Succulent Garlic Shrimp Gratin Recipe

Zesty Garlic Shrimp Gratin Recipe for Seafood Lovers

Seafood lovers rejoice as this mouthwatering garlic shrimp delight gratin recipe promises a culinary adventure that tantalizes every taste bud.

Succulent shrimp nestled in a creamy, golden-brown sauce creates an irresistible dish that screams comfort and elegance.

Rich, buttery flavors meld perfectly with tender, juicy shrimp, making each bite a heavenly experience.

The garlic infusion adds a robust depth that transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary feast.

Fresh herbs and a crispy breadcrumb topping provide a delightful crunch that complements the delicate seafood.

Perfectly seasoned and incredibly easy to prepare, this gratin will become your new go-to recipe for impressive yet simple dining.

Dive into this delectable dish and watch as it becomes the star of your dinner table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 499 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients List for Garlic Shrimp Gratin

For Protein Base:
  • Shrimp: Select fresh, wild-caught shrimp for superior flavor and texture, ensuring they are pink and firm when cooked.
  • Garlic: Opt for fresh garlic cloves that are firm and have no green sprouts for the most robust, aromatic flavor.
For Creamy Binding:
  • Heavy Cream: Choose full-fat cream for rich, luxurious consistency that creates a smooth sauce.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Select fresh, low-moisture mozzarella that melts smoothly and provides creamy stretching.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Use authentic, aged Parmesan for a nutty, sharp depth of flavor that enhances the overall dish.
For Crispy Topping:
  • Panko Breadcrumbs: Pick Japanese-style panko for extra crunchiness and light, airy texture.
  • Parsley: Fresh parsley adds bright color and a subtle herbal freshness to finish the dish.
  • Butter: Unsalted butter allows precise control of seasoning and provides rich, golden browning.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential for developing and balancing the seafood and cheese flavors.

What You’ll Need to Make a Bubbling Gratin

  • Large Skillet: Essential for sautéing garlic and shrimp perfectly.
  • 9×9 Inch Glass Baking Dish: Key for assembling and baking the gratin.
  • Large Mixing Bowl: Needed for combining cream, cheese, and shrimp mixture.
  • Smaller Bowl: Used for mixing breadcrumb topping.
  • Sharp Knife: Required for chopping garlic and parsley.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helpful for stirring ingredients smoothly.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Important for accurate ingredient portions.
  • Cheese Grater: Necessary for shredding mozzarella and Parmesan.

Instructions for Layering and Baking Shrimp Gratin

  • Oven Preparation

Warm the oven to a cozy 375°F and lovingly coat a glass baking dish with a gentle layer of grease.

  • Garlic Shrimp Sizzle

In a skillet dancing with melted butter, swirl minced garlic until its aroma fills the kitchen. Toss in plump shrimp, season with a whisper of salt and pepper, and cook until they turn a beautiful pink, about 3-4 minutes.

  • Creamy Fusion

Blend the skillet’s treasures with silky cream, stretchy mozzarella, and half the Parmesan in a spacious bowl. Stir until each ingredient embraces the others.

  • Dish Assembly

Pour the dreamy mixture into the waiting baking dish, spreading it evenly like a warm blanket.

  • Crunchy Topping

Combine panko crumbs with the remaining Parmesan, creating a golden crown ready to blanket the dish.

  • Baking Magic

Sprinkle the crumb mixture over the shrimp, then slide into the oven. Bake until the surface bubbles with excitement and turns a gorgeous golden brown, around 20-25 minutes.

  • Final Touch

Rescue the gratin from the oven, let it rest briefly, then shower with fresh parsley. Serve while still warm and inviting.

Mix-Ins and Garlic Level Tweaks

  • Seafood Selection Savvy: Choose fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture. Wild-caught or responsibly farmed shrimp work wonderfully in this creamy gratin.
  • Spice It Up: Experiment with red pepper flakes or cayenne for a subtle kick. Add a pinch directly into the cream mixture or sprinkle on top before baking for extra warmth.
  • Cheese Swap Surprise: Try different cheeses like gruyère or fontina for a unique flavor profile. Each cheese brings its own rich, melty character to the dish.
  • Herb Garden Boost: Fresh herbs make a massive difference. Swap parsley for dill, chives, or basil to create an entirely new taste experience. Chop herbs finely and sprinkle just before serving to preserve their bright, fresh flavor.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dish up to the baking stage and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, pop it directly into the preheated oven and add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.

Presenting This Gratin Hot and Golden

  • Seafood Feast Companion: Pair this creamy garlic shrimp gratin with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to enhance the rich, buttery flavors.
  • Salad Sidekick: Create a light mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's richness and add a refreshing contrast to the creamy gratin.
  • Bread Brilliance: Serve warm crusty French bread or garlic toast on the side to soak up the delicious creamy sauce and ensure no flavor goes to waste.
  • Veggie Harmony: Add a side of roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli to bring some green nutrition and provide a healthy vegetable complement to the indulgent shrimp dish.

Best Way to Store Shrimp Gratin

  • Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover garlic shrimp gratin in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Cooling completely before sealing helps maintain optimal texture and prevents moisture buildup.
  • Quick Reheating Technique: Warm individual portions in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to restore crispy breadcrumb topping and prevent seafood from becoming rubbery. Avoid microwave reheating to preserve dish quality.
  • Freezing Wisdom: Freeze unbaked gratin covered tightly with aluminum foil for maximum 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking as original recipe suggests, adding 5-10 minutes to cooking time.
  • Portioning Pro Tips: Consider dividing gratin into smaller ramekins before baking for convenient single-serve meals. These individual portions reheat faster and make meal planning more flexible for different household sizes.
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Succulent Garlic Shrimp Gratin Recipe

Succulent Garlic Shrimp Gratin Recipe


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4.7 from 33 reviews

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

Description

Succulent garlic shrimp delight gratin brings Mediterranean coastal charm to dinner tables with its aromatic blend of seafood and herbs. Crisp breadcrumb topping and rich garlic butter sauce promise a delectable experience you’ll savor to the last delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 g) shrimp, medium-sized, peeled and deveined
  • 3 tbsps (45 g) butter, unsalted
  • 1 cup (240 ml / 8 fl oz) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (100 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup (50 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup (60 g) panko breadcrumbs
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • Parsley, fresh, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×9 inch glass baking dish thoroughly with cooking spray or butter to ensure effortless release.
  2. Flavor Development: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté minced garlic until its fragrant essence fills the kitchen, releasing rich aromatic notes within 60 seconds.
  3. Protein Cooking: Introduce shrimp to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until they turn a vibrant pink and become tender, transforming in approximately 3-4 minutes. Transfer cooked shrimp to a mixing bowl.
  4. Creamy Fusion: Blend heavy cream, mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and cooked shrimp in the bowl, stirring meticulously to create a harmonious, velvety mixture that promises luxurious texture and depth of flavor.
  5. Assembly and Topping: Pour the creamy shrimp mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading uniformly. Combine panko breadcrumbs with remaining Parmesan cheese and generously scatter over the surface, ensuring complete coverage.
  6. Baking Perfection: Position the gratin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for a bubbling surface and golden-brown crust that indicates culinary success.
  7. Finishing Touch: Remove from oven, let rest briefly, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley to introduce a vibrant, herbaceous element. Serve immediately while the gratin remains warm and inviting.

Notes

  • Prevent Shrimp Overcooking: Watch carefully during sautéing, as shrimp can quickly turn rubbery and tough if cooked too long.
  • Optimize Breadcrumb Crispiness: Toast panko breadcrumbs briefly in a dry skillet before topping to enhance their golden-brown crunch and nutty flavor.
  • Control Cream Separation: Use room temperature cream and cheese to help prevent potential curdling and ensure a smooth, silky sauce.
  • Select Shrimp Quality: Choose fresh, firm shrimp with a mild sea-like scent; frozen works well if thawed completely and pat-dried to avoid excess moisture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 499
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 745 mg
  • Fat: 36 g
  • Saturated Fat: 21 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Cholesterol: 210 mg
Jessica Martin

Jessica Martin

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography​, Seasonal and Local Ingredients​, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine​, Culinary Education​

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles

Oregon Culinary Institute

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.​

Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking. 

Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes. 

Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.

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