Quick & Creamy Garlic Shrimp Gratin Recipe: Seafood Magic

A culinary adventure with garlic shrimp gratin awaits passionate home cooks seeking comfort and elegance.

Mediterranean flavors dance through this simple yet sophisticated dish.

Bold seafood lovers appreciate its creamy, golden-crusted charm.

Crisp breadcrumbs and succulent shrimp create a harmonious blend of textures.

Fresh herbs whisper subtle sophistication across each delectable bite.

Weeknight dinners and special occasions merge seamlessly with this versatile recipe.

Savor every moment and let your kitchen become a gourmet sanctuary.

Garlic Shrimp Gratin That’s Bubbly and Rich

• Speedy Seafood Delight: Quick 20-minute meal that transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet experience.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: One-skillet recipe delivering rich, creamy flavors that appeal to both seafood lovers and casual diners, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Impressive dish that looks and tastes sophisticated but requires minimal culinary skills, making home cooks feel like professional chefs.
• Versatile Serving Options: Easily adaptable to serve over pasta, with crusty bread, or as a standalone dish, providing flexibility for different meal preferences and occasions.

Ingredients That Build Garlic Shrimp Gratin

• Shrimp: Fresh, sweet ocean protein with delicate texture; choose large or jumbo size for best presentation.
• Salt: Essential seasoning to enhance shrimp's natural flavor.
• Black Pepper: Adds gentle warmth and depth to the dish.

• Butter: Rich, smooth base for creating sauce; provides deep flavor and helps prevent sticking.
• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, silky sauce texture; whole milk can be substituted.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that adds complex umami flavor; freshly grated recommended.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Mild, melty cheese that provides stretchy, golden topping.

• Garlic: Pungent, aromatic ingredient that infuses sauce with intense flavor; fresh cloves preferred over pre-minced.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy element that adds subtle heat.
• Parsley: Fresh herb for bright, green garnish and subtle herbal notes.
• Breadcrumbs: Crunchy topping that creates golden, crispy layer.
• Olive Oil: Helps bind breadcrumb topping and adds subtle fruity undertone.

Shrimp Gratin with Garlic Sauce Bake

Step 1: Kick Off the Oven Warmup

Fire up your oven to a toasty 400°F.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional spicy kick)

Gently massage the seasonings into the shrimp for maximum flavor absorption.

Step 2: Craft the Creamy Sauce Magic

Grab an ovenproof skillet and melt butter over medium heat.

Toss in minced garlic and dance it around for 1-2 minutes until wonderfully aromatic.

Pour in heavy cream and sprinkle Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce transforms into a silky, slightly thickened marvel.

Step 3: Marry Shrimp with Sauce

Lovingly introduce the seasoned shrimp to the creamy sauce, gently coating each morsel.

Blanket the surface with a generous layer of mozzarella cheese for extra gooey goodness.

Step 4: Create the Crunchy Topping

• Breadcrumbs
• Fresh chopped parsley
• Olive oil

Mix until the ingredients become best friends and look perfectly combined.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the skillet into the preheated oven.

• Shrimp turning perfectly pink
• Topping transforming into a golden-brown masterpiece

Step 6: Serve and Celebrate

Sprinkle extra parsley on top for a pop of fresh color.

Serve immediately alongside crusty bread or atop a bed of pasta.

Enjoy your restaurant-worthy creation!

Broiling Tips for Garlic Shrimp Gratin

• Select large, deveined shrimp for the best texture and easiest eating experience.
• Watch the cheese carefully to prevent burning, ensuring a perfectly golden and bubbly top.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to match your personal heat preference, from mild to fiery.
• Toast breadcrumbs briefly before mixing with parsley to enhance their golden, crispy texture.
• Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version of the dish.

Garlic Shrimp Gratin Reheat

• Store leftover garlic shrimp gratin in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and keep fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place gratin in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through. Remove foil in the last 2-3 minutes to crisp the topping.
• For quick reheating, use microwave at 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Be careful not to overcook shrimp, which can become rubbery.
• Consume reheated gratin within 1-2 days for optimal taste and texture. Discard if seafood smells off or appears discolored.

Sauces to Serve With Garlic Shrimp Gratin

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc to complement the rich, creamy garlic sauce and cut through the buttery flavors.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: Create a perfect side by toasting crusty bread with garlic butter, which enhances the dish's garlicky notes and helps soak up the delicious sauce.
• Match with Citrus Salad: Prepare a light lemon and arugula salad to balance the heaviness of the gratin, adding a fresh, zesty contrast to the creamy shrimp.
• Complement with Herbed Quinoa: Cook quinoa with fresh herbs like parsley and thyme, providing a light, nutritious base that absorbs the flavorful sauce while adding texture to the meal.

Garlic Shrimp Gratin Baked Styles

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Replace traditional breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds and substitute pasta or bread with roasted cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly version.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, swap Parmesan and mozzarella with nutritional yeast, and choose plant-based butter for a lactose-free option.
• Spicy Mediterranean Style: Add chopped kalamata olives, swap red pepper flakes for harissa paste, incorporate fresh dill instead of parsley, and include crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace shrimp with firm tofu or roasted cauliflower florets, maintain the creamy garlic sauce, and use vegetable broth to enhance overall taste and texture.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

You can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning. This helps prevent excess moisture and ensures better browning.

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

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and curl into a loose “C” shape. Overcooking will make them tough and rubbery, so watch them carefully during the 10-12 minute baking time.

• Is this dish spicy?

The recipe has a mild heat from optional red pepper flakes. You can adjust the spiciness by adding more or less pepper flakes, or omitting them completely for a milder version.

• Can I substitute the cheeses?

Parmesan and mozzarella work best for this recipe, but you could use gruyère or fontina as alternatives. Avoid very soft cheeses that might separate during baking.

Garlic Shrimp Gratin Recipe

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4.5 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy garlic shrimp gratin brings Mediterranean coastal charm to dinner tables with its rich, herbaceous profile. Succulent shrimp nestled in a golden, crispy cheese crust promise a luxurious seafood experience you’ll savor to the last delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Dairy and Cheese:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Herbs, Seasonings, and Toppings:

• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to a sizzling 400°F (200°C), creating the perfect environment for a golden, bubbling gratin. Liberally season the succulent shrimp with a balanced blend of salt, pepper, and optional fiery red pepper flakes.
2. Select a robust ovenproof skillet and melt butter over medium heat, allowing it to shimmer and dance. Introduce minced garlic, stirring until its aromatic essence permeates the kitchen, releasing a tantalizing fragrance.
3. Pour heavy cream into the skillet, transforming the butter and garlic into a luxurious base. Fold in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, whisking continuously until the sauce reaches a velvety, slightly thickened consistency.
4. Gently nestle the seasoned shrimp into the creamy sauce, ensuring each morsel is elegantly coated. Distribute a generous layer of mozzarella cheese across the surface, creating a molten blanket of cheesy goodness.
5. In a separate bowl, marry breadcrumbs with finely chopped parsley and a drizzle of olive oil. Massage the ingredients together until they form a harmonious, crunchy topping.
6. Scatter the herbed breadcrumb mixture evenly over the cheese-covered shrimp, promising a crisp and golden exterior.
7. Slide the skillet into the preheated oven, allowing the gratin to bake for 10-12 minutes. Watch for the shrimp to transform into a delicate pink and the topping to achieve a rich, golden-brown hue.
8. Remove from the oven and let the gratin rest momentarily. Garnish with an additional sprinkle of fresh parsley, then serve immediately alongside crusty bread or atop a bed of pasta.

Notes

• Opt for fresh, high-quality shrimp to ensure maximum flavor and tender texture.
• Pat shrimp completely dry before seasoning to prevent excess moisture and achieve perfect golden browning.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes or using alternative spices like smoked paprika for different flavor profiles.
• Consider dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream or nutritional yeast for lactose-intolerant or vegan dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 415
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 31 g
• Cholesterol: 220 mg