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Gourmet Seafood Cassolette

Gourmet Seafood Cassolette: A Luxurious Comfort Dish

Gourmet Seafood Cassolette is a luxurious comfort dish featuring shrimp, scallops, mussels, and a creamy white wine sauce.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 ramekins
Course: Casserole
Cuisine: French
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Seafood
  • 1 lb Shrimp Sweetness and firmness in the dish; can substitute with more seafood or fish.
  • 1 lb Scallops Offers a tender and buttery texture; substitute with additional shrimp or fish for a similar experience.
  • 1 lb White Fish (cod or haddock) Mild and flaky, absorbs the sauce well; other white fish can be used as substitutes.
  • 1 lb Mussels Adds a briny note and visual appeal; ensure they are fresh and discard any that do not open when cooked.
For the Sauce
  • 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter Creates a rich base for the roux; can replace with olive oil for a lighter version.
  • 0.25 cup Flour Forms the roux for the béchamel sauce; use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
  • 1 cup Dry White Wine Adds brightness to the sauce; substitute with chicken stock or clam juice if unavailable.
  • 1 cup Seafood Stock (or mussel liquid) Provides depth of flavor in the sauce; can replace with vegetable or fish stock.
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Creates a luscious and rich sauce; for a lighter version, substitute with half-and-half or dairy-free cream alternatives.
  • 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard (optional) Adds subtle tanginess; omit if desired.
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Thyme Infuses the béchamel with earthy flavor; use dried thyme as a substitute if needed.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Deepens the savory flavor; use fresh garlic for best results.
For the Topping
  • 0.5 cup Breadcrumbs Provides a crispy topping; use gluten-free breadcrumbs for gluten-free diets.
  • 0.25 cup Gruyère Cheese Adds nutty flavor and a crispy crust; substitute with Emmental or mild Swiss cheese if needed.
  • to taste Salt and Pepper Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste.
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley Brightens the dish with fresh flavor; other fresh herbs can replace it.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Saucepan
  • Ramekins
  • Whisk
  • Fine-mesh sieve

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by combining a cup of dry white wine, minced garlic, and fresh thyme in a large pot over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a simmer and add your mussels, covering the pot tightly. Steam for about 5-7 minutes or until the mussels open. Reserve the cooking liquid by straining it through a fine mesh sieve to remove any impurities.
  2. In a saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat until bubbling gently. Add finely chopped shallots and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they become soft and translucent. Next, whisk in a quarter cup of flour to form a roux, stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste and achieve a light golden color.
  3. Gradually incorporate the reserved mussel liquid and an additional cup of heavy cream into the roux, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Stir in another half cup of dry white wine and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, allowing it to thicken until it coats the back of a spoon; this creamy sauce will be the base for your Gourmet Seafood Cassolette.
  4. Once the sauce has thickened, reduce the heat to low and add Dijon mustard, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Gently fold in the shrimp, scallops, and flaky white fish, simmering for about 5-6 minutes until the seafood is just opaque. Finally, stir in the steamed mussels and freshly chopped parsley, ensuring everything is well-combined before removing it from the heat.
  5. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In individual ramekins or a baking dish, spoon the seafood mixture evenly, filling each about three-quarters full. Make sure the creamy sauce surrounds the tender seafood, creating a delightful visual.
  6. In a small bowl, combine a half cup of breadcrumbs with a quarter cup of grated Gruyère cheese and two tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the seafood in each ramekin. Bake the cassolette in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and bubbling.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ramekinCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 650mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 700IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For optimal freshness, prepare ahead and refrigerate without the topping, and add breadcrumbs before baking.

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