Name: Gourmet Seafood Cassolette
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 leek, white and light green parts only, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, minced; 0.5 cup dry white wine 1 cup heavy cream 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard Salt and pepper, to taste; 0.5 lb scallops, cleaned; 0.5 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined; 0.5 cup crab meat; 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 0.25 cup grated Gruyère cheese; 0.25 cup breadcrumbs (optional) Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

If you’re looking to impress your guests or treat yourself to a restaurant-style dish at home, the Gourmet Seafood Cassolette is your golden ticket. This dish, rooted in French culinary tradition, combines luxurious seafood with a velvety white wine cream sauce and a golden cheese crust that’s simply irresistible. It’s comforting and decadent, yet surprisingly easy to assemble, making it perfect for a cozy dinner or a fancy holiday meal.

What makes this seafood cassolette truly special is its depth of flavor and versatility. You can mix and match your seafood choices, whether you’re craving tender scallops, juicy shrimp, or rich chunks of crab. The sauce is creamy but not heavy, with leeks, garlic, and wine creating an aromatic base that perfectly complements the briny sweetness of the seafood.

What Kind of Seafood Should I Use?

This dish is flexible, so use what you love or have on hand. A mix of shrimp, scallops, and crab meat is traditional, but lobster or even firm white fish like cod can also work beautifully. Just be sure everything is fresh or high-quality frozen and properly thawed.

Ingredients for the Gourmet Seafood Cassolette

2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 leek, white and light green parts only, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 lb scallops, cleaned
1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 cup crab meat (or lobster)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup grated Gruyère cheese (or Swiss)
1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crust)
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

How To Make the Gourmet Seafood Cassolette

Step 1: Build the Flavor Base

In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped leeks and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Deglaze and Simmer

Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, then reduce heat and stir in the cream and Dijon mustard. Let the sauce gently bubble until slightly thickened, about 4–5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Add the Seafood

Add shrimp, scallops, and crab meat to the sauce. Simmer gently until the seafood is just cooked through—about 3 minutes for shrimp and scallops. Do not overcook.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Preheat your broiler. Spoon the mixture into individual ramekins or a casserole dish. Mix the cheeses and breadcrumbs (if using), then sprinkle generously over the top. Broil until the top is golden and bubbly—around 2–4 minutes.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove from oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve immediately with crusty bread or a side salad.

Serving and Storing Your Seafood Cassolette

Serve this dish piping hot, ideally in individual ramekins for an elegant presentation. It pairs beautifully with crusty baguette slices or even over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F or on the stove over low heat. Avoid microwaving, as it can make seafood rubbery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and seafood mixture a few hours ahead. Store it in the fridge and broil just before serving.

What wine pairs well with seafood cassolette?

A dry white wine like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or even a crisp Pinot Grigio pairs wonderfully with the creamy seafood flavors.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Absolutely. Just skip the breadcrumbs or use a gluten-free alternative, and ensure your mustard and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Is it okay to use frozen seafood?

Yes, as long as it’s high quality and fully thawed before cooking. Pat it dry to avoid watering down the sauce.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes, mushrooms or baby spinach can be sautéed with the leeks for added texture and nutrition.

Want More Seafood Dinner Ideas?

If you love this Gourmet Seafood Cassolette, you’ll definitely enjoy these other rich and flavorful meals:

Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque for a cozy bowl of comfort.
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna that’s as indulgent as it sounds.
Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites for a crispy twist on seafood appetizers.
Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta with Spinach for a hearty, crowd-pleasing pasta.
Healthy Lemon Butter Baked Cod when you’re craving something lighter.

📌 Save this Gourmet Seafood Cassolette to your Pinterest dinner board so you can revisit it anytime.

And don’t forget to let me know how it turned out! Did you use scallops, or go with lobster? Add your twist in the comments below.

You can also follow my Pinterest page Nina Dishes where I share daily recipes, from comfort food to showstopper desserts!

Gourmet Seafood Cassolette

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Gourmet Seafood Cassolette blends tender shrimp, scallops, and crab in a rich, creamy white wine sauce, topped with melted Gruyère and Parmesan. Elegant yet easy to make, it’s perfect for special dinners or indulgent nights in.

Instructions

1. In a skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped leeks until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute.

2. Deglaze the pan with white wine, scraping the bottom. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, then reduce heat and add cream and Dijon mustard. Let it thicken slightly, seasoning with salt and pepper.

3. Stir in shrimp, scallops, and crab. Cook gently until seafood is just done, about 3 minutes.

4. Preheat broiler. Transfer the mixture into ramekins or a baking dish. Top with cheeses and breadcrumbs.

5. Broil for 2–4 minutes until golden and bubbling.

6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with crusty bread or salad.