If you’re someone who loves rich, creamy seafood dishes that come together quickly, this Garlic Shrimp Gratin Recipe might just become your new favorite. It perfectly balances succulent shrimp cooked in a luscious garlic cream sauce, topped with golden, crispy breadcrumbs and melted cheese. Every bite is a celebration of flavor and texture, with the fresh parsley adding a final pop of color and brightness. Honestly, this dish feels fancy enough for special occasions but is simple enough for a weeknight treat—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the cooking, let’s take a look at the straightforward ingredients that make this dish shine. Each one plays a special role, from the tender shrimp that star as the main ingredient to the cheeses and breadcrumbs that create that irresistible gratin crust.
- Large shrimp (1 lb, peeled and deveined): Fresh or thawed, shrimp provide a sweet, succulent base for this gratin.
- Unsalted butter (2 tbsp): Adds richness and helps cook the shrimp gently without overpowering their flavor.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): The key aromatic that creates the unforgettable garlicky depth in the sauce.
- Dry white wine or chicken broth (1/4 cup): Brings acidity and complexity; wine adds a subtle fruitiness, broth keeps it savory.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): This makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and helps meld all the flavors together perfectly.
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Sharp and nutty, it enriches the sauce with a delicious umami kick.
- Mozzarella cheese (1/4 cup, shredded): Melts beautifully into a gooey topping that contrasts with the crunchy breadcrumbs.
- Paprika (1/4 tsp, optional): Adds a subtle smoky warmth and gorgeous color to the dish.
- Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup, preferably freshly made): Essential for that signature gratin crispiness on top.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): Used to coat the breadcrumbs, helping them brown up nicely in the oven.
- Chopped fresh parsley: For garnish, adding freshness and vibrant green color.
How to Make Garlic Shrimp Gratin Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish
The very first step is to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready when your gratin assembly is complete. Lightly grease your baking dish so the cheesy topping won’t stick and the whole creation can come out smoothly after baking.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp Gently
Heat the butter in a skillet over medium heat and cook the shrimp for about 1–2 minutes on each side until they just turn pink. The magic here is to remove them before they’re fully cooked—they’ll finish cooking in the oven. This keeps the shrimp juicy and tender, preventing that rubbery texture nobody wants.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic just until fragrant—this releases that incredible aroma that starts to fill your kitchen. Next, add the white wine or chicken broth, letting it simmer for a minute or two to reduce slightly. Stir in heavy cream and allow it to simmer gently, thickening up for another 2–3 minutes. Blend in the grated Parmesan and optional paprika, stirring until the sauce is smooth and luxuriously creamy.
Step 4: Assemble the Gratin
Place the partially cooked shrimp evenly in your prepared baking dish. Pour the velvety garlic cream sauce over the shrimp, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top. This layering promises gooey, cheesy goodness that pulls everyone closer to the table.
Step 5: Add the Crispy Breadcrumb Topping
Combine your breadcrumbs with olive oil until they’re well coated—this helps achieve that beautiful golden crunch. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the entire dish, ensuring each bite has that perfect contrast of crispy topping to creamy base.
Step 6: Bake Until Bubbling and Golden
Pop your baking dish into the oven for 10–12 minutes. You’ll want to bake it just until it’s bubbling hot and the breadcrumbs turn a gorgeous golden brown. Don’t forget to finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving—that final touch brightens those deep flavors wonderfully.
How to Serve Garlic Shrimp Gratin Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is a classic garnish here, adding a little herbaceous brightness that cuts through the richness of the gratin. If you want to get creative, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or some thin lemon zest curls can elevate the flavors even further, offering a zesty counterpoint.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed lightly in vinaigrette to balance the creamy garlic sauce. If you prefer something heartier, garlic bread or crusty baguette slices are fantastic for dipping and soaking up every last drop of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, consider serving individual portions in small ramekins for a charming, personalized touch. You can also sprinkle a little extra Parmesan or paprika on top before baking to add more flavor and visual appeal, making the dish look as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any uneaten Garlic Shrimp Gratin Recipe will keep well refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days. When storing, try to keep the crispy topping separate if possible, so it stays crunchy when reheated.
Freezing
While the dish is best enjoyed fresh for that perfect texture contrast, you can freeze leftovers by covering the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Freeze for up to one month. Just know that the breadcrumb topping may lose some of its crunch after freezing.
Reheating
To reheat, place your leftovers in an oven-safe dish and warm at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes until heated through. If you stored the topping separately, sprinkle it on in the final few minutes of reheating to refresh the crunch.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture, which can affect the sauce consistency.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter option, whole milk mixed with a bit of cornstarch can work, but the sauce won’t be quite as rich and creamy. For dairy-free alternatives, coconut cream is an option though it will add a different flavor profile.
Is it important to use fresh garlic?
Fresh garlic delivers the best flavor and aroma, which is essential in this dish. Garlic powder or pre-minced garlic won’t give the same depth, so fresh is definitely recommended here.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, you can swap the shrimp for mushrooms or artichoke hearts, and use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth or wine in the sauce.
How can I make the breadcrumb topping extra crispy?
Using freshly made breadcrumbs and coating them evenly in olive oil helps create that perfect crunch. You can also toast the breadcrumbs lightly in a pan before sprinkling them on top for an even better texture.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Garlic Shrimp Gratin Recipe enough—it’s a true joy to make and enjoy. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just treat yourself to something special, it’s a dish that offers warmth, flavor, and that irresistible garlic goodness in every bite. Give it a try, and soon you’ll be reaching for this recipe time and time again.
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Garlic Shrimp Gratin Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired
Description
Garlic Shrimp Gratin is a creamy, cheesy baked shrimp dish featuring succulent shrimp cooked in a garlic-infused white wine cream sauce, topped with mozzarella cheese and a crispy breadcrumb crust. Perfect as a comforting appetizer or main course, this recipe combines rich flavors and textures for an elegant yet easy-to-make seafood delight.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Butter
- 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Sauce
- 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 tsp paprika (optional)
Toppings
- 1/4 cup (60 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (50 g) breadcrumbs (preferably freshly made)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to ensure the gratin doesn’t stick.
- Prepare the Shrimp: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the shrimp and cook each side for 1 to 2 minutes until they turn pink but remain slightly undercooked. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside to preserve their tenderness.
- Make the Sauce: Using the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the dry white wine or chicken broth and let it simmer for 1 to 2 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in the heavy cream and continue simmering for another 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens marginally. Add grated Parmesan cheese and optional paprika, stirring gently until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Gratin: Arrange the partially cooked shrimp evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour the garlic cream sauce over the shrimp, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top for a gooey finish.
- Breadcrumb Topping: In a small bowl, toss the breadcrumbs with olive oil until well coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the dish to create a crunchy topping.
- Bake and Serve: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving hot for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- Using freshly made breadcrumbs will enhance the texture of the topping.
- Make sure shrimp are slightly undercooked before baking to avoid overcooking.
- You can substitute chicken broth for white wine to keep this recipe non-alcoholic.
- Serve with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated gently to preserve creaminess.
