Delicious Garlic Shrimp Gratin Recipe

There's nothing quite like the rich, savory aroma of Garlic Shrimp Gratin bubbling away in the oven. With its golden, cheesy crust and juicy, garlicky shrimp nestled in a creamy sauce, this dish is a surefire crowd-pleaser that feels indulgent yet comes together with minimal effort.

I first discovered this dish during a trip to a cozy seaside bistro, where the combination of fresh seafood and warm, comforting flavors left a lasting impression. Since then, it's been a go-to for dinner parties and special occasions, impressing guests with its restaurant-quality appeal. Best of all, it's simple enough to whip up on a busy weeknight when you’re craving something decadent.

Why You'll Love This Garlic Shrimp Gratin

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite seafood dish. This Garlic Shrimp Gratin is a dream come true for seafood lovers and cheese enthusiasts alike.

First off, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can have a dish that looks and tastes like it came straight from a gourmet restaurant.

It’s also quick—ready in under 30 minutes! Perfect for when you want something special but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

The combination of garlic, butter, and cheese creates an irresistible flavor. The shrimp soak up the garlicky goodness while the top gets crispy and golden from the melted cheese.

And let’s not forget how versatile this dish is. Serve it as a main course with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad, or dish it up as an appetizer to start a meal on an indulgent note.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Garlic Shrimp Gratin lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Every element plays a crucial role in making this dish as delicious as it is.

Shrimp: Use large, deveined shrimp for the best texture. Fresh shrimp are ideal, but frozen shrimp work just as well—just be sure to thaw them thoroughly before cooking.

Garlic: This is the heart of the dish, giving it its signature aroma and taste. Use fresh minced garlic for maximum flavor.

Butter and Cream: These create the rich, velvety sauce that coats the shrimp. A combination of unsalted butter and heavy cream adds indulgence without overwhelming the seafood’s natural sweetness.

Cheese: A mix of Parmesan and Gruyère cheese creates the perfect balance of nuttiness and melt-in-your-mouth creaminess. If you don’t have Gruyère, mozzarella or Swiss cheese make great substitutes.

Breadcrumbs: A light layer of panko breadcrumbs adds the perfect crispy topping, giving this gratin a satisfying contrast in textures.

You’ll also need a broiler-safe baking dish to get that signature golden crust on top.

How To Make This Garlic Shrimp Gratin

Creating this irresistible dish is simpler than you might think. Let’s walk through the process step by step.

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about a minute, until fragrant but not browned.

Next, toss in the shrimp, seasoning them with a bit of salt and pepper. Cook for just a couple of minutes until they start turning pink—remember, they’ll finish cooking in the oven, so don’t overdo it!

Once the shrimp are lightly cooked, transfer them to a broiler-safe baking dish and pour in the cream. Sprinkle the Parmesan and Gruyère cheese evenly over the top, followed by a layer of panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.

Pop the dish into the oven and bake for about 10 minutes. Then, switch the oven to broil for the final 2-3 minutes to achieve that beautifully golden, bubbly crust.

Once out of the oven, let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving. The sauce will be creamy, the shrimp tender, and the top gloriously crisp!

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them properly to enjoy later. Transfer the gratin to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

For reheating, place it in an oven-safe dish and warm at 350°F until heated through. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the shrimp rubbery.

Unfortunately, this dish doesn’t freeze well due to the creamy sauce and delicate texture of shrimp.

Variations and Substitutions

This Garlic Shrimp Gratin is incredibly adaptable! Here are some ideas to customize it to your taste.

• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a little heat.
• Try different cheeses: Swap out Gruyère for cheddar, Swiss, or even a smoky Gouda.
• Use a different protein: Not a fan of shrimp? This recipe works beautifully with scallops or even chunks of cooked chicken.
• Lighten it up: Replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or a mix of milk and Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
• Add veggies: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes for added texture and flavor.

No matter how you tweak it, this dish is bound to be a hit. So go ahead—get creative and make it your own!

Print