Delicious Garlic Shrimp Gratin Recipe

The Creamiest Garlic Shrimp Gratin Recipe You’ll Ever Taste

Succulent shrimp dancing in a garlic-infused gratin will make your taste buds sing with delight.

This classic French-inspired dish blends tender seafood with rich, creamy notes that melt in your mouth.

Generous herbs and a golden, crispy top create an irresistible texture that screams gourmet comfort.

Each bite promises a symphony of flavors that elevate a simple meal into something extraordinary.

Butter, garlic, and fresh parsley weave magic into every single morsel.

Perfectly balanced and surprisingly easy to prepare, this gratin turns an ordinary dinner into a restaurant-worthy experience.

Serve it alongside crusty bread and watch everyone at the table fall in love with this seafood sensation.

Shrimp Gratin Options and Twists

  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Gratin: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds and serve over cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly version.
  • Dairy-Free Coconut Cream Shrimp: Swap heavy cream and cheeses with coconut cream and nutritional yeast for a lactose-free alternative.
  • Mediterranean Herb Shrimp: Add fresh oregano, thyme, and swap mozzarella with crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
  • Spicy Cajun Seafood Gratin: Incorporate Cajun seasoning, use andouille sausage instead of plain breadcrumbs, and add cayenne pepper for extra heat.

Serving Up Garlic Shrimp Gratin

  • Coastal Dinner Party Centerpiece: Serve this luxurious garlic shrimp gratin as a stunning main course for an elegant seafood-themed dinner with close friends.
  • Fresh Mediterranean Appetizer Platter: Slice the gratin into smaller portions and pair with crusty bread, olives, and a crisp white wine for a delightful Mediterranean-style appetizer spread.
  • Romantic Weeknight Indulgence: Create an intimate dinner experience by serving the gratin with a simple side salad and candlelight, transforming an ordinary evening into a gourmet date night.
  • Brunch Seafood Sensation: Offer the gratin alongside scrambled eggs and toasted sourdough for a decadent weekend brunch that will impress breakfast guests with its rich, creamy flavors.

Storing Shrimp Gratin After the Meal

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the shrimp gratin covered in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
  • Carefully transfer cooled gratin to a freezer-safe container. Seal tightly and freeze for maximum 1 month. Avoid freezing to prevent texture changes.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Place gratin in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through, removing foil last 3 minutes for crispy top.
  • Heat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even warming, checking temperature to prevent overcooking shrimp.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture.

  • How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and slightly curl – overcooking makes them tough and rubbery.

  • Is this dish spicy?

The recipe isn’t inherently spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes or cayenne for heat if desired.

  • Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Prepare the shrimp mixture and assemble in the baking dish, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to cooking time if baking from cold.

Garlic Shrimp Gratin, What to Expect

  • Quick Kitchen Magic: This shrimp gratin transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish with minimal cooking skills required.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Creamy, cheesy texture and bold garlic flavor make this recipe a guaranteed hit for family dinners and casual gatherings.
  • Speedy Gourmet Meal: From start to finish, you can prepare this elegant seafood dish in less than 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinner plans.
  • Versatile Entertaining Option: Easily scales up for parties, looks impressive when served, and pairs wonderfully with salad or crusty bread for a complete meal experience.

Shrimp Gratin Ingredient Rundown

Main Ingredients:
  • Shrimp: Fresh, succulent seafood that forms the heart of this delectable gratin.
  • Butter: Rich, creamy fat that provides a luxurious base for the sauce and enhances flavor.
  • Heavy Cream: Smooth dairy product that creates a silky, indulgent sauce for the dish.
Seasonings and Spices:
  • Garlic, Salt, Pepper, Paprika: Classic seasonings that add depth, warmth, and complexity to the shrimp gratin.
  • Lemon Juice: Bright, tangy ingredient that brings a fresh zest to the rich sauce.
Cheese and Topping:
  • Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Flavorful cheeses that melt beautifully and create a golden, crispy topping.
  • Breadcrumbs: Crunchy coating that adds texture and a delightful golden-brown finish to the gratin.
Garnish:
  • Parsley: Fresh herb that provides a pop of color and a light, aromatic finish to the dish.

Steps for Garlic Shrimp Gratin

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F.

Grab your favorite baking dish and give it a light coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create a Flavor Base

Drop butter into a skillet and let it melt over medium heat.

Toss in minced garlic and dance it around until the kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma.

Step 3: Whip Up a Creamy Sauce

Pour in the ingredients to create a dreamy sauce:
  • Heavy cream
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Paprika
  • Fresh lemon juice

Let the sauce bubble and mingle for a couple of minutes, creating a rich foundation.

Step 4: Cook the Seafood

Slide the succulent shrimp into the skillet.

Gently cook them until they just start turning a soft pink color.

Pull the skillet off the heat to prevent overcooking.

Step 5: Assemble the Gratin

Transfer the shrimp and sauce into the prepared baking dish.

Sprinkle generously with:
  • Shredded mozzarella
  • Crispy breadcrumbs

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven.

Bake until the top turns golden and the edges start bubbling with excitement, about 12-15 minutes.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Shower the gratin with freshly chopped parsley.

Bring to the table piping hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up.

Tips for Cheesy Shrimp Gratin Success

  • Remove shrimp from heat as soon as they turn slightly pink to maintain tender, juicy texture and avoid rubbery consistency.
  • Choose plump, firm shrimp with a mild ocean scent to ensure maximum flavor and quality in the gratin.
  • Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter before sprinkling to create a crispier, more golden-brown crust on top.
  • Simmer sauce gently to prevent separation and maintain smooth, creamy consistency without curdling.
  • Replace regular salt with low-sodium alternatives or use herbs like fresh thyme to enhance flavor without excess salt.
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Delicious Garlic Shrimp Gratin Recipe

Delicious Garlic Shrimp Gratin Recipe


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4.8 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent garlic shrimp gratin brings Mediterranean coastal flavors straight to your kitchen with creamy, herb-infused elegance. Crisp golden breadcrumbs and tender shrimp create a luxurious dining experience you won’t forget.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

Seasoning and Flavoring:

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Cooking Fat:

  • 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 375°F and prepare a ceramic baking vessel with a light butter coating.
  2. Heat butter in a skillet over medium temperature, introducing minced garlic and allowing it to release its aromatic essence until softened.
  3. Create a luxurious sauce by incorporating heavy cream, grated Parmesan, seasoning with salt, pepper, paprika, and a splash of zesty lemon juice, allowing the mixture to gently simmer and meld flavors for approximately 2 minutes.
  4. Introduce raw shrimp to the skillet, carefully cooking them until they transition to a delicate pink hue, ensuring they remain tender and not overdone.
  5. Carefully transfer the succulent shrimp and fragrant sauce into the prepared baking dish, ensuring even distribution.
  6. Generously scatter mozzarella cheese and crisp breadcrumbs across the surface, creating a golden, textured topping.
  7. Place the dish into the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for 12-15 minutes until the surface transforms into a bubbling, bronzed masterpiece.
  8. Remove from oven, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately while piping hot, allowing the rich flavors to captivate your palate.

Notes

  • Use fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture, ensuring they are deveined and cleaned thoroughly before cooking.
  • Adjust the garlic intensity by adding more or less based on personal preference, keeping in mind that roasting mellows its sharp bite.
  • Consider gluten-free alternatives by substituting regular breadcrumbs with almond meal or gluten-free panko for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Enhance the dish’s nutritional profile by adding chopped spinach or diced bell peppers to the sauce for extra vegetables and color.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 385 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 580 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 17 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 29 g
  • Cholesterol: 210 mg
Natalie Brooks

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.

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