Garlic Shrimp Gratin Recipe for Seafood Lovers

Baking this incredible garlic shrimp gratin brings memories of coastal evenings in southern France.

Mediterranean flavors dance across each perfectly seasoned bite.

Succulent shrimp nestle beneath a golden, crispy breadcrumb blanket waiting to surprise you.

Fragrant herbs and rich butter create an irresistible aroma that fills the kitchen.

Delicate seafood pairs magnificently with crusty bread for soaking up every delicious drop.

Weeknight dinners or special celebrations deserve something this spectacular.

We promise this elegant dish will become your new favorite seafood sensation.

What Makes Garlic Shrimp Gratin So Special

• Quickly transforms simple shrimp into a gourmet dish with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Delivers restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy professionals needing delicious dinner solutions.
• Creates rich, creamy texture that appeals to both adults and children, making it an ideal family-friendly recipe that satisfies diverse taste preferences.
• Elegant enough for dinner parties yet simple to prepare, allowing hosts to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Everything You Need for Garlic Shrimp Gratin

• Shrimp: Sweet and tender seafood protein, best when fresh and deveined, wild-caught or farm-raised options available.

• Butter: Rich flavor base for cooking and sauce, unsalted preferred for better control of saltiness.
• Heavy Cream: Luxurious sauce thickener, provides smooth and silky texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and salty cheese for depth of flavor, aged varieties recommended.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Mild cheese that melts beautifully, creates golden stretchy top layer.

• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient with intense flavor, fresh cloves provide best taste.
• Black Pepper: Spicy seasoning that adds warmth, freshly ground preferred.
• Salt: Essential seasoning for balancing flavors, sea salt or kosher salt recommended.
• Lemon Juice: Bright acidic component to cut through richness, fresh squeezed ideal.
• Parsley: Fresh herb for garnish and subtle green note, flat-leaf variety preferred.

• Breadcrumbs: Crunchy element for textural contrast, panko style works best.

• White Wine: Optional flavor enhancer, dry varieties like Sauvignon Blanc work well.

How to Cook Garlic Shrimp Gratin with Ease

Step 1: Heat Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a sizzling 400°F (200°C).

Step 2: Prep the Seafood Stars

Dry the shrimp completely using paper towels.

Season with salt and black pepper.

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.

• 1-2 minutes per side
• Stop when they turn just pink
• Remove from pan and set aside

Step 3: Craft the Creamy Garlic Sauce

Use the same skillet and add butter.

Sauté minced garlic until aromatic.

• Heavy cream
• White wine (optional)

Simmer until sauce thickens slightly.

• Parmesan cheese
• Lemon juice
• Fresh parsley

Step 4: Build the Delicious Layers

Spread shrimp in a single layer in baking dish.

Pour garlic cream sauce evenly over shrimp.

• Mozzarella cheese
• Breadcrumbs

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide dish into preheated oven.

Bake 10-12 minutes until cheese melts and turns golden.

Optional broil 1-2 minutes for extra crispiness.

Step 6: Final Touches

Sprinkle extra parsley on top.

• Crusty bread
• Rice
• Side salad

Best Suggestions for Garlic Shrimp Gratin Lovers

• Pat Shrimp Perfectly: Use paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring crispy and golden-brown edges during baking.
• Control Cooking Time: Remove shrimp from skillet when just pink to prevent overcooking, allowing them to finish cooking in the creamy sauce and oven.
• Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select high-quality, fresh shrimp and use freshly grated Parmesan for the most vibrant and rich flavor profile.
• Customize Cheese Options: Swap mozzarella with gruyère or fontina for a more complex and nutty cheese experience in the gratin.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the garlic cream sauce for a subtle kick of heat and extra depth of flavor.

Preserving Garlic Shrimp Gratin the Smart Way

• Store leftover garlic shrimp gratin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Let the dish reach room temperature before sealing to prevent condensation and soggy texture.
• Warm in the oven at 325°F for 8-10 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. Avoid microwave to maintain crispy breadcrumb topping.
• Enjoy reheated leftovers within 24 hours for optimal flavor and texture.

What to Serve Alongside Garlic Shrimp Gratin

• Select crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that enhance the delicate shrimp and creamy garlic sauce, cutting through rich flavors with bright acidity.
• Serve with rustic sourdough or garlic crostini to soak up the luxurious sauce, providing delightful textural contrast and additional flavor absorption.
• Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan, offering fresh, peppery notes that balance the gratin's richness and provide refreshing counterpoint.
• Prepare roasted asparagus or grilled zucchini with herbs, adding green vegetable freshness that complements the seafood's decadent profile and provides nutritional balance.

Fun Flavor Changes for Garlic Shrimp Gratin

• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. Swap mozzarella for dairy-free cheese alternative.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Eliminate breadcrumbs and use crushed pork rinds as a low-carb topping. Use full-fat cream and extra cheese for higher fat content.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Add chopped fresh oregano, thyme, and dill to the garlic sauce. Replace white wine with a splash of dry vermouth for deeper flavor complexity.
• Spicy Seafood Remix: Incorporate red pepper flakes into the sauce. Mix in diced jalapeños and use smoked paprika for an extra kick. Top with chopped cilantro for brightness.

Garlic Shrimp Gratin Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

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

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Description

Succulent garlic shrimp gratin brings Mediterranean coastal flavors to your dinner table with rich, creamy elegance. Parmesan-crusted prawns nestled in a velvety sauce promise a luxurious culinary escape you’ll savor down to the last delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

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

Dairy and Cheese:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup (50 g) shredded mozzarella cheese

Flavor Enhancers and Seasonings:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup (60 ml) dry white wine (optional)
• ¼ cup (25 g) breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Salt
• Black pepper

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Instructions

1. Meticulously dry the shrimp using paper towels, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
2. Warm butter in a skillet over medium heat, gently searing the shrimp for 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn pale pink and are slightly undercooked. Transfer the shrimp to a separate plate.
3. In the same skillet, introduce minced garlic and sauté until its aromatic essence permeates the butter, creating a fragrant base for the sauce.
4. Incorporate heavy cream and white wine, allowing the mixture to simmer and gradually thicken, developing a rich, velvety consistency.
5. Remove the skillet from heat and fold in grated Parmesan cheese, a splash of bright lemon juice, and freshly chopped parsley, creating a harmonious sauce.
6. Carefully distribute the shrimp in a single layer within an ovenproof dish, ensuring even coverage.
7. Cascade the garlic cream sauce over the shrimp, then generously sprinkle mozzarella cheese to create a luxurious blanket.
8. Dust the surface with breadcrumbs, providing a promising golden, crispy texture.
9. Slide the dish into a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven, baking for 10-12 minutes until the cheese melts and transforms into a golden-brown masterpiece.
10. For an extra crisp finish, activate the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
11. Garnish with additional parsley, creating a vibrant visual appeal, and serve immediately alongside crusty bread or a light salad.

Notes

• Choose plump, fresh shrimp with no discoloration or strong fishy smell to guarantee the best flavor and texture.
• Pat shrimp completely dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture and ensure perfect caramelization and crispy edges.
• Use fresh garlic cloves instead of pre-minced for more intense, robust flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Opt for high-quality Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses for a richer, more complex taste profile.
• For a low-carb version, replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds to maintain crispiness.
• Enhance dairy-free adaptations by substituting heavy cream with coconut cream and using nutritional yeast instead of cheese.
• Control spice levels by adding red pepper flakes or cayenne for those who enjoy a subtle kick without overwhelming heat.
• Select medium-sized shrimp for more consistent cooking and easier eating experience in the gratin.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 220 mg