Gourmet Seafood Cassolette Recipe
If you’re looking to impress your guests with a luxurious yet approachable seafood dish, this Gourmet Seafood Cassolette is perfect. Combining a medley of fresh seafood, creamy sauce, and aromatic herbs, this recipe delivers a rich and flavorful experience that’s perfect for dinner parties, holiday celebrations, or a special family meal.
A cassolette, traditionally a French-style individual casserole, allows you to serve seafood in elegant ramekins or small baking dishes, making it visually stunning and easy to portion. With tender fish, shrimp, scallops, and a creamy, buttery sauce, this dish is the epitome of fine dining at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Gourmet Seafood Cassolette is loved for several reasons:
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Elegant presentation — perfect for entertaining or special occasions.
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Rich, creamy flavors that complement the delicate taste of seafood.
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Versatile seafood options — customize with your favorite shellfish or fish.
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Comfort food with a gourmet twist — indulgent yet not overly complicated.
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Easy to prepare ahead of time, allowing you to focus on your guests.
Gourmet Seafood Cassolette Recipe
Ingredients
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1 tbsp butter
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 cup mushrooms, sliced
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1 cup heavy cream
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½ cup dry white wine
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½ tsp nutmeg
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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200g shrimp, peeled and deveined
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200g scallops
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200g white fish fillets (like cod or halibut), cut into chunks
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2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
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½ cup grated Gruyère or Parmesan cheese
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4–6 small ramekins or cassolette dishes
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). -
Cook Aromatics:
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In a skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.
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Sauté onions and garlic until softened and fragrant.
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Add mushrooms and cook until tender.
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Prepare the Sauce:
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Deglaze the pan with white wine, letting it reduce slightly.
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Stir in heavy cream, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
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Add the Seafood:
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Gently fold in shrimp, scallops, and fish chunks. Cook for 2–3 minutes until seafood begins to turn opaque (it will finish cooking in the oven).
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Assemble the Cassolette:
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Divide the seafood and creamy sauce mixture evenly among the ramekins.
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Sprinkle grated Gruyère or Parmesan cheese on top.
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Bake:
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Place ramekins on a baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
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Serve:
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Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with crusty bread or a light salad.
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Tips and Variations
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Vegetable Add-Ins: Add diced bell peppers, peas, or spinach for extra color and nutrition.
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Seafood Alternatives: Substitute lobster, crab meat, or mussels for a luxurious twist.
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Make Ahead: Prepare the cassolette up to the assembly stage and refrigerate for a few hours before baking.
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Wine Pairing: Serve with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.
Conclusion
This Gourmet Seafood Cassolette combines succulent seafood, creamy sauce, and a golden cheese topping for a truly decadent meal. Its elegant presentation and rich flavors make it ideal for entertaining or a special family dinner.
Whether you’re serving it for a holiday feast, a romantic dinner, or a gourmet weekend meal, this cassolette recipe is sure to impress and delight anyone at your table.