Simple Shrimp Gratin Recipe: A Cozy Seafood Treasure

Delectable seafood dishes always spark excitement at the dinner table, especially when you’re serving up a mouthwatering shrimp gratin delight that promises pure culinary bliss.

Creamy textures and golden-brown edges make this recipe an instant crowd-pleaser.

Rich maritime flavors mingle with velvety cheese and crisp breadcrumbs, creating a symphony of taste sensations.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of succulent shrimp and decadent sauce that melts effortlessly on your palate.

Sophisticated yet simple, this gratin transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that feels like a gourmet restaurant experience.

The combination of fresh seafood and luxurious seasonings ensures every forkful is a delightful adventure.

Dive into this irresistible recipe and watch as your dining companions savor every single delicious morsel.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 380 kcal

Servings: 5

Shrimp Gratin Ingredient Rundown

• Olive Oil: Provides a rich, smooth foundation for cooking and adds a subtle fruity undertone.
• Butter: Brings creamy depth and helps create a luxurious texture in the sauce.
• Flour: Serves as a thickening agent to give the sauce its perfect consistency.

• Shrimp: Tender seafood star that offers sweet, delicate flavor and succulent texture.

• Milk: Creates a silky, smooth base for the creamy sauce.
• Nutmeg: Adds warm, aromatic complexity to the sauce.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor profile.
• Italian Seasoning: Provides a vibrant herb blend that elevates the dish's taste.
• Parsley: Brings fresh, bright green notes and visual appeal.

• Cheddar Cheese: Delivers sharp, melty richness and golden color.
• Shallot: Introduces a mild, sweet onion flavor with delicate sharpness.
• Breadcrumbs: Creates a crispy, golden-brown crust on top.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish and extra crunch.

Bakeware You’ll Need for Shrimp Gratin

• Skillet: Essential for making the roux and cream sauce with even heat distribution.
• Whisk: Perfect for smoothly blending roux and incorporating milk without lumps.
• Casserole dish: Needed to arrange shrimp and create layered gratin.
• Measuring spoons: Crucial for precise seasoning with Italian herbs and salt.
• Cutting board: Used for chopping parsley and slicing shallots.
• Sharp knife: Required for precise ingredient preparation.
• Wooden spoon: Helpful for stirring and mixing ingredients during sauce preparation.

How to Bake Shrimp Gratin Without Trouble

Shrimp Gratin Warmth

• Oven Invitation

Warm up the kitchen by setting the oven to a cozy 350 degrees, creating the perfect environment for a delightful culinary adventure.

• Buttery Foundation

In a skillet, dance olive oil and butter together until they create a smooth, golden base that whispers promise of deliciousness to come.

• Creamy Magic

Gently transform the buttery mixture into a silky sauce by slowly introducing milk, stirring with love until it becomes wonderfully thick and smooth. A touch of nutmeg brings secret depth to the sauce.

• Shrimp Nestling

Lovingly spread the shrimp across a welcoming casserole dish, showering them with aromatic Italian seasoning that will make taste buds dance.

• Cheesy Layers of Joy

Pour the luxurious sauce over the shrimp, then create a landscape of flavor with scattered cheese, delicate shallots, fresh herbs, and a blanket of golden breadcrumbs.

• Baking Transformation

Slide the dish into the waiting oven, letting the heat work its magic until the top becomes a crispy, golden wonderland that promises comfort and delight.

Enhancing Shrimp Gratin with Flavor Boosts

• Seafood Sensation Secrets: Expert Tips & Twists
• Shrimp Quality Matters: Select fresh, firm shrimp with a sweet ocean scent. Wild-caught varieties offer more robust flavor compared to farm-raised options.
• Cheese Creativity: Experiment with different cheese combinations like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or sharp white cheddar to enhance the gratin's depth and richness.
• Spice Spectrum: Kick up heat by adding red pepper flakes, cayenne, or smoked paprika for a zesty Mediterranean-inspired twist that complements the seafood's delicate taste.
• Crispy Topping Tricks: Toast breadcrumbs in a separate pan with butter and herbs before sprinkling to create an extra crunchy, golden-brown surface that adds irresistible texture.
• Dietary Adaptations: Replace dairy milk with coconut milk for a lighter version, or use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this dish suitable for various dietary needs without compromising flavor.

Serving Shrimp Gratin in Individual Portions

• Seafood Spectacular: Accompaniment Ideas
• Fresh Salad Sidekick: Pair the rich shrimp gratin with a crisp mixed green salad dressed in light vinaigrette to balance the creamy dish's heaviness.
• Crusty Bread Companion: Serve warm, crusty French or sourdough bread to soak up the delicious sauce and add a delightful textural contrast.
• Elegant Wine Pairing: Choose a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the shrimp's delicate flavor and cut through the creamy sauce.
• Vegetable Harmony: Add roasted asparagus or steamed green beans as a light, nutritious side that enhances the gratin's Mediterranean-inspired profile.

Keeping Shrimp Gratin Warm and Tasty

• Smart Meal Prep: Cook this shrimp gratin in advance and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking. Keep the breadcrumb topping separate to maintain its crispiness until serving time.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap the unbaked gratin tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store in the freezer for maximum 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
• Quick Reheating Trick: Warm leftover gratin in the oven at 325 degrees F for 10-15 minutes. Add a sprinkle of fresh cheese on top to restore its original creamy texture and prevent dryness.
• Portion Control Magic: Divide the gratin into individual ramekins for easy single-serving meals. These smaller portions reheat faster and look elegant when serving guests or enjoying a solo dinner.

Crispy Shrimp Gratin Recipe

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• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent shrimp gratin delight brings coastal French flavors to your dinner table. Mediterranean herbs and creamy textures combine for a luxurious coastal experience you won’t forget.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 30 medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• ½ cup dry bread crumbs
• 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 4 tsps italian seasoning
• 1 shallot, thinly sliced
• 1 pinch ground nutmeg
• Salt to taste

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F, establishing the perfect thermal environment for baking the gratin.
2. Roux Creation: In a skillet, melt butter and olive oil, then gradually whisk in flour to craft a smooth, golden base. Cook until the mixture develops a pale, silky consistency that will form the foundation of the cream sauce.
3. Sauce Development: Slowly incorporate milk into the roux, stirring continuously to ensure a velvety smooth texture. Simmer the sauce until it thickens, enhancing with a whisper of nutmeg and delicate salt seasoning.
4. Shrimp Arrangement: Layer seasoned shrimp in the gratin dish, coating generously with Italian herbs and a touch of salt to amplify their natural flavor profile.
5. Cheese and Herb Layering: Drench the shrimp with the luxurious cream sauce, then lavishly top with sharp Cheddar cheese. Distribute shallot rings, sprinkle additional Italian seasoning and fresh parsley to create a complex aromatic landscape.
6. Crispy Topping: Blanket the dish with breadcrumbs and a generous dusting of Parmesan cheese, ensuring a golden, crunchy exterior that will provide textural contrast.
7. Baking Finale: Transfer the gratin to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes, allowing the top to transform into a beautiful golden-brown masterpiece that promises a delectable culinary experience.

Notes

• Roux Mastery: Stir constantly while making the roux to prevent burning and ensure a smooth, golden base for the cream sauce.
• Cheese Selection: Use freshly grated sharp Cheddar and Parmesan for maximum flavor and optimal melting texture.
• Shrimp Placement: Arrange shrimp in a single layer to ensure even cooking and consistent seasoning throughout the dish.
• Breadcrumb Tip: Toast breadcrumbs briefly before topping to enhance their crispiness and add a nutty flavor to the gratin’s golden crust.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 23g
• Cholesterol: 150mg