Creamy Garlic Shrimp Gratin Recipe

Quick & Savory Garlic Shrimp Gratin Recipe That Dazzles

My latest kitchen experiment with garlic shrimp gratin brings together creamy textures and bold Mediterranean flavors that dance on your palate.

Succulent prawns nestle perfectly beneath a golden, crispy breadcrumb blanket.

Cheese melts into rich, aromatic layers that complement the delicate seafood.

Fresh herbs add bright, unexpected notes to this classic dish.

Skilled home cooks can master this elegant recipe with just a few simple ingredients.

Coastal inspirations shine through every delectable bite, promising a restaurant-quality meal you can easily create at home.

Prepare to wow everyone at your next dinner gathering with this irresistible culinary masterpiece.

Garlic Shrimp Gratin That Delights

  • Craft Quick Comfort: Dive into a restaurant-quality dish that transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious meal with minimal kitchen effort.
  • Impress Without Stress: Elevate your cooking game with a gourmet-style recipe that looks complex but requires basic cooking skills and just a few steps.
  • Savor Versatile Dining: Perfect for romantic dinners, casual gatherings, or a satisfying family meal that appeals to seafood lovers and cheese enthusiasts.
  • Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by swapping shrimp with chicken, adding different herbs, or adjusting spice levels to match personal taste preferences.

Ingredients for Garlic Shrimp Gratin

Main Ingredients:
  • Shrimp: Fresh seafood that serves as the star protein of this creamy and flavorful gratin.
  • Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a smooth base for the sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious creaminess and helps bind the ingredients together.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Brings a sharp, salty depth to the overall dish.
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic, Salt, Pepper, Paprika: These spices and aromatics add depth and complexity to the shrimp's taste.
  • Lemon Juice: Brightens the dish with a tangy, fresh undertone.
Topping and Garnish:
  • Mozzarella Cheese, Breadcrumbs: Create a golden, crispy crust that adds texture to the gratin.
  • Parsley: Provides a fresh, green garnish that adds color and a light herbal note.

How to Prepare Garlic Shrimp Gratin

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) so it’s perfectly ready for the delicious magic about to happen.

Step 2: Butter and Garlic Dance

Grab a pan and melt butter over medium heat.

Toss in minced garlic and let it sizzle until the kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma.

Step 3: Shrimp Seasoning Spectacular

Add succulent shrimp to the pan and sprinkle with:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Paprika

Cook the shrimp until they transform into a beautiful pink color.

Step 4: Create a Dreamy Sauce

Pour in heavy cream and a splash of fresh lemon juice. Let the mixture simmer and mingle for about 2 minutes, creating a luxurious sauce.

Step 5: Cheese Fusion

Remove the pan from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese until smoothly incorporated.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the shrimp mixture to a baking dish.

Generously top with:
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Breadcrumbs

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until the top turns golden and the edges bubble with excitement.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top and serve piping hot.

Get ready for a flavor explosion!

Tips for Garlic Shrimp Gratin Success

  • Select large, fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor in this creamy gratin.
  • Avoid overcooking shrimp to prevent rubbery and tough meat; remove from heat as soon as they turn pink.
  • Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version of the dish.
  • Toast breadcrumbs separately for extra crispiness before sprinkling on top of the gratin.
  • Enhance the dish with red pepper flakes for a subtle kick of heat if you enjoy spicy flavors.

Flavorful Twists on Shrimp Gratin

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a lactose-free version.
  • Mediterranean Style: Swap shrimp with white fish like cod, add oregano and feta cheese for a Greek-inspired alternative.
  • Spicy Seafood Kick: Incorporate red chili flakes, use smoked paprika, and add chorizo bits for an extra bold flavor profile.
  • Low-Carb Option: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed almonds or pork rinds to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining a crispy topping.

Serving Ideas for Shrimp Gratin

  • Seafood Dinner Centerpiece: Impress guests by presenting the gratin as the star of a romantic dinner, paired with a crisp white wine and soft candlelight.
  • Appetizer Delight: Serve smaller portions in individual ramekins for an elegant starter at cocktail parties or special gatherings, garnished with extra fresh parsley.
  • Coastal Brunch Twist: Transform the dish into a brunch highlight by serving alongside soft scrambled eggs and toasted artisan bread, creating a luxurious morning meal.
  • Mediterranean Platter Companion: Arrange the shrimp gratin alongside mixed olives, roasted vegetables, and crusty bread for a vibrant Mediterranean-style shared meal experience.

Storing Garlic Shrimp Gratin

  • Store leftover garlic shrimp gratin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
  • Cool the dish completely before transferring to prevent condensation and maintain texture.
  • Use shallow containers to help the dish cool faster and prevent bacterial growth.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure they cook evenly and don’t release excess water.

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

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and curl into a “C” shape. Overcooking will make them tough and rubbery.

  • Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy. Greek yogurt can also work as a lighter alternative.

  • What type of breadcrumbs work best?

Panko breadcrumbs are ideal for this recipe as they provide a crispier, lighter topping compared to traditional breadcrumbs.

Print
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Creamy Garlic Shrimp Gratin Recipe

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Gratin Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 35 reviews

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

Description

Succulent garlic shrimp gratin blends Mediterranean flavors with creamy textures from French coastal kitchens. Coastal ingredients and simple techniques create an elegant seafood dish you’ll savor with crusty bread and white wine.


Ingredients

Scale

Seafood:

  • 1 pound (450 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined

Dairy and Cheese:

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

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to a sizzling 375°F (190°C), preparing for a culinary adventure.
  2. In a skillet, gently melt butter over medium heat, releasing its golden richness.
  3. Introduce minced garlic to the butter, stirring until its aromatic essence permeates the kitchen.
  4. Carefully add the shrimp, sprinkling with salt, pepper, and a dash of paprika for depth of flavor.
  5. Cook the shrimp until they transform into a delicate pink hue, signaling their perfect doneness.
  6. Pour in heavy cream and a bright splash of lemon juice, creating a luxurious sauce.
  7. Allow the mixture to simmer for a brief moment, letting the flavors meld and intensify.
  8. Remove the skillet from heat and gently fold in freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
  9. Elegantly transfer the shrimp mixture to a prepared baking dish, creating an inviting base.
  10. Generously sprinkle mozzarella cheese and breadcrumbs across the surface for a golden, crispy topping.
  11. Slide the dish into the preheated oven, baking for 12-15 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the edges bubble with promise.
  12. Retrieve from the oven and garnish with a flourish of chopped fresh parsley.
  13. Serve immediately, while the gratin is warm and irresistibly aromatic.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt to reduce calories without losing richness.
  • Replace traditional breadcrumbs with almond meal or gluten-free panko for a crispy topping that’s celiac-friendly.
  • Maximize garlic flavor by using fresh minced garlic instead of pre-chopped, which ensures a more intense and authentic taste profile.
  • Remove shrimp from heat immediately when they turn pink to prevent overcooking and maintain tender, juicy texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 570 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 17 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 215 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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