Three-Cheese Baked Oysters

Here's another simple, cheese-forward alternative to Oysters Rockefeller with just enough bacon to make the heart sing. 

Ingredients

• 14 fresh oysters (if smaller than 4", buy 16-20)
• 5 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2/3 cup shredded white cheddar
• 1/3 cup cooked crumbled bacon
• 1/4 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Shuck your oysters, leaving the oyster in the bottom half of the shell.
2. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Set the oysters in their shells on the baking sheet.
3. Squeeze the spinach to remove all excess liquid. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, white cheddar, bacon, chopped spinach, garlic, and crushed red pepper. Mix well.
4. Spoon a dollop of cheese filling over the top of each oyster. Sprinkle the tops with parmesan cheese.
5. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the cheese is golden. Serve warm.

Photo and Recipe Credit: A Spicy Perspective