Delicious Garlic Shrimp Gratin

This garlic shrimp gratin transforms simple ingredients into a decadent seafood dish that tastes like it came from a French bistro. The combination of juicy shrimp bathed in creamy sauce and topped with a golden cheesy crust creates the ultimate comfort food experience that's surprisingly easy to prepare.

I first made this dish when looking for a way to elevate frozen shrimp from my freezer. What began as a pantry cleanout experiment has become my go-to impressive dinner for unexpected guests. The way the garlic infuses throughout the dish never fails to amaze me.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) shrimp: Peeled and deveined. Fresh shrimp provides the best flavor but frozen works beautifully when properly thawed.
• 2 tbsp butter: Use unsalted to control the salt level in your final dish.
• 3 cloves garlic: Minced. Look for firm bulbs with tight skin for maximum flavor.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the luxurious sauce that makes this dish special.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated provides better melting and flavor than pre-packaged.
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds that perfect stretchy cheese pull when serving.
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs: Creates the crispy topping; use panko for extra crunch.
• 1 tbsp olive oil: High quality olive oil enhances the Mediterranean flavors.
• 1 tsp dried oregano: Rub between your fingers before adding to release more flavor.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Fresh ground pepper makes a noticeable difference.
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley for garnish: Adds fresh color and a bright flavor contrast.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to fully preheat while you prepare the other ingredients. This ensures even cooking and that perfect golden brown topping.

Prepare the Garlic Base:

Melt the butter slowly over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. This creates the aromatic foundation for the entire dish.

Cook the Shrimp:

Add your shrimp to the garlic butter, season with salt and pepper, and cook just until they turn pink, approximately 2 to 3 minutes. Be careful not to overcook as they will continue cooking in the oven. The shrimp should be barely done at this stage.

Assemble the Gratin:

Transfer the shrimp mixture to a shallow baking dish, spreading them evenly. Pour the heavy cream over the shrimp, ensuring they're mostly covered. This cream will bubble and reduce during baking to create a luscious sauce.

Add the Topping:

Sprinkle the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the surface, followed by the breadcrumbs. Drizzle the olive oil over everything and finish with the dried oregano. This layering creates the perfect crispy, cheesy crust.

Bake to Perfection:

Place the dish in your preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes. Look for a golden brown top with bubbling edges. The sauce should be thickened but still creamy.

Garnish and Serve:

Remove from the oven and let rest for 2 minutes before sprinkling with fresh parsley. This brief rest allows the sauce to settle and thicken slightly.

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Since discovering this recipe, I've experimented with different cheese combinations, but always come back to the Parmesan and mozzarella duo. My family has a tradition of serving this on Christmas Eve, and everyone fights over scraping the crispy cheese edges from the baking dish. Those crusty bits are culinary gold.

Make Ahead Options

This dish can be prepared up to the baking stage several hours in advance. Simply cover the assembled dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to serve, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to take the chill off, then bake as directed, adding about 5 minutes to the cooking time.

Serving Suggestions

While this gratin is certainly substantial enough to stand alone, it pairs beautifully with accompaniments. Serve it over buttered angel hair pasta, alongside crusty French bread for sauce dipping, or with a bright arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For wine pairing, reach for an unoaked Chardonnay or crisp Pinot Grigio.

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Perfect Substitutions

This recipe welcomes adaptations based on what you have available. Bay scallops make an excellent substitute for shrimp, or use a combination of both for a luxurious seafood medley. Lactose intolerant guests can enjoy this with coconut cream instead of heavy cream, which adds a subtle tropical note. For the topping, crushed pork rinds create a wonderfully crispy crust for those following keto diets.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of shrimp should I use?

You can use fresh or frozen shrimp, but ensure they are peeled, deveined, and fully thawed before cooking for the best texture and flavor.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the shrimp and assemble the gratin in advance. Store it in the fridge and bake just before serving for the best results.

→ What can I serve alongside garlic shrimp gratin?

Pair this dish with crusty bread, rice, or pasta to soak up the creamy sauce. A simple green salad also complements it well.

→ Can I substitute any ingredients?

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free option. Grated cheese can be customized based on your preference, such as Gruyère or cheddar.

→ How do I avoid overcooking the shrimp?

Cook the shrimp just until they turn pink, which typically takes 2-3 minutes. They will finish cooking during baking.