Classic Coquilles St. Jacques

Rich, creamy, and elegantly French, Classic Coquilles St. Jacques is a timeless dish that showcases tender sea scallops in a luxurious white wine-style cream sauce. Baked in scallop shells or small gratin dishes and topped with golden cheese and breadcrumbs, this dish is perfect for special occasions, romantic dinners, or whenever you want to impress with minimal effort.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
French Elegance – A classic bistro dish made easily at home.
Creamy & Comforting – Silky sauce with tender, perfectly cooked scallops.
Impressive Presentation – Serve in shells or ramekins for wow factor.
Perfect Make-Ahead – Assemble and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Customizable – Add mushrooms or shrimp to make it your own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Scallops & Sauce:

• 1 lb sea scallops (muscle removed, patted dry)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 shallot, finely chopped
• 8 oz mushrooms, thinly sliced (optional but traditional)
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup seafood stock or low-sodium chicken broth
• ½ cup milk or cream
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• ½ tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

For the Topping:

• ½ cup grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for crunch)
• 1 tbsp melted butter
• Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Tools You’ll Need

• Medium skillet
• Small saucepan
• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Ramekins or scallop shells
• Whisk

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Scallops

1. Rinse scallops and pat them very dry with paper towels.
2. Slice any large scallops in half horizontally to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Sauté the Scallops
3. Melt 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium heat.
4. Sear scallops for 1–2 minutes per side until just cooked. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Veggies
5. In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tbsp butter.
6. Add shallots (and mushrooms if using) and sauté for 3–5 minutes until soft.

Step 4: Make the Sauce
7. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
8. Slowly whisk in seafood stock and milk. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until thickened.
9. Stir in lemon juice, Dijon, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.

Step 5: Combine with Scallops
10. Add the scallops back into the sauce, gently folding to coat.
11. Divide mixture into individual ramekins or scallop shells.

Step 6: Add the Topping
12. In a small bowl, combine grated cheese, breadcrumbs, and melted butter.
13. Sprinkle evenly over the scallops.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden
14. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
15. Place ramekins on a baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
16. Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end for extra browning if desired.

Step 8: Serve Hot
17. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with crusty bread or a green salad.

Tips for the Best Coquilles St. Jacques
Dry the Scallops – Moisture prevents a good sear.
Use Small Ramekins – Keeps portions elegant and rich.
Don’t Overcook – Scallops can become rubbery if overdone.
Make Ahead – Assemble and refrigerate, then bake just before serving.
Add White Wine – Substitute part of the stock with white grape juice or more lemon for acidity.

Serving Suggestions
Crusty French Bread – Perfect for soaking up the sauce.
Green Salad – Light, lemony greens balance the richness.
Buttered Asparagus – A delicate and elegant pairing.
Garlic Rice Pilaf – For a more filling entrée.
Chilled Sparkling Juice – A bubbly complement to the creamy sauce.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Reheating:

• Oven: Reheat at 350°F for 10–15 minutes.
• Microwave: Not recommended, as it can overcook the scallops and separate the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I freeze Coquilles St. Jacques?
   It’s not ideal—the cream sauce can separate and scallops may become tough. Make fresh if possible.
2. Can I use bay scallops?
   Yes, just reduce cooking time as they’re smaller and more delicate.
3. Is there a cheese alternative?
   Gruyère is traditional, but you can use Swiss or even Parmesan for a sharper flavor.
4. Can I skip the mushrooms?
   Absolutely. They’re traditional, but the dish is delicious without them.
5. Can I make it lighter?
   Use milk instead of cream, and reduce the cheese or skip the breadcrumb topping.

Final Thoughts

Classic Coquilles St. Jacques is a true gem of French cuisine—creamy, flavorful, and luxurious, yet surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether served as an appetizer or a main course, it delivers elegance and comfort in every bite. If you’re looking to impress with a beautiful seafood dish, this one is guaranteed to shine.

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see your golden, bubbling creations.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: French

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – based on 4 servings):
Calories: 340 | Protein: 26g | Carbohydrates: 10g | Fat: 22g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Sodium: 540mg

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