Hollywood Brown Derby’s Signature Oyster Brie Soup

There are some culinary experiences that linger in your memory, prompting you to seek out ways to recreate that magic at home. For many, including myself, the exquisite Oyster Brie Soup from The Hollywood Brown Derby at Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios theme park is one such unforgettable dish. This isn’t just a soup; it’s a rich, creamy, and deeply flavorful journey, fortified with generous amounts of decadent brie cheese and a whisper of elegant champagne. It transforms a simple meal into an indulgent event, perfectly suited for holiday gatherings, sophisticated dinner parties, or simply a fancy night in when you want to treat yourself to something truly special.

Why This Copycat Oyster Brie Soup Recipe is a Must-Try

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of savoring the original Oyster Brie Soup at The Hollywood Brown Derby, you already understand its allure. It’s more than just soup; it’s a taste of old-Hollywood glamour and Disney’s unparalleled culinary excellence. This homemade version meticulously replicates that signature dish, bringing the luxurious flavors and textures right to your kitchen. It’s incredibly creamy, sumptuously rich, and wonderfully indulgent – a testament to why it’s one of their most celebrated offerings.

The intricate balance of flavors and textures in this soup is truly remarkable. Every ingredient is thoughtfully seasoned to ensure a harmonious blend where the distinct tastes of fresh oysters, creamy brie, and effervescent champagne can truly shine. Unlike many seafood soups, the oysters remain tender and succulent, complementing the velvety texture of the broth. The brie melts seamlessly, imparting a nutty, buttery depth, while the champagne adds a subtle effervescence and acidity that brightens the entire profile. Much like the iconic restaurant itself, this oyster brie soup stands as a star in its own right, embodying that touch of classic Hollywood glitz and sophisticated charm.

This soup is a guaranteed showstopper for any significant event. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast, celebrating a birthday or anniversary, marking a special occasion, or simply aiming to impress dinner guests, this elegant dish will not disappoint. Its unique profile and refined taste are sure to captivate everyone at the table, setting the perfect mood for a memorable meal. To enhance the experience, consider pairing it with a crisp glass of champagne, a fine white wine, or even a bold, sophisticated cocktail. Follow it up with an equally impressive entrée to complete your culinary masterpiece. Imagine serving it alongside a perfectly cooked filet mignon, succulent lobster tails, an impressive chicken dish, or your all-time favorite pasta. Each would serve as an excellent follow-up to this luxurious starter.

Mastering Your Oyster Brie Soup: Chef’s Essential Tips

Crafting this restaurant-quality soup at home requires attention to detail. Here are some chef’s tips to ensure your Oyster Brie Soup is nothing short of spectacular:

• Navigating the Salinity of Oysters: Oysters are naturally briny, carrying a significant amount of salt from the sea. This inherent saltiness means you need to exercise caution when adding additional salt to your soup. Over-salting can easily overpower the delicate flavors of the brie and champagne, masking the nuanced taste of the oysters themselves. Always taste your soup before adding salt, and adjust gradually. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away.
• The Paramount Importance of Quality Ingredients: While ingredient quality is crucial for most recipes, it’s absolutely foundational for this Oyster Brie Soup. Both oysters and brie are star ingredients, forming the very core of the dish’s flavor profile. For the oysters, insist on fresh, high-quality specimens that have been properly cleaned and shucked. Their freshness will directly impact the soup’s taste and texture. For the brie, select a bold, ripe, and high-quality cheese. Its robust flavor will ensure it stands up to the other ingredients and imparts that signature creaminess and depth. Before using, taste the brie on its own; if you don’t enjoy its flavor by itself, it might not be the right choice for your soup.
• The Delicate Art of Cooking Oysters: Oysters, like other delicate seafood such as scallops or shrimp, require minimal cooking time. The key is to avoid overcooking at all costs, as this will render them rubbery, tough, and unpleasant. A quick boil, just until their edges begin to curl and they are heated through, is truly all it takes—typically just a few minutes. Keep a close eye on them to preserve their tender texture and natural sweetness.
• Elevating the Presentation: This is a special soup, and its presentation should reflect that. Don’t hesitate to use your finest soup bowls to serve it. A garnish is not just for visual appeal; it also adds a subtle layer of flavor. Freshly chopped chives are classic, offering a bright, herbaceous contrast to the rich soup. For an added touch of elegance, consider a delicate drizzle of high-quality truffle oil or a sprinkle of freshly cracked white pepper. Serve it alongside a wonderfully crusty bread, perfect for soaking up every last drop of the luxurious broth.
• Roux Perfection: The Foundation of Flavor: The roux is the backbone of this creamy soup, providing both thickening and a nutty flavor base. Take your time to cook the butter and flour mixture slowly over medium-low heat until it reaches a rich brown color, stirring constantly to prevent burning. This process develops a deep, complex flavor that is essential to the soup’s richness. A well-made roux ensures a smooth, lump-free soup with a perfect consistency.
• Champagne Choice and Alcohol Alternatives: The champagne in this recipe contributes a unique acidity and effervescence that elevates the soup. Opt for a dry champagne, such as a Brut or Cuvée, as a sweeter variety could alter the soup’s balance. If true champagne isn’t available, a dry sparkling white wine like Prosecco can be a suitable substitute. For an alcohol-free version, simply omit the champagne. Be aware that this will result in a slightly different flavor profile, but the soup will still be deliciously creamy and savory.

🍽️ Even More Restaurant-Quality Recipes at Home

• Best Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe (Restaurant Style)
• Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole
• The Best EVER Risotto Recipe
• Firebirds’ Chicken Pasta Copycat Recipe
• Lobster Mac and Cheese
• Asiago Tortelloni Alfredo With Grilled Chicken
• McAlister’s Chicken Tortilla Soup Copycat
• Chicken Costoletta
• The Best Lobster Bisque (Ruth’s Chris Copycat Recipe)
• Hazelnut Parsnip Soup
• Homemade Carrabba’s Chicken Bryan
• Chicken Savoy (Inspired by Belmont Tavern)

Recipe By: Cheryl Malik

Hollywood Brown Derby Oyster Brie Soup

Prep 15 minutes minutes

Cook 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes

Total 1 hour hour 30 minutes minutes

Indulge in this exquisite at-home rendition of the iconic Oyster Brie Soup, inspired by The Hollywood Brown Derby at Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios theme park. This rich, creamy, and elegant soup is ideal for any special occasion, from festive holidays to intimate dinner parties, promising a memorable culinary experience.

Cheryl Malik

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4 servings

Equipment

• Large saucepan
• Whisk
• Large, heavy-bottomed pot
• Fork
• Cutting board optional
• Sharp knife optional
• Fine mesh sieve or colander
• Ladle
• Serving bowls

Ingredients

For the Oyster Brie Soup

• ▢ ⅓ cup unsalted butter
• ▢ ⅓ cup all-purpose flour see Notes for gluten-free option
• ▢ 32 ounces half and half at room temperature
• ▢ 1 8-ounce wheel brie cut into pieces, at room temperature; remove rind as per Notes
• ▢ 8 ounces oyster liquor natural juices from oysters
• ▢ 8 ounces raw, shucked oysters
• ▢ ½-1 cup champagne dry Brut or Cuvée, see Notes
• ▢ salt to taste, be mindful of oyster’s natural saltiness
• ▢ freshly cracked white pepper to taste

Serving Suggestions

• ▢ finely chopped fresh chives
• ▢ crusty bread

Instructions

• Begin by heating a large saucepan over medium heat. Once the saucepan is warm, add the unsalted butter and allow it to melt completely. Swirl the saucepan occasionally or use a whisk to ensure the bottom is evenly coated with butter. This prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.
• Once the butter has melted, but before it starts bubbling or browning, slowly add the all-purpose flour in small increments. Continuously stir or whisk vigorously to prevent lumps from forming. Whisk thoroughly after each addition until all the flour is fully incorporated into the melted butter, creating a smooth roux.
• Reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow the roux to simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes, or until it develops a smooth consistency, a rich, nutty aroma, and a light to medium brown color. It’s crucial to whisk frequently during this stage to prevent the roux from sticking to the bottom of the pan or burning, which would impart a bitter taste.
• As soon as the roux achieves the desired color and aroma, remove the saucepan from the heat. Let the roux cool slightly for a few minutes. Then, slowly add the room-temperature half and half in small increments, whisking continuously and vigorously after each addition. This gradual incorporation and constant whisking will ensure the mixture remains very smooth and lump-free, preventing the dairy from seizing.
• Return the saucepan to medium-high heat. Whisk constantly, scraping the bottom of the saucepan with the whisk to prevent any sticking, until the mixture begins to gently boil. The goal is to heat it evenly without scorching.
• Once the liquid begins to boil, immediately reduce the heat to low. Continue whisking constantly until the vigorous boiling subsides. Then, allow the mixture to simmer gently for another 10 to 15 minutes, whisking as needed to maintain a smooth consistency and prevent skin from forming on the surface.
• After the mixture has simmered for the desired length of time, remove the saucepan from the heat. Let it cool for a moment, then add the pieces of room-temperature brie cheese. Whisk until the cheese is completely melted and smoothly incorporated into the soup base. Return the saucepan to very low heat just to keep it warm.
• In a separate large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the 8 ounces of oyster liquor (the natural juices from the oysters) over medium-high heat until it comes to a boil.
• Once the oyster liquor is boiling, add the raw, shucked oysters to the pot. Boil the oysters for approximately 3 minutes, or just until the edges of the oysters begin to curl. It’s crucial not to overcook them, as they will become rubbery.
• Using a fork or slotted spoon, carefully remove the cooked oysters from the pot and transfer them to a cutting board. If some oysters are particularly large, you may wish to halve or quarter them for easier consumption in the soup. Set the cutting board aside.
• Carefully pour the remaining oyster liquor from the pot through a fine mesh sieve or colander, directly into the saucepan containing your brie soup base. This ensures any small impurities are removed. If any oysters stuck to the bottom of the pot, quickly clean it out, then return the pot to the stove and reduce the heat to medium-low.
• Transfer the brie soup from the saucepan into the larger pot. Add the cooked oysters and an initial ½ cup of champagne to the pot. Gently whisk the soup to combine all the ingredients. Now, taste the soup and season with salt and freshly cracked white pepper to your preference, remembering the natural saltiness of the oysters.
• Taste the soup again. If you desire a more pronounced champagne flavor or a touch more acidity, gradually add more champagne, up to a total of 1 cup. Gently whisk after each addition to ensure it’s fully incorporated.
• Once you are completely satisfied with the flavor and consistency of your magnificent Oyster Brie Soup, ladle it generously into your chosen serving bowls. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh chives for a pop of color and freshness, and serve immediately alongside warm, crusty bread. Enjoy this luxurious taste of Disney magic at home!

Recipe Notes:

• Brie Preparation: Before adding the brie to the soup, it’s best to remove the majority of its white, bloomy rind. While a little rind left on is perfectly fine and adds a rustic touch, removing most of it ensures a smoother, more refined texture in your soup. Be careful not to cut off too much of the creamy inner cheese. You should aim for approximately 6 ounces of rind-free cheese from an 8-ounce wheel.
• Choosing Your Champagne: For the best flavor balance, opt for a dry champagne that isn’t overly sweet. A “Brut” or “Cuvée” variety would work exceptionally well, offering the crisp acidity needed to cut through the richness of the brie. If authentic champagne isn’t readily available or within budget, a good quality dry sparkling white wine, such as Prosecco or Cava, can serve as an excellent alternative.
• Make it Alcohol-Free: If you prefer to omit alcohol from your soup, simply leave out the champagne entirely. Please note that removing the champagne will subtly alter the flavor profile of the soup, making it richer and potentially less bright, but it will still be a delicious and creamy experience.
• Make it Gluten-Free: This recipe can easily be adapted for gluten-free diets. The only ingredient that needs modification is the flour used to make the roux. Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. The rest of the ingredients in the dish are naturally gluten-free.
• Oyster Liquor: The natural juices that come with shucked oysters are called oyster liquor. Do not discard this! It adds an incredible depth of briny, oceanic flavor to the soup. If you are shucking fresh oysters yourself, carefully collect all the liquid. If using pre-shucked oysters, the liquor will typically be in the container with them.

Approximate Information for One Serving

Serving Size: 1serving
Calories: 630cal
Protein: 18g
Fat: 53g
Saturated Fat: 33g
Trans Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 165mg
Sodium: 415mg
Potassium: 414mg
Total Carbs: 18g
Fiber: 0.3g
Sugar: 10g
Net Carbs: 18g
Vitamin A: 1530IU
Vitamin C: 2mg
Calcium: 333mg
Iron: 1mg

Nutrition Disclaimers

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.