraîche, or whipped feta. They offer a nice contrast to the oyster's richness." You can simply take a look in the fridge and see what you might have on hand and follow your whim, just be sure to keep some oysters in the cupboard for a perfect simple snack.