Gourmet Seafood Cassolette – Creamy Shrimp, Scallop & Crab Bake

This French-style seafood cassolette is a rich and indulgent dish featuring tender scallops, succulent shrimp, and lump crab meat in a creamy, cheesy white sauce. Topped with a golden, crispy crust, it’s the ultimate comfort food for seafood lovers!

Ingredients:

For the Seafood:

• ½ lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ½ lb scallops, fresh and tender
• ½ lb lump crab meat, premium quality
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 shallot, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup seafood broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp nutmeg

For the Crispy Topping:

• ¼ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup grated Gruyère or mozzarella cheese
• 1 tbsp melted butter

Instructions:

 

1. Sauté the seafood:

• Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
• Sauté shallots and garlic until fragrant.
• Add shrimp and scallops, searing for 2 minutes per side.
• Gently fold in the crab meat and set aside.

2. Prepare the creamy sauce:

• In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux.
• Gradually add seafood broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly.
• Mix in Parmesan, Dijon mustard, paprika, and nutmeg.
• Cook until the sauce thickens, then combine with the seafood mixture.

3. Assemble and bake:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Pour the seafood and sauce mixture into a baking dish.
• Mix breadcrumbs, cheese, and melted butter, then sprinkle on top.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

4. Garnish & serve:

• Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with crusty bread or rice.

Benefits of Gourmet Seafood Cassolette

This creamy seafood cassolette isn’t just a delicious indulgence—it also offers several health and nutritional benefits:

1. Rich in High-Quality Protein

• Shrimp, scallops, and crab meat provide lean protein that helps build and repair muscles while keeping you full for longer.

2. Packed with Omega-3 Fatty Acids

• Seafood is an excellent source of omega-3s, which support heart health, brain function, and reduce inflammation.

3. Boosts Immune System

• Garlic, shallots, and seafood contain antioxidants and essential vitamins (like Vitamin B12 and zinc) that help strengthen your immune system.

4. Supports Bone & Joint Health

• The calcium and phosphorus from the creamy sauce and cheese contribute to stronger bones and joints, reducing the risk of osteoporosis.

5. Promotes Heart Health

• Olive oil and seafood contain healthy fats that help lower bad cholesterol, supporting overall cardiovascular health.

6. Aids in Brain Function & Mood

• The B vitamins, selenium, and omega-3s in this dish enhance memory, focus, and mood stability, making it great for brain health.

7. Elegant Yet Easy to Digest

• Unlike heavier meat-based dishes, seafood is light and easy on the stomach, making it perfect for a gourmet meal that won’t leave you feeling sluggish.

Try This Gourmet Seafood Recipe Today!