This garlic shrimp gratin recipe is a luxurious and comforting dish that’s surprisingly simple to prepare. Juicy shrimp are coated in a rich garlic cream sauce, topped with a crispy, golden breadcrumb layer, and baked to perfection. Perfect as a main dish or appetizer, this recipe delivers a restaurant-quality experience right in your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With minimal prep and just a few ingredients, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Luxurious Flavor: The combination of garlic, cream, and shrimp creates a rich and decadent dish that feels indulgent yet approachable.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course with a side of crusty bread or salad, or enjoy it as an appetizer for a fancy dinner party.
- Crispy Topping: The golden, crunchy breadcrumb layer adds the perfect textural contrast to the creamy filling.
- Customizable: You can adjust the ingredients to suit dietary needs or personal preferences with ease.
Ingredients
- Shrimp
- Garlic
- Butter
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese
- Breadcrumbs
- Parsley
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Directions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel and devein the shrimp, leaving the tails on if desired for presentation. Pat them dry with a paper towel and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook the Garlic Butter Base: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and stir in heavy cream, cooking until slightly thickened. Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Dish: Transfer the shrimp into an oven-safe baking dish and pour the garlic cream sauce over them, ensuring all the shrimp are coated.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with olive oil, chopped parsley, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Spread this mixture evenly over the shrimp.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque and the topping is golden and crisp.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top, and garnish with additional parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread or your favorite side dishes.
Variations
- Cheesy Twist: Use a blend of Gruyère or mozzarella for a gooey and flavorful topping.
- Keto-Friendly Option: Skip the breadcrumbs and top with crushed pork rinds or a mix of almond flour and Parmesan cheese.
- Seafood Medley: Add scallops or chunks of white fish to the shrimp for a mixed seafood gratin.
- Spicy Version: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes or drizzle some hot sauce into the cream sauce for a kick of heat.
- Herb-Infused: Incorporate fresh thyme, rosemary, or dill into the sauce for an aromatic twist.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4 as a main dish or 6 as an appetizer
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals to prevent overcooking. Avoid reheating more than once to maintain the shrimp’s texture.
FAQs
What kind of shrimp should I use for this recipe?
Fresh or frozen shrimp that are peeled and deveined work best. Medium to large-sized shrimp are ideal for a hearty gratin.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the baking step and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to account for the chilled dish.
What can I serve with shrimp gratin?
Serve it with crusty bread, rice, pasta, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to avoid excess water in the dish.
Is this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers.
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
While fresh shrimp is preferred, you can use pre-cooked shrimp. Reduce the baking time to avoid overcooking them.
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Use low heat when adding the cream and whisk continuously to ensure a smooth sauce. Avoid using low-fat cream as it may curdle more easily.
Can I freeze shrimp gratin?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it before baking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
How can I add more flavor to the dish?
Consider adding a splash of white wine to the cream sauce or incorporating smoked paprika for a smoky depth.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut cream or a non-dairy cream substitute and top with dairy-free breadcrumbs mixed with olive oil.
Conclusion
Garlic shrimp gratin is a dish that impresses with its creamy, garlicky flavors and crisp topping, yet remains simple enough for any home cook to master. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or a comforting weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Give it a try and savor the perfect balance of rich and refreshing flavors in every bite!
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Delicious Garlic Shrimp Gratin Recipe – Easy & Flavorful!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A luxurious and easy garlic shrimp gratin recipe with a creamy garlic sauce, juicy shrimp, and a crispy breadcrumb topping. Perfect as a main dish or appetizer, this restaurant-quality dish is ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined (tails on optional)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (plus more for serving)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare Shrimp: Peel and devein shrimp, leaving tails on if desired. Pat dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook Garlic Butter Base: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant (1–2 minutes).
- Make Cream Sauce: Lower heat, stir in heavy cream, and cook until slightly thickened. Add ¼ cup Parmesan cheese and stir until smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Assemble Gratin: Place shrimp in an oven-safe dish and pour garlic cream sauce over them.
- Prepare Topping: Mix breadcrumbs, olive oil, parsley, and remaining Parmesan in a bowl. Spread evenly over the shrimp.
- Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until shrimp are pink, opaque, and topping is golden.
- Serve: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and garnish with additional parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread or salad.
Notes
- Variations:
- Use Gruyère or mozzarella for a cheesy twist.
- Make keto-friendly with almond flour or crushed pork rinds.
- Add scallops or white fish for a seafood medley.
- For spice, incorporate red pepper flakes or hot sauce into the cream sauce.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven or microwave in short intervals to prevent overcooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: main dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired
Keywords: garlic shrimp gratin, creamy shrimp bake, easy seafood recipes, shrimp appetizer, baked shrimp recipe
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