Escargot, or cooked land snails, may be an unfamiliar dish to some, but in France, it’s a beloved delicacy steeped in tradition. Served hot and bubbling in garlic-parsley butter, escargot is a true gourmet experience that brings bold flavor and elegance to the table.
While the idea of eating snails may surprise first-timers, escargot has been enjoyed for centuries in French cuisine. The snails are typically cleaned, cooked, and returned to their shells or special ceramic dishes, then baked with a rich mixture of butter, garlic, parsley, and sometimes white wine. The result is an intensely aromatic dish with a tender, meaty texture and an irresistible buttery sauce that’s perfect for dipping crusty bread.
Escargot is most often served as an appetizer and is especially popular in Burgundy, where the dish is a regional specialty. It’s commonly enjoyed during holidays, celebratory dinners, and fine dining experiences. The traditional escargot tongs and small forks used to serve them add a charming and ceremonial touch to the meal.
For those new to escargot, the garlic butter is the perfect introduction. Its bold, savory flavor complements the delicate taste of the snails without overpowering them. Even those who are hesitant to try snails often fall in love with the dish after one bite.
Escargot with garlic butter is more than just a unique dish, it’s a celebration of French culinary artistry. Whether you’re enjoying it in a Parisian bistro or recreating the experience at home, this dish offers a memorable and delicious way to explore one of France’s most iconic appetizers.
Pair it with a crisp white wine and warm baguette, and you have a timeless entrée into the world of French gastronomy.
Ingredients
- 24 snails canned
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp parsley chopped, fresh
- 1 tbsp thyme leaves fresh
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, thyme leaves, salt, and pepper.
- Drain the canned snails and rinse well.
- Place a snail in each shell and fill the shell with the garlic butter mixture.
- Place the filled shells on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, until the butter is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot with crusty bread.
Nutrition
So easy! I didn’t have fresh thyme, but it turned out fine! 🌿
These snails were so delicious, like butter in my mouth! Yummy!
Snails? Really? Do people really eat this? 🤔
I can’t find snails in my area. Can I use mushrooms instead? 🤷♀️
Yummy! I wonder if I can do this with mushrooms instead.
Yum! Just like I had in France. So delicious and buttery! My new favorite dish.
Wow, I never thought I’d be able to make escargot at home! This recipe is a game changer. Tastes just like at the restaurant!
Yeah, right! Who even eats snails? So gross!
I’ve tried escargot and it’s actually really tasty! You should give it a chance before knocking it!
Yuck, why would anyone eat snails? Just stick to hotdogs!
Escargot is a delicacy in many countries! Just because it’s not for you doesn’t mean it’s bad. Try it with an open mind!
Not bad, but I prefer them without the butter. More garlic next time!
Made these for my fancy dinner party and they were a hit! Thanks!
Wow, escargot at a dinner party? That’s bold! Glad they were a hit!
I made this for my fancy dinner party and it was a hit! Everyone loved the garlic butter, so rich and buttery! Highly recommend.
My husband said it was like chewing on rubber! Nuh-uh, no more snails in this house.
I don’t understand why people love these nasty things. Just stick to chicken!
My grandma used to make these before her surgery. They bring back memories.
Is this really a thing? I’m never eating snails! 🤢
The garlic butter was the best part! I could just eat that on bread, forget the snails.
But isn’t the whole point of escargot to eat the snails? Just saying…
I totally agree! The garlic butter is like magic. Who cares about the snails, right?
Why would anyone want to eat something like this!? I’m sticking to burgers.
Not my thing. Tried it once and never again. Tastes weird.
Wow, never thought I’d make snails at home! This looks incredible! 🤤
I can’t believe you’re making escargot! That’s so fancy! 😍 I might just have to give it a try now!
Snails? Seriously? I don’t know about that… Seems kinda gross to me. 🤔
Seems like a lot of work for something I could just eat from a can, but I guess if you’re into that.
Is it just me, or is it hard to find canned snails? I went all over town looking. 😤
These snails are delish! Perfect for impressing guests. 🐌🍴
Delicious! But are canned snails really escargot? 🍴
Absolutely love this dish! I pair it with a nice pinot noir. So classy. 🥂
Not gonna lie, I thought there would be a recipe for spaghetti. 😅
I thought this would be a lot harder! It’s actually realy easy! Tasted great!
Soo easy! I didn’t know you could make escargot at home. Just like the restaurant. 🐌💖
I tried this recipe but the snails were kind of slimy. Maybe I did something wrong?
Yummy! But I didn’t have shells, so I just put the snails in a dish. Still turned out great!
I used grated cheese on top too, so good! Gonna invite friends over to impress them.
This recipe is kinda weird. I always thought snails were for fancy restaurants only. Didn’t really enjoy the texture.
I get that! Snails can be a tough texture to handle. Have you tried them in any other dishes?
Never thought I would be eating snails. Thought it was gross at 1st, but they were actually really good! Didn’t have fresh herbs tho, used dried. Still tasty!
I dunno, snails just seem weird to me. Who eats snails anyway? I’ll stick to pizza.
Wow! This is so fancy. I made it for my fancy dinner party and everyone loved it!
Snails? Really? I thought this was a joke! You people are gonna eat garden pests now?
This is a fancy dish, I’m impressing my friends! I wish I could share a pic but I’m still learning the internet. 😂
Instructions are a bit confusing. Should I bake or grill? 🤔
This recipe is missing instructions on how to clean the snails. Got confused. Could be better.
I added some cheese on top before baking and it was bomb! Will make again for sure.
This recipe is horrible! Snails are gross and the butter just makes it worse. Never trying this again!
Too much thyme for my taste, but overall it was alright. Maybe try it with less herbs next time.
I actually love thyme! Adds a nice flavor kick. But yeah, everyone has their preference. Maybe try dill instead?
This recipe is amazing! I’ve never cooked escargot before and it turned out perfect. The butter and garlic combo is to die for!
Delish! I made mine with extra garlic and it was soooo good!!!
I thought escargot was like a kind of fish? Turns out it’s snails, lol. Not sure if I’ll try this.
Lol, yeah, escargot is definitely not fish! It’s a unique dish though. If you’re feeling adventurous, give it a shot! You might be surprised!
Love this! Perfect with some bread to soak up all that garlic butter! 🍞
Ew, snails? No thanks! I’ll stick with regular butter on my bread.
I totally agree! The garlic butter is the best part! 🧄❤️
Not a fan. Snails are kinda gross and I don’t see why people eat them. But I guess if you like it, this sounds easy to make?
Yuck, snails?! Who thought of this? I’m sticking to chicken nuggets!
I get what you mean! Snails are definitely not for everyone. But the garlic butter makes a big difference, I promise!
Easy and flavorful! Snails were not hard to make but my kids didn’t wanna try them. I’ll keep making this dish for myself!
Yum! I love escargot! Will definitely try this. How long do you bake them for?!
easy to follow but I think there should be more herbs. Needs summo spice!
Garlic butter is the best part! Even if you don’t like snails, this stuff is great on bread.
Absolutely! Garlic butter is amazing on everything. It’s like the secret weapon of flavor!
I dunno about that. Snails kinda gross me out. Can you really just use the butter on bread?
Canned snails? Really? Can’t be that good. Fresh ones must be better, right?
I get what you mean, but honestly, I’ve tried both and the canned ones are surprisingly good when cooked right! You should give it a shot!
So I tried this and it was my 1st time eating snails lol. The butter was delish but the snails were just kinda slimy? 🤔 Not for everyone.
It was okay, but honestly prefer shrimp or something. Snails taste kinda rubbery. The garlic butter was nice tho.