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A close-up of the creamy seafood gratin, showcasing the texture of the tender shrimp, scallops, and fish in the rich white wine sauce before baking.

Seafood Cassolette: An Elegant & Easy French Recipe

This Seafood Cassolette recipe features a luxurious mix of shrimp, scallops, and fish in a creamy white wine and Gruyère sauce. Learn how to make this elegant, impressive, and surprisingly easy French bistro classic at home.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: French
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter divided
  • 8 oz Sea Scallops patted dry
  • 8 oz Shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 8 oz Firm White Fish e.g., cod or haddock, cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 1 Shallot finely minced
  • 3 cloves Garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour
  • 1/2 cup Dry White Wine e.g., Sauvignon Blanc
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream
  • 1/4 cup Chicken or Vegetable Broth
  • 1 cup Gruyère Cheese shredded, divided
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley chopped
  • Salt and Black Pepper to taste

Equipment

  • 1 Large Skillet
  • 4 Individual Ramekins (8-oz)
  • 1 Baking sheet

Instructions
 

  1. Pat seafood dry and season with salt and pepper. Melt 1 tbsp of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear scallops for 1-2 minutes per side; remove from pan. Cook shrimp for 1-2 minutes until pink; remove from pan. Set aside.
  2. Reduce heat to medium, add remaining 1 tbsp butter. Sauté shallot until soft (about 3 minutes). Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
  3. Sprinkle flour over the shallots and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
  4. Slowly pour in the white wine, scraping the pan. Simmer until reduced by half. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream and broth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, until thickened.
  5. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove sauce from heat. Stir in half the Gruyère cheese and parsley. Season with salt and pepper. Gently fold in the seared scallops, shrimp, and raw fish chunks.
  6. Divide the mixture among 4 oven-safe ramekins. Top with the remaining Gruyère. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top. Garnish with more fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Do Not Overcook: The seafood cooks quickly, so sear it briefly and let it finish in the oven to keep it tender.
Serving: Best served immediately with crusty bread for dipping.
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