If you’re looking to impress with a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, look no further than gourmet seafood cassolette. This rich and creamy concoction is filled with tender morsels of shrimp, crab, and scallops, all enveloped in a velvety sauce that has just the right amount of tang. Perfect for date nights or a special gathering, this dish elevates any dinner experience with its elegant presentation and indulgent flavors. The beauty of seafood cassolette lies not only in its taste but also in its simplicity. Despite its gourmet appearance, the recipe is straightforward and can easily be tackled by home cooks of any skill level. It combines fresh seafood with aromatic herbs, spices, and a luxurious cream sauce, resulting in a dish that is both comforting and sophisticated.
Another appealing aspect of this recipe is its versatility. Whether you have a special occasion to celebrate or simply want to treat yourself to a comforting meal, seafood cassolette delivers. The richness of the heavy cream blends beautifully with the seafood’s natural sweetness, while the hint of lemon adds a refreshing touch. Baked until golden brown and bubbling, this dish guarantees to be the star of your table. Not only will it satisfy your cravings for a delightful seafood dish, but it’s also a great way to share a taste of the ocean with friends and family. Dive into this delicious creation that will leave your taste buds dancing!
Why You’ll Love This Gourmet Seafood Cassolette
- Impressive Presentation: This dish looks stunning in small ramekins or a baked dish, making it perfect for entertaining.
- Rich Flavors: The combination of shrimp, crab, and scallops creates a delicious medley that seafood lovers will adore.
- Easy to Prepare: Despite being gourmet, this dish is simple to make and comes together in a short time.
- Versatile and Customizable: Feel free to swap seafood choices based on seasonality or preference, making it adaptable to what you have on hand.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you dive into creating your cassolette, take a moment to set up your kitchen for success. Start by gathering all your ingredients so that everything is at arm’s reach. This lets you move smoothly through the cooking process. For this recipe, you’ll need a sharp knife for chopping shallots and garlic, a sturdy skillet for sautéing seafood, and a whisk for creating the creamy sauce. Having ramekins or a small baking dish ready is crucial for assembling your cassolette.
Addall your ingredients, measuring cups, and spoons to your workspace. Since you’ll be working with seafood, it’s important to ensure that everything is clean, particularly any surfaces that will touch raw seafood. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for the dish at the end of the cooking process. Once you’ve prepared your workspace, you’re all set for a smooth cooking experience!
Ingredients
- ½ lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ lb lump crab meat or lobster
- ½ lb scallops (halved if large)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp flour (or almond flour)
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 1 cup seafood stock
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Gruyère or Parmesan
- ½ tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- ½ cup panko or crushed pork rinds
- ¼ cup grated Gruyère or Parmesan
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Seafood
To create the flavorful base for your cassolette, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. As the oil warms, finely chop the shallot and garlic—these aromatics will provide the essential flavor foundation for the dish. Once the oil is shimmering, add the shallot and garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing them to soften and release their splendid flavors. Following this, introduce the shrimp, scallops, and lump crab meat, stirring everything together. It’s important to season generously with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Sauté the mixture for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the seafood is just cooked through—remember it will continue to cook in the oven as well.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat slightly and add another 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of flour and let it cook for about a minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning. This step creates a roux, which serves to thicken your sauce. Slowly whisk in ½ cup of dry white wine, allowing it to simmer for around 2 minutes to combine the flavors and burn off some of the alcohol. Next, pour in 1 cup of seafood stock and ½ cup of heavy cream, stirring continuously ensuring the mixture is smooth. Now is the time to incorporate the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and half a cup of your choice of grated cheese—Gruyère or Parmesan both work beautifully. Continue to cook until the sauce thickens and becomes velvety.
Step 3: Fold in the Seafood
Once your sauce reaches that perfect creamy consistency, it’s time to bring the sautéed seafood back into the picture. Gently fold the seafood into the creamy sauce, being careful not to break apart the delicate crabs or shrimp. Ensure each piece of seafood is coated well with that luscious sauce, imbuing it with fantastic flavors that will make each bite heavenly.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Now that everything is prepared, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take small ramekins or a baking dish and spoon the seafood mixture evenly into each. This recipe can be divided among several ramekins or one larger dish depending on your preference. In a separate bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with a quarter cup of your chosen cheese and sprinkle this mixture generously over the seafood filling. The breadcrumbs will provide a delightful crunchy topping which contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling. Finally, bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbling. Once done, remove from the oven and allow to sit for a few minutes before serving.
Variations
- Protein: Feel free to swap out shrimp for other seafood such as mussels or clams, or use additional crab or lobster for enhanced richness.
- Vegetables: Add in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or leeks to introduce more texture and flavor to your cassolette.
- Spices: Experiment with spices like Old Bay, or switch the Dijon mustard with horseradish for a zesty kick.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure your seafood is fresh for the best flavor and texture.
- Make the sauce in advance for a quicker prep when it’s time to assemble and bake.
Serving Suggestions
- This dish pairs beautifully with crusty French bread for dipping into the creamy sauce.
- Serve alongside a light salad for a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cassolette.
Tips
- Make sure to keep an eye on your seafood while sautéing to prevent overcooking.
- Mixing the crunch topping just before baking will ensure it’s crispy upon serving.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 380 per serving
- Protein: 22g
- Sodium: 700mg
FAQs
Can I prepare the cassolette in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the seafood mixture and sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake it. This will help streamline the process for your dinner.
What other seafood can I use?
You can use a variety of seafood such as mussels, clams, or even white fish. Just ensure that whatever seafood you use complements the creamy sauce!
Can I make this dairy-free?
While the creamy sauce is a highlight of this dish, you could try using coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative if you want to keep it dairy-free.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat in the oven until warmed through before serving.
Conclusion
Gourmet seafood cassolette is a dish that not only satisfies the palate but also evokes the feeling of a special occasion. Celebrating fresh flavors and rich textures, it brings to the table an elegance that can turn an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience. Don’t hesitate to try out different variations based on what’s available around you or your personal taste, making it uniquely your own. The joyful combination of seafood and creamy sauce, topped with a crunchy finish, will undoubtedly impress anyone who enjoys fine dining at home. We encourage you to take this recipe for a spin in your kitchen, and please share your experience in the comments below. Embrace the flavors of the ocean and let this gourmet seafood cassolette be your next culinary triumph!
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Gourmet Seafood Cassolette
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A rich and creamy seafood dish that impresses with its elegant presentation.
Ingredients
- ½ lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ lb lump crab meat or lobster
- ½ lb scallops (halved if large)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp flour (or almond flour)
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 1 cup seafood stock
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Gruyère or Parmesan
- ½ tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- ½ cup panko or crushed pork rinds
- ¼ cup grated Gruyère or Parmesan
Instructions
- To create the flavorful base for your cassolette, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the shallot and garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes. Introduce the shrimp, scallops, and lump crab meat, stirring everything together and seasoning generously with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Sauté for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the seafood is just cooked through.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat slightly and add another 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of flour and let it cook for about a minute, stirring constantly. Slowly whisk in ½ cup of dry white wine, allowing it to simmer for around 2 minutes. Pour in 1 cup of seafood stock and ½ cup of heavy cream, stirring continuously. Incorporate the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and half a cup of your choice of grated cheese, cooking until the sauce thickens.
- Once your sauce reaches a creamy consistency, bring the sautéed seafood back into the picture. Gently fold the seafood into the creamy sauce.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take small ramekins or a baking dish and spoon the seafood mixture evenly into each. In a separate bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with a quarter cup of cheese and sprinkle this mixture generously over the seafood filling. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
Notes
Feel free to swap seafood based on availability; ensure seafood is fresh for the best flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Protein: 22 g