Coquille St. Jacques In Cheese Sauce
Coquille St. Jacques features tender scallops in a rich cheese sauce, baked atop seasoned mashed potatoes, creating an elegant, comforting dish perfect for special occasions or seafood lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Simmer scallops in white wine until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Drain and reserve the liquid; rinse scallops in cold water.
- Melt margarine in a medium saucepan.
- Stir in flour and salt; cook, stirring for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in the reserved liquid; whisk over heat until smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in shredded Swiss cheese until melted.
- Stir scallops into the cheese sauce.
- In shallow ovenproof bowls or dishes with raised lips, spread seasoned mashed potatoes over the bottoms and up the sides to form a cup.
- Fill the potato cups with the scallop mixture.
- Sprinkle with paprika.
- Bake at 375°F until sauce bubbles, about 8 to 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider adding a splash of heavy cream after melting the cheese. If you don't have Swiss cheese, Gruyère or a mild cheddar can work as substitutes. Make sure to use large, fresh scallops for the best texture. To enhance flavor, sauté the mushrooms in the margarine before adding flour. This dish can also be adapted with shrimp for a variation, similar to Shrimp Louisianne.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Coquille St. Jacques with a crisp green salad and a glass of white wine to complement the dish. Crusty bread is also a great addition for soaking up the delicious cheese sauce. For a complete seafood meal, consider pairing with Cam'S Shrimp Etouffee or other seafood recipes for variety.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Heat in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Avoid microwaving to preserve the texture of the scallops and sauce.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Coquille St. Jacques In Cheese Sauce contains roughly 850 calories, with 48g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (123% of the Daily Value), calcium (103% of the Daily Value), and protein (97% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 843mg per serving (37% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the scallops in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the scallops and cheese sauce a few hours ahead. Store each component separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, assemble and bake as directed. This will save time during meal prep and ensure the dish is fresh for serving.
What can I substitute for margarine?
You can use unsalted butter instead of margarine for a richer flavor. If you prefer a dairy-free option, try using olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative. Just keep in mind that different fats may slightly alter the taste and texture of the sauce.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the scallop mixture and mashed potatoes ahead of time. Assemble them in the bowls, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Just bake when ready to serve. This makes it a great option for entertaining without last-minute stress.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).