Step 1
Start by heating your oven to 380°F (193°C) and place the puff pastry shells on a baking sheet. Pop them in the oven and bake until they turn a lovely golden brown, which should take about 20 minutes.
These bite-sized treats combine tender bay scallops with melted cheese wrapped in flaky puff pastry for a deliciously savory snack. Perfect for parties or a tasty appetizer, they’re easy to make and sure to impress your guests.
Start by heating your oven to 380°F (193°C) and place the puff pastry shells on a baking sheet. Pop them in the oven and bake until they turn a lovely golden brown, which should take about 20 minutes.
While the pastry is baking, melt a tablespoon of butter in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the scallops and sauté them quickly on each side until they develop a nice brown color—about 3 to 5 minutes. Be careful not to overcook them. Once done, take them out and set aside.
Turn the heat down to medium and add the rest of the butter to the skillet. Cook the mushrooms and shallots until they’re just tender, which should take another 3 to 5 minutes.
In a small bowl, whisk together the half-and-half and flour until smooth. Pour this into the skillet with the mushrooms and shallots, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens up nicely, about 5 minutes. Then, add the wine, sherry, lemon juice, and mustard, stirring everything together.
Next, stir in the Parmesan cheese, tarragon, and a pinch of black pepper. Add the scallops back into the skillet and give it all a gentle stir to warm through for a minute or two.
When the pastry shells are out of the oven, carefully cut off the tops and fill each one with the cheesy scallop mixture. Serve warm and enjoy!
- Make sure the scallops are dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the pastry.
- Use cold puff pastry for the best flaky texture and handle it quickly to prevent it from warming up.
- Brush the pastry with an egg wash before baking to achieve a golden, shiny finish.
These bites combine the delicate sweetness of bay scallops with rich, melted cheese inside a crispy, flaky pastry. They are perfect for appetizers or party snacks and offer a delightful mix of textures and flavors that are sure to impress your guests.
Serve these bites warm with a side of tangy cocktail sauce or a light lemon aioli. They pair well with a crisp white wine or sparkling water with a splash of citrus to balance the richness.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at a low temperature to keep the pastry crisp rather than using a microwave.