The Story & Intro
Growing up in Crete, seafood has always been a star in my kitchen. I remember summer evenings when my grandmother would return from the market with the freshest catch. The scent of salt, lemon, and herbs filled our home. One of my favorite dishes to watch her make was a creamy, cheesy seafood bake rich, indulgent, and full of love. That’s how my love for Seafood Mornay Bake began.
Every time I prepare Seafood Mornay Bake, I feel like I’m bringing a bit of the sea into my kitchen. It’s creamy, comforting, and elegant, yet surprisingly simple to make. This dish is perfect for when you want something that feels special without being complicated. From buttery scallops to tender shrimp, Seafood Mornay Bake is a celebration of the flavors of the ocean.
It’s also a dish that brings people together. I love how Seafood Mornay Bake encourages sharing, laughter, and conversation. Cooking it reminds me that food isn’t just about eating it’s about connection, warmth, and creating memories.
Why This Seafood Mornay Bake Recipe Works
This recipe works because it balances richness with freshness. The creamy Mornay sauce hugs every piece of seafood, while a sprinkle of cheese on top adds a golden, bubbly crust. The combination of textures the tender seafood, smooth sauce, and crispy topping makes this dish irresistible.
It’s versatile too. You can use shrimp, scallops, white fish, or even a mix of your favorite seafood. And because it’s baked, cleanup is easy. This Seafood Mornay Bake is perfect for dinner parties, special occasions, or a cozy night at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Fresh ingredients make a huge difference in this recipe. Quality seafood, sharp cheese, and fresh herbs create depth of flavor.
- 1 lb mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, white fish, crab meat optional)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk, warmed
- 1 cup grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese, divided
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ tsp nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a medium-sized baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Cook the Aromatics
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Make the Mornay Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the warm milk, making sure there are no lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
Stir in Dijon mustard, paprika, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Then fold in ½ cup Gruyère cheese until melted. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Prepare the Seafood
Pat the seafood dry with paper towels. Lightly season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Assemble the Bake
Place the seafood evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour the Mornay sauce over the seafood, making sure everything is coated. Sprinkle the remaining Gruyère and Parmesan cheese on top.
Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. If you want an extra crispy topping, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy Seafood Mornay Bake with warm crusty bread or a light green salad.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Seafood Mornay Bake as a decadent main dish for dinner parties, special family meals, or date-night dinners at home. Pair it with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. Add a side of steamed asparagus, sautéed spinach, or roasted vegetables to complete the meal.
This dish also makes great leftovers and reheats well, keeping its creamy, cheesy texture intact.
Helpful Tips for Best Results
- Use fresh or high-quality frozen seafood for the best flavor
- Don’t overcook the seafood before baking; it will finish cooking in the oven
- Warm the milk before adding to the roux to avoid lumps
- Customize the cheese: Gruyère adds nuttiness, while Swiss or Cheddar works too
These tips ensure that your Seafood Mornay Bake is creamy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked every time.
🐟 Recipe Card – Seafood Mornay Bake 🧀
⏱️ Time Cook
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
🧺 Ingredients
- 1 lb mixed seafood
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp flour
- 2 cups whole milk, warmed
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, divided
- 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt & pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley
- ½ tsp nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
👩🍳 Instruction
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease baking dish.
- Sauté onion & garlic in butter.
- Make roux with flour, gradually whisk in warm milk.
- Stir in Dijon, paprika, nutmeg, and ½ cup Gruyère.
- Place seafood in dish, pour sauce over, top with remaining cheese.
- Bake 20–25 min until golden and bubbly. Garnish with parsley.
📝 Note
For extra crunch, broil 2–3 minutes at the end.
🥗 Nutrition (Approx.)
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 24g
- Carbs: 15g
100-Word Short Version
Seafood Mornay Bake is a creamy, cheesy, and luxurious dish inspired by my childhood in Crete. Fresh shrimp, scallops, and white fish are smothered in a rich Mornay sauce, flavored with garlic, Dijon mustard, and a hint of nutmeg. Topped with Gruyère and Parmesan cheese, the bake becomes golden, bubbly, and irresistible. Perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or cozy nights at home, this Seafood Mornay Bake is both simple to make and elegant to serve. Every bite delivers warmth, flavor, and memories, bringing the taste of the sea to your table.
Conclusion
Seafood Mornay Bake isn’t just about indulgence it’s about bringing people together. Each creamy, cheesy bite is a reminder of the joy of cooking and sharing. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet meal at home, this dish makes every occasion feel special.
From my kitchen in Crete to yours, Seafood Mornay Bake is a celebration of flavor, tradition, and love. It’s a dish that encourages you to slow down, savor every bite, and make memories with the people you care about most.