Name: Coquilles Saint‑Jacques
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 500g / 1 lb scallops; 2 tbsp butter; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 200g / 7 oz mushrooms, finely chopped; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1/2 cup dry white wine; 1/2 cup fish stock (or chicken stock); 3/4 cup heavy cream (thickened cream); 1 tbsp flour; 1 tbsp butter (extra, for roux); 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp white pepper; 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, finely grated; 1/4 cup gruyère or emmental cheese, shredded; 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko); 1 tbsp parsley, finely chopped (for garnish); 1 tbsp olive oil (for drizzling)

Why You’ll Love Coquilles Saint‑Jacques Recipe

This version of Coquilles Saint‑Jacques delivers luxurious flavor with relatively simple steps you can make ahead of time. The combination of sweet scallops, earthy mushrooms, and velvety béchamel topped with a crisp golden crust gives you restaurant‑quality results at home. Whether you’re cooking for guests or treating yourself, it’s an impressive dish that never feels overly complicated.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

scallops
butter
shallots (eschalots)
mushrooms
plain/all‑purpose flour
milk
heavy cream
salt
black pepper
ground nutmeg
panko breadcrumbs
Gruyère cheese

Directions

Prepare scallops: Pat scallops dry and trim any tough muscle. Slice scallops if necessary so they cook evenly.
Make cheesy crust: In a bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and grated Gruyère cheese; set aside.
Cook mushrooms and shallots: Melt butter in a pot over medium heat. Add shallots and mushrooms and sauté until soft.
Make béchamel: Sprinkle flour over the sautéed mushrooms and cook briefly. Gradually whisk in hot milk and cream until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Cook until slightly thickened but still pourable.
Assemble: Place scallops in shallow ramekins. Pour the creamy mushroom sauce over them, covering all pieces.
Add topping: Sprinkle the prepared cheesy breadcrumb mixture evenly over each ramekin.
Bake: Bake in a preheated oven until the tops are golden and crisp. Let stand briefly before serving.

Servings and timing

Serves about 4 people.
Prep time: approximately 30 minutes.
Cook time: about 20 minutes.

Variations

Add seafood: Try adding shrimp or lobster for a luxurious twist.
White wine sauce: Substitute the béchamel with a white wine cream sauce for a more aromatic flavor.
Herbs: Add fresh tarragon, parsley, or thyme to the sauce for an herbal touch.
Shell presentation: Serve in actual scallop shells for a traditional French look.
Cheese swap: Replace Gruyère with Emmental, Comté, or even a mild mozzarella.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To reheat, place in the oven at a moderate temperature until warmed through to maintain the crisp topping. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy. You can also assemble the dish a day ahead, then bake just before serving.

FAQs

What are Coquilles Saint‑Jacques?

Coquilles Saint‑Jacques refers to a French gratin dish made with scallops in a creamy sauce, often finished with a golden topping. The name means “shells of Saint James” and is traditionally served in scallop shells.

Can I use frozen scallops?

Yes, frozen scallops work well. Just be sure to thaw them thoroughly, pat them dry, and remove the tough side muscle before cooking.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare and assemble the dish a day ahead and refrigerate it, then bake just before serving.

What can I serve with Coquilles Saint‑Jacques?

This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty French bread. A chilled glass of dry white wine also complements it nicely.

Do I need special ramekins?

Not necessarily. Any shallow, oven-safe dish will work. Traditional presentation often uses scallop shells or small gratin dishes.

Can I use a different cheese?

Yes, if you don’t have Gruyère, try Emmental, Comté, or a mild mozzarella. Just avoid overly sharp or oily cheeses.

What if I don’t have panko?

Regular breadcrumbs can be used, but panko gives a lighter and crunchier topping.

Can I add other seafood?

Yes, shrimp, crab, or even a small amount of lobster can be mixed with the scallops for a luxurious variation.

Is there a wine version of the sauce?

Yes, you can swap the béchamel with a white wine cream sauce for a slightly tangy, more aromatic profile.

How do I avoid overcooking scallops?

Avoid pre-cooking scallops. Let them cook gently in the oven as the dish bakes, just until tender and opaque.

Conclusion

Coquilles Saint‑Jacques is a timeless French classic that brings elegance and indulgent flavor to any table. Its creamy, comforting filling and crispy golden topping make it an ideal appetizer or light main course for holidays, romantic dinners, or entertaining. With its make-ahead convenience and simple assembly, it’s a dish that delivers sophistication without stress.