The Best Garlic Shrimp Gratin Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Succulent garlic shrimp gratin promises a Mediterranean culinary adventure that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Coastal ingredients blend seamlessly in this elegant dish.

Fresh prawns nestle beneath a golden, crispy breadcrumb blanket.

Aromatic herbs and rich cheese create a symphony of flavors.

Sophisticated yet simple, this recipe brings restaurant-quality magic to your kitchen.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of textures and seasoning.

Invite friends over and watch their eyes light up with the first forkful.

Why Garlic Shrimp Gratin Feels Fancy But Easy

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: A delightful seafood dish packed with rich, cheesy flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Perfect for busy home cooks who want a gourmet-style meal without spending hours in the kitchen, delivering restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort.
• Versatile Dinner Star: Suitable for casual family dinners, date nights, or entertaining guests, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into an impressive main course that suits multiple occasions.
• Minimal Ingredient Mastery: Requires basic pantry staples and just a few fresh ingredients, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels without compromising on taste or presentation.

What You’ll Need For Garlic Shrimp Gratin

• Shrimp: Succulent seafood that serves as the star protein of this creamy gratin dish.

• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps sauté the garlic.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and smooth base for the gratin.
• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty cheeses that add depth and create a golden, crispy topping.

• Garlic: Adds a robust and fragrant flavor to the shrimp and overall dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural taste of the shrimp.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that provides a bright, green garnish for the finished dish.

• Panko Breadcrumbs: Crispy coating that creates a crunchy texture on top of the gratin.

How To Bake Garlic Shrimp Gratin Easily

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F and get ready for a flavor explosion.

Step 2: Sizzle The Garlic

Melt butter in a skillet and dance those minced garlic pieces around until they release their aromatic magic.

Step 3: Cook The Seafood Stars

• Salt
• Black pepper

Sauté until they transform into beautiful pink curls, about 3-4 minutes. Scoop them out and set aside.

Step 4: Create A Creamy Blend

• Heavy cream
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese (half portion)
• Cooked shrimp

Mix until everything hugs each other perfectly.

Step 5: Prepare The Baking Vessel

Grease a 9×9 inch baking dish and pour in the dreamy shrimp mixture.

Step 6: Crown With Crunchy Topping

• Panko breadcrumbs
• Remaining Parmesan cheese

Sprinkle this golden shower evenly across the surface.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the top turns gorgeous golden brown and starts bubbling with excitement.

Step 8: Serve With Flair

Pull out of the oven, let it rest briefly, then shower with fresh chopped parsley before serving this decadent seafood masterpiece.

Tips For Golden Garlic Shrimp Gratin

• Choose fresh, large shrimp for the best texture and flavor in this creamy dish.
• Control garlic intensity by adjusting the amount to suit personal taste preferences.
• Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version of the gratin.
• Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Ensure shrimp are not overcooked by removing them from heat as soon as they turn pink to maintain tenderness.

Tasty Add-Ons For Garlic Shrimp Gratin

• Mediterranean Marvel: Replace mozzarella with feta cheese, add diced tomatoes and fresh oregano for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Cajun Kick: Mix in Cajun seasoning, add andouille sausage, and include bell peppers for a New Orleans-style transformation.
• Asian-Inspired Fusion: Swap heavy cream for coconut milk, incorporate ginger and green onions, and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for an exotic approach.
• Herb Garden Edition: Mix in fresh chopped basil, thyme, and chives, replace panko with herbed breadcrumbs for an aromatic variation.

What To Pair With Garlic Shrimp Gratin

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio cuts through the creamy richness and complements the garlic's sharpness perfectly.
• Serve with Crusty Bread: Rustic sourdough or French baguette becomes an ideal vehicle for soaking up the delectable sauce and capturing every luxurious flavor.
• Create Fresh Side Salad: Light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a zesty contrast to the rich, creamy gratin, balancing the dish's intense flavors.
• Match with Herbed Roasted Vegetables: Colorful roasted vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, and bell peppers add nutritional variety and a subtle grilled note to enhance the seafood's elegance.

How To Keep Garlic Shrimp Gratin Fresh And Tasty

• Refrigerator Storage: Transfer leftover garlic shrimp gratin to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and odor absorption.
• Freezer Storage: Wrap the dish securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Oven Reheating: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place leftovers in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, removing foil in the last 5 minutes to crisp the breadcrumb topping.
• Microwave Quick Option: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.

FAQs For Garlic Shrimp Gratin

• What type of shrimp works best for this recipe?

Large or medium-sized shrimp are ideal. Ensure they are peeled and deveined for the best texture and ease of eating.

• Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture in the dish.

• Is there a substitute for panko breadcrumbs?

Regular breadcrumbs work fine, but panko provides a crispier, lighter topping that gives the gratin a delightful crunch.

• How do I know the shrimp are fully cooked?

Shrimp turn pink and curl into a “C” shape when they’re done. Avoid overcooking to prevent a rubbery texture.

Garlic Shrimp Gratin Recipe

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4.5 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy garlic shrimp gratin brings Mediterranean coastal flavors to dinner tables with irresistible charm. Succulent shrimp nestled in rich, herb-infused sauce promises a luxurious meal you’ll savor down to the last delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 lb (454 g) medium-sized shrimp, peeled and deveined

Dairy and Cheese:

• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) unsalted butter
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375°F, preparing for a delectable seafood transformation.
2. Gently melt butter in a skillet over medium heat, introducing minced garlic and allowing its aromatic essence to bloom for approximately 60 seconds.
3. Introduce shrimp to the fragrant butter, seasoning with salt and pepper, and sauté until they turn a vibrant pink and achieve perfect doneness, roughly 3-4 minutes. Transfer cooked shrimp to a separate plate.
4. Create a luxurious blend in a mixing bowl by combining heavy cream, mozzarella, half the Parmesan, and the expertly cooked shrimp, ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly integrated.
5. Prepare a 9×9 inch baking dish with a light grease, then carefully pour the creamy shrimp mixture into the vessel.
6. Craft a crispy topping by combining panko breadcrumbs with the remaining Parmesan, then generously distribute this golden layer across the surface of the shrimp mixture.
7. Position the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for a beautifully golden and bubbling top that signals culinary perfection.
8. Extract from the oven, allow a brief resting period to let flavors meld, then embellish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley before presenting this elegant seafood gratin.

Notes

• Select large, fresh shrimp to ensure maximum flavor and tender texture.
• Use unsalted butter to control salt levels and prevent the dish from becoming too salty.
• Adjust garlic quantity based on personal preference, adding more for intense flavor or less for subtle notes.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt to reduce calories while maintaining creamy consistency.
• Consider using gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Enhance protein content by adding diced white fish or scallops alongside shrimp for variety.
• Ensure shrimp are not overcooked to prevent rubbery texture; they should turn pink and curl slightly.
• Allow dish to rest briefly after baking to help sauce thicken and flavors meld together.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 526
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 21 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 250 mg