Delicious Garlic Shrimp Gratin Recipe

Zesty Garlic Shrimp Gratin Recipe: A Seafood Lover’s Dream

My culinary adventure with this garlic shrimp gratin started during a cozy evening in provence.

Mediterranean flavors dance across each perfectly seasoned bite.

Succulent shrimp nestle beneath a golden, crispy breadcrumb topping that melts in your mouth.

Incredibly simple ingredients combine to create something extraordinary on your plate.

Rich, buttery notes complement the delicate seafood in ways that surprise and delight.

Each forkful promises a journey through coastal french cuisine.

Come savor this irresistible dish that transforms ordinary dinner into a gourmet experience.

Tips for Storing Shrimp Gratin

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Transfer to freezer-safe container, cover tightly, and freeze for maximum 1 month. Place parchment between layers to prevent sticking.
  • Preheat oven to 350F. Spread leftovers in baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
  • Place portion on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming. Stop when thoroughly hot.

FAQs

  • What type of shrimp works best for this recipe?

Medium to large-sized raw shrimp are ideal, preferably peeled and deveined for easier preparation and eating.

  • Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture in the dish.

  • Is this dish spicy?

No, the recipe is not spicy. It’s a creamy, garlicky dish with mild, rich flavors from butter, cream, and cheese.

  • How do I know when the shrimp is perfectly cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn slightly pink and curl into a loose “C” shape. Be careful not to overcook, as they can become tough and rubbery.

Why Garlic Shrimp Gratin Hits the Spot

  • Whip Up Gourmet Comfort: Elevate your home cooking with this restaurant-quality dish that transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious meal everyone will love.
  • Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Requires just a few steps and basic kitchen skills, making it perfect for home cooks of all experience levels who want a delicious dinner without complicated techniques.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Ready in under an hour, this shrimp gratin is ideal for weeknight dinners, impromptu gatherings, or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort.
  • Versatile Meal Solution: Works beautifully as a main course or appetizer, pairs wonderfully with salad or crusty bread, and satisfies seafood lovers and cheese enthusiasts alike.

Ingredients for Garlic Shrimp Gratin

Main Ingredients:
  • Shrimp: Fresh seafood that forms the protein base of this delicious gratin.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides a deep, rich flavor to the dish.
  • Heavy Cream: Rich dairy product that creates a creamy, luxurious sauce.
Cheese and Dairy:
  • Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and salty cheese that adds depth to the overall flavor.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Mild cheese that creates a melty, golden topping.
Seasoning and Extras:
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.
  • Oregano: Herb that adds a subtle Mediterranean-style taste to the dish.
  • Breadcrumbs: Provides a crispy, golden texture to the gratin's surface.
  • Butter: Helps to sauté garlic and adds richness to the recipe.
  • Parsley: Fresh herb used for garnishing and adding a bright note to the dish.

Cooking Garlic Shrimp Gratin

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F.

Grab a baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Sizzle The Garlic

Drop butter into a pan and let it melt smoothly over medium heat.

Toss in minced garlic and swirl around until the kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma.

Step 3: Cook The Seafood

Add succulent shrimp to the fragrant garlic butter.

Sauté them gently until they transform into a soft, blush pink color.

Scoop the shrimp out of the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Create A Creamy Blend

Into the same pan, pour in:
  • Heavy cream
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Dried oregano

Stir everything together until the mixture becomes smooth and harmonious.

Step 5: Assemble The Dish

Transfer the shrimp and creamy mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.

Step 6: Add Cheesy Crunch

Sprinkle generously over the top:
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Crispy breadcrumbs

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 12-15 minutes until the top turns golden and bubbly.

Step 8: Serve And Enjoy

Dust with freshly chopped parsley.

Serve piping hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up.

Tips for Garlic Shrimp Gratin Success

  • Remove shrimp from heat when they turn slightly pink to maintain tender, juicy texture and avoid rubbery consistency.
  • Use room temperature heavy cream to help create a smooth, even sauce that coats the shrimp perfectly.
  • Toast breadcrumbs in a dry pan before sprinkling to enhance their nutty, golden-brown crispiness and add extra flavor dimension.
  • Select fresh, high-quality shrimp and recently purchased garlic for the most vibrant and robust taste profile.
  • Swap mozzarella with gruyère or fontina for a more complex, rich cheese flavor if desired.

Shrimp Gratin Flavor Options

  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds and swap traditional gratin base with riced cauliflower for a keto-friendly version.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, nutritional yeast for Parmesan, and dairy-free mozzarella cheese to accommodate lactose-intolerant individuals.
  • Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, replace oregano with fresh thyme and rosemary, and incorporate crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
  • Spicy Cajun Transformation: Mix in Cajun seasoning, add diced bell peppers, replace mozzarella with pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle cayenne pepper for a zesty New Orleans-style experience.

Good Matches for Shrimp Gratin

  • Seafood Feast Companion: Pair this rich garlic shrimp gratin with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to balance the creamy, indulgent flavors.
  • Bright Side Plate: Serve alongside a fresh mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the dish's richness and add a zesty contrast.
  • Carb Comfort: Complement the gratin with crusty French bread or garlic toast to soak up the delicious creamy sauce and enhance the overall dining experience.
  • Perfect Presentation: Plate the shrimp gratin in individual ramekins for an elegant dinner party touch, garnishing with extra parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for color and heat.
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Delicious Garlic Shrimp Gratin Recipe

Delicious Garlic Shrimp Gratin Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Savory garlic shrimp gratin marries French coastal cuisine with Mediterranean flavors. Creamy herbs and golden breadcrumbs highlight succulent seafood, inviting diners to explore rich, comforting textures you’ll crave.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 pound (450 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined

Dairy and Cheese:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Seasonings and Extras:

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven at 375°F (190°C) and lightly coat a ceramic gratin dish with cooking spray or butter.
  2. Heat a skillet over medium flame, melting butter until it becomes fragrant and slightly foamy.
  3. Introduce minced garlic to the butter, sautéing for 30-45 seconds until aromatic but not browned.
  4. Add raw shrimp to the pan, cooking for 2-3 minutes and turning each piece until they transform into a soft pink hue.
  5. Remove shrimp from heat and quickly incorporate heavy cream, grated Parmesan, dried oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper into the skillet.
  6. Gently transfer the creamy shrimp mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly across the surface.
  7. Generously distribute shredded mozzarella cheese and panko breadcrumbs over the entire dish, ensuring complete coverage.
  8. Place the gratin in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the edges become bubbly.
  9. Once done, remove from oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to settle.
  10. Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately while warm and creamy.

Notes

  • Customize heat levels by adjusting garlic quantity for milder or more intense flavor profiles.
  • Choose large, deveined shrimp for consistent cooking and elegant presentation.
  • Substitute lactose-free cheese and cream for dairy-sensitive diners without compromising rich taste.
  • Prevent rubbery shrimp by avoiding overcooking; remove from heat when just turning pink to maintain tender texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 386 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 570 mg
  • Fat: 27 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 190 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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