Garlic Shrimp Gratin is a creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly flavorful dish. It works beautifully as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a satisfying main course. The combination of tender shrimp, a rich garlic-infused sauce, and a golden breadcrumb topping will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bursting with Flavor: The creamy garlic sauce and cheesy topping perfectly complement the succulent shrimp.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve it with crusty bread, over pasta, or with rice for a complete meal.
Easy to Make: This dish comes together quickly and bakes to golden perfection in just minutes.
Elegant Yet Simple: Perfect for a casual dinner or a special occasion.
Customizable: Adjust the cheeses or swap ingredients to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup (60 ml) dry white wine or chicken broth
1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (60 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 tsp paprika (optional)
1/2 cup (50 g) breadcrumbs (preferably freshly made)
1 tbsp olive oil
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions
Prepare the Shrimp:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish large enough to hold the shrimp in a single layer.
Cook the Garlic Shrimp:
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until they are pink and slightly undercooked. Remove and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the white wine or chicken broth, letting it simmer for 1–2 minutes to reduce slightly.
Make the Sauce:
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2–3 minutes to thicken. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add a pinch of paprika if desired.
Assemble the Gratin:
Arrange the partially cooked shrimp in the prepared baking dish. Pour the creamy garlic sauce evenly over the shrimp. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the top.
Add the Breadcrumb Topping:
In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil until evenly coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the mozzarella.
Bake and Serve:
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
Cheese Options: Swap mozzarella for Gruyère or cheddar for a different flavor profile.
Low-Carb Version: Skip the breadcrumbs or use almond flour mixed with Parmesan for the topping.
Seafood Mix: Add scallops or chunks of white fish alongside the shrimp for variety.
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a kick of heat.
Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese substitutes.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through. Avoid overcooking to maintain the shrimp’s texture.
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FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, thaw the shrimp completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and the best texture.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and cook the shrimp in advance. Assemble the gratin just before baking for the best results.
What can I substitute for white wine?
Chicken broth works perfectly as a non-alcoholic substitute for white wine.
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
While fresh shrimp is best, pre-cooked shrimp can be used. Simply skip the initial cooking step and add them directly to the baking dish before pouring the sauce.
What side dishes pair well with this recipe?
Garlic Shrimp Gratin pairs beautifully with crusty bread, rice, pasta, or a fresh green salad.
Conclusion
Garlic Shrimp Gratin is a decadent yet simple dish that will impress at any gathering or family dinner. Its creamy sauce, cheesy topping, and golden crust make it a standout recipe that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Try it once, and it just might become a new favorite.
📖 Recipe:
PrintGarlic Shrimp Gratin
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Garlic Shrimp Gratin is a creamy, cheesy seafood dish packed with flavor. Perfect as an appetizer or main course, this easy-to-make recipe combines tender shrimp, a rich garlic sauce, and a golden breadcrumb topping. Serve it with crusty bread or pasta for an unforgettable meal.
Ingredients
1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup (60 ml) dry white wine or chicken broth
1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (60 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 tsp paprika (optional)
1/2 cup (50 g) breadcrumbs (preferably freshly made)
1 tbsp olive oil
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Prepare the Shrimp:
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Cook shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until pink but slightly undercooked. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- Sauté garlic in the same skillet until fragrant. Add white wine or broth and simmer for 1–2 minutes. Stir in heavy cream, simmering for 2–3 minutes. Add Parmesan cheese and paprika (if using) and mix until smooth.
- Assemble the Gratin:
- Arrange shrimp in the prepared baking dish. Pour garlic sauce over shrimp and sprinkle mozzarella on top.
- Breadcrumb Topping:
- Mix breadcrumbs with olive oil and evenly coat. Sprinkle over the dish.
- Bake and Serve:
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until bubbly and golden. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Cheese Variations: Substitute Gruyère or cheddar for a twist in flavor.
Low-Carb Option: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour mixed with Parmesan.
Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese substitutes.
Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or until warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, French-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings