Delicious Garlic Shrimp Gratin Recipe

There's something undeniably comforting about a bubbling, golden-brown shrimp gratin fresh out of the oven. With its rich, garlicky aroma and creamy, cheesy topping, this dish is pure indulgence in every bite.

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I first discovered this recipe when searching for a way to elevate a simple shrimp dinner. What started as a quick experiment turned into a go-to meal for special occasions—or just when I want something truly delicious.

Whether you're hosting a dinner party or just treating yourself, this Garlic Shrimp Gratin is a surefire winner. Let’s dive into what makes it so irresistible!

Why You'll Love This Garlic Shrimp Gratin

Get ready to fall in love with one of the easiest, most satisfying seafood dishes you'll ever make.

First, it’s packed with bold garlic flavor that perfectly complements the natural sweetness of shrimp. If you’re a garlic lover, this dish is your dream come true.

Second, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can have a gourmet-style meal on your table in under 30 minutes.

Third, the cheesy, crispy topping adds the perfect finishing touch. A blend of Parmesan and breadcrumbs creates that irresistible golden crust that makes each bite rich and satisfying.

And finally, this dish is versatile! Serve it as a main dish with crusty bread, as a side with pasta, or even spoon it over rice for a comforting meal.

Now that you’re hooked, let’s go over the simple ingredients that make this gratin so delicious.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Garlic Shrimp Gratin lies in its balance of flavors. A few simple ingredients come together to create a dish that’s creamy, garlicky, and full of texture.

Shrimp – Go for large, raw shrimp that have been peeled and deveined. Fresh shrimp are ideal, but frozen shrimp (thawed properly) will work just as well.

Garlic – Fresh garlic is key to infusing the dish with deep, aromatic flavor. Mince it finely to distribute the flavor evenly throughout the gratin.

Heavy Cream – This forms the rich, velvety base of the gratin. If you prefer a lighter version, half-and-half can be used, but the dish won’t be as indulgent.

Parmesan Cheese – Aged Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty flavor that enhances the overall dish. Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best texture and taste.

Breadcrumbs – Panko breadcrumbs are my top choice for a crunchy, golden topping. Regular breadcrumbs can be used, but they won’t provide the same crispiness.

Butter – A little bit of melted butter mixed with the breadcrumbs helps create that perfect golden crust.

If you have a small gratin dish or oven-safe skillet, it’s perfect for baking and serving this dish straight from the oven.

How To Make This Garlic Shrimp Gratin

This dish comes together in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks alike.

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly greasing your baking dish. While the oven heats up, prepare your shrimp by patting them dry with a paper towel—this helps them cook evenly and absorb all that garlicky goodness.

Next, sauté the garlic in butter over medium heat until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn—garlic cooks quickly and can turn bitter if overdone. Add the shrimp and cook for about 1-2 minutes per side, just until they start to turn pink. They’ll finish cooking in the oven.

Transfer the shrimp to your prepared baking dish, arranging them in a single layer. Pour in the heavy cream, and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan. This will help create that luscious, creamy base as it bakes.

In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and a bit more Parmesan. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the shrimp for that perfect crispy topping.

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling around the edges. If you want an extra-crispy finish, broil for an additional minute or two at the end.

Let the gratin sit for a couple of minutes before serving—this helps the flavors meld and prevents any overly hot bites!

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (which isn’t likely!), you can store them easily for later.

Refrigeration – Store the gratin in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that shrimp can become rubbery when reheated, so gentle reheating is key.

Freezing – While you technically can freeze this dish, I don’t recommend it. The cream-based sauce may separate, and the shrimp could lose their tender texture.

Reheating – For best results, reheat in a low-temperature oven (325°F/160°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the shrimp tough.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so feel free to make it your own!

Make it spicy – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce for a kick of heat.

Use different cheese – Swap Parmesan for Gruyère or white cheddar for a different flavor twist.

Try a keto-friendly version – Skip the breadcrumbs and use crushed pork rinds for a low-carb alternative.

Add mushrooms or spinach – Sautéed mushrooms or fresh spinach add an extra layer of flavor and texture to the dish.

Swap out the shrimp – If you’re not a shrimp fan, try using scallops or even chunks of lobster for an ultra-decadent version.

No matter how you customize it, this Garlic Shrimp Gratin is guaranteed to be a hit. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy a rich, cheesy, seafood masterpiece!

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