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Seafood Crepes with Béchamel Sauce and Gruyère Cheese Recipe

If you’re craving something elegant yet comforting, this Seafood Crepes with Béchamel Sauce and Gruyère Cheese Recipe is exactly what you need. I first made these for a small gathering, and the creamy béchamel combined with tender shrimp and scallops wrapped in delicate crepes stole the show. There’s something about the buttery crepes and cheesy topping that makes it feel like a special occasion meal every time.

This recipe shines when you want to impress but keep things manageable—a perfect dinner for a weekend treat or a cozy date night at home. The blend of fresh seafood, silky béchamel, and nutty Gruyère cheese brings layers of flavor that you’ll fall in love with, and trust me, once you try it, this Seafood Crepes with Béchamel Sauce and Gruyère Cheese Recipe will be a staple in your kitchen.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Balanced Flavors: The fresh seafood pairs beautifully with creamy béchamel and rich Gruyère that’s melted to perfection.
  • Textural Contrast: Delicate crepes provide a light wrap, balancing the soft filling and slightly crispy baked cheesy top.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare crepes and filling ahead, making this an excellent option for entertaining stress-free.
  • Versatility: Easy to customize with your favorite seafood or cheese substitutions, perfect for every season and occasion.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in the Seafood Crepes with Béchamel Sauce and Gruyère Cheese Recipe has a role to play—creating a luxurious dish where flavors and textures beautifully harmonize. When shopping, look for fresh seafood and high-quality cheese to really elevate the final result.

  • Eggs: Provide structure and richness to the crepe batter while making them tender.
  • Unsalted butter: Adds richness without overpowering; essential for both crepes and béchamel.
  • All-purpose flour: The base for both crepes and the béchamel sauce, giving just the right texture.
  • Milk: Whole milk for béchamel delivers creaminess, while combined with water for crepes keeps them delicate.
  • Shrimp and scallops: Fresh seafood is the star—quick-cooking, tender, and perfect for the filling.
  • Button mushrooms: Add an earthy depth and umami contrast to the sweet seafood.
  • White wine: A splash brightens the seafood filling, helping to mellow the richness.
  • Parsley: Freshness and a pop of color to keep things lively.
  • Gruyère cheese: Melts beautifully, lending a nutty, slightly sweet finish to the dish.
  • Salt & pepper: Simple but crucial, seasoning all components just right.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this Seafood Crepes with Béchamel Sauce and Gruyère Cheese Recipe depending on the seafood available or mood I’m in. You can easily customize it, which keeps it interesting every single time you make it.

  • Swap Seafood: I’ve made it with crab and mussels when I wanted more variety, and it’s just as fantastic.
  • Cheese Choices: If you prefer a milder flavor, mozzarella or even fontina works beautifully instead of Gruyère.
  • Herb Variations: Sometimes I add a bit of tarragon or chives to the filling for a fresh herbal twist.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Seafood Crepes with Béchamel Sauce and Gruyère Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up The Perfect Crepe Batter

Start by cracking your eggs into a bowl and whisking in melted butter, flour, salt, milk, and water until the batter is smooth and thin—think thinner than pancake batter and almost pourable. Using a blender or hand mixer can really speed this up if you’re in a hurry. Cover the batter and let it rest for about 30 minutes; this resting phase helps develop tenderness in your crepes, making them easier to handle later.

Step 2: Cooking Light and Lacy Crepes

Heat an 8-inch non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter. Pour a ladleful of batter and swirl it around so it coats the whole surface thinly and evenly. After about a minute, watch for bubbles and edges slowly pulling away—then flip your crepe gently to cook the other side for about 30 seconds. Stack them on a plate and cover with a towel to keep them soft while you finish the rest—usually 10 to 12 crepes will do.

Step 3: Prepare That Silky Béchamel Sauce

In a small saucepan, melt butter on medium heat but watch closely—it should not brown. Stir in the flour to create a thick paste, then slowly whisk in the milk, stirring constantly. Bring it to a gentle boil and let it thicken until it coats the back of a spoon, then season with salt and pepper. Set this luscious béchamel aside; it’s the creamy backbone of your filling and topping.

Step 4: Sauté The Seafood Filling

Give your shrimp and scallops a rinse and pat them dry—this helps them sear instead of steam. In a large skillet, soften the onion in olive oil until translucent, then add mushrooms and cook till their moisture evaporates. Toss in the seafood for just about a minute, then splash in the white wine, letting it mostly evaporate. If there’s excess liquid, drain it for a more concentrated flavor. Combine this seafood mix with most of the béchamel sauce and chopped parsley—season to taste.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake To Golden Perfection

Butter a large baking dish generously or individual gratin dishes if you’re serving guests separately. Place about ¼ cup of the seafood filling on the lower third of each crepe and roll tightly, sealing the seam down in the dish. Once assembled, drizzle the leftover béchamel sauce over the crepes and sprinkle the shredded Gruyère group on top. Bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes until bubbly and golden, and if you want an even prettier finish, pop it under the broiler for a minute or two. Serve hot and watch everyone swoon!

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Tips from My Kitchen

  • Crepe Rest Time: Letting the crepe batter rest makes it easier to spread thin and results in tender crepes every time.
  • Don’t Overcook Seafood: Your shrimp and scallops only need a quick sauté to stay juicy—overcooking makes them rubbery.
  • Use Good Quality Cheese: Gruyère really melts well and adds depth; cheaper substitutes just don’t quite hit the same notes.
  • Broiling at the End: Keep a close eye when broiling—1-2 minutes is enough to get golden cheese without burning.

How to Serve Seafood Crepes with Béchamel Sauce and Gruyère Cheese Recipe

A white oval dish holds two rolled crepes covered with melted cheese that is lightly browned in some spots. The crepes are golden and soft with visible folds under the cheese layer. On top, there is a small green parsley garnish. The dish sits on a black round plate which is placed on a brown woven mat, all set on a white marbled surface. In the background, there is a glass filled with light yellow liquid and some loose green parsley leaves to the side. A white cloth is partially visible in the upper left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a bit of chive right before serving—it adds a fresh pop of color and brightness that cuts through the richness of the cheese and béchamel sauce. Sometimes I add a lemon wedge on the side for a subtle zesty twist that pairs beautifully with the seafood flavors.

Side Dishes

A simple mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette is my go-to pairing to balance the creaminess of the crepes. Roasted asparagus or garlic green beans also make a lovely accompaniment without overpowering the delicate seafood flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served individual crepes rolled and arranged in pretty gratin dishes—each portion looks like its own elegant entree. You can also top with a small dollop of crème fraîche and a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a colorful, elevated touch that guests adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 2 days when covered tightly. I’ve found that using an airtight container or tightly wrapping the baking dish with foil helps maintain moisture without sogginess.

Freezing

If you want to freeze, I recommend freezing the crepes separately after wrapping tightly so they don’t dry out. Seafood filling can also be frozen but is best used within a month for safety and freshness.

Reheating

Reheat the assembled crepes in a preheated oven around 350°F for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if you want to preserve the texture—the oven keeps the béchamel creamy and the cheese melty without drying it out.

FAQs

  1. Can I use other types of seafood in this recipe?

    Absolutely! The Seafood Crepes with Béchamel Sauce and Gruyère Cheese Recipe is very adaptable. You can substitute shrimp and scallops with crab, lobster, mussels, or firm white fish like cod or haddock. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure everything stays tender.

  2. How far ahead can I prepare the crepes and filling?

    You can make the crepes up to 3 days ahead and keep them well wrapped in the fridge. The seafood filling also keeps for a day ahead. Assembling the dish a day in advance works great too—just bake before serving.

  3. What can I substitute for Gruyère cheese?

    If you want a milder flavor, mozzarella or fontina are good substitutes. They melt well and won’t overpower the delicate seafood filling.

  4. Can I make the béchamel sauce ahead of time?

    Yes! You can make the béchamel sauce a day ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. Rewarm gently while stirring before combining it with the seafood filling.

Final Thoughts

This Seafood Crepes with Béchamel Sauce and Gruyère Cheese Recipe holds a special place in my heart—it’s the kind of dish that turns a simple night into a little celebration. I’ve shared it with friends and family who always ask for seconds, and I hope you find the same joy making and eating it as I do. Trust me, once you try it, this creamy, cheesy, seafood-filled delight will be your go-to for both entertaining and treating yourself.

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Seafood Crepes with Béchamel Sauce and Gruyère Cheese Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 12 reviews
  • Author: Lily
  • Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 10 seafood crepes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Description

Delicious and elegant Seafood Crepes filled with shrimp and scallops in a creamy béchamel sauce, topped with Gruyère cheese and baked to perfection. A perfect dish for special occasions or a fancy dinner.


Ingredients

For the Crepes

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp butter unsalted, melted
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup water
  • pinch salt

For the Béchamel Sauce

  • 1/4 cup butter unsalted
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk preferably whole milk
  • salt and pepper to taste

For the Seafood Filling

  • 340 grams shrimp medium sized, peeled and deveined
  • 340 grams scallops medium sized
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 1 cup button mushrooms thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup white wine
  • 2 tbsp parsley chopped
  • salt and pepper to taste

For Assembling

  • butter for greasing the baking dish
  • 3/4 cup Gruyère cheese shredded


Instructions

  1. Prepare the crepes: In a large bowl add all ingredients for the crepes (eggs, melted butter, flour, salt, milk, and water) and combine well. Use a whisk, hand mixer, or blender to achieve a smooth, thin batter. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
  2. Cook the crepes: Lightly grease an 8-inch non-stick skillet or crepe pan with butter or oil over medium heat. When hot, pour a ladle of batter and swirl to coat bottom and sides. Cook for about 1 minute until edges lift and bubbles appear, then flip and cook 30 seconds more. Stack cooked crepes on a plate and cover with a tea towel. Repeat until you have 10-12 crepes.
  3. Prepare the béchamel sauce: Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat without browning. Whisk in flour to form a thick paste. Slowly whisk in milk and stir constantly, bringing to a gentle boil until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
  4. Prepare the seafood filling: Rinse and pat dry shrimp and scallops. In a large skillet, sauté diced onion in olive oil until translucent. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until water evaporates. Add shrimp and scallops and cook for 1 minute. Pour in white wine and cook until mostly evaporated. Drain excess liquid if needed. Transfer seafood mixture to a large bowl and stir in all but 3/4 cup of béchamel sauce along with chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Assemble the crepes: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Generously butter a 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Place about 1/4 heaping cup of seafood filling on the lower third of each crepe, roll tightly, and place seam side down in the dish. Repeat with remaining crepes and filling.
  6. Add sauce and cheese: Drizzle reserved béchamel sauce over the rolled crepes, then sprinkle with shredded Gruyère cheese.
  7. Bake: Bake for 15 minutes until heated through and sauce is bubbling. Optionally, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end to lightly brown the cheese.
  8. Serve: Serve the crepes hot and enjoy.

Notes

  • Try substituting seafood varieties such as crab, mussels, lobster, or firm white fish like cod or haddock.
  • If you prefer milder cheese, substitute Gruyère with mozzarella.
  • The crepes can be made up to 3 days ahead and refrigerated when well wrapped.
  • Crepes can also be frozen for up to 1 month.
  • Prepare the filling a day ahead and store refrigerated.
  • The assembled dish can be made a day in advance and baked before serving.
  • Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 2 days.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 crepe
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 220 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 145 mg

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