If there’s one dish I could enthusiastically serve at any gathering, it’s Garlic Shrimp Gratin. It brings together juicy shrimp, a velvety cream sauce, and a golden, cheesy crust in a way that feels both comforting and wildly luxurious. Whether you’re hoping to impress dinner guests or just elevate a weeknight with minimal effort, this crowd-pleaser puts French-inspired bistro charm right in your home kitchen. You won’t believe how quickly it comes together—nor how fast it’ll disappear once you dig in!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Garlic Shrimp Gratin comes together with a handful of simple, mostly pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, from the creaminess of the sauce to the irresistible crunch on top, so gather these beauties and let’s dive in!
- Large shrimp: The stars of the show—use peeled and deveined for easy eating and maximum flavor absorption.
- Olive oil: Helps bloom the garlic and sear the shrimp for richness right from the start.
- Garlic: Four cloves minced for that signature aroma and gentle heat—don’t be shy!
- Dry white wine (or chicken broth): Deglazes the pan for an added touch of brightness and depth; substitute with broth for a no-wine version.
- Heavy cream: Brings fullness and a silky texture to the gratin sauce.
- Parmesan cheese: Nutty and sharp, Parmesan melds beautifully into the sauce for that classic gratin tang.
- Gruyère or mozzarella cheese: Lends gooey pull and subtle sweetness; Gruyère for nuttiness or mozzarella for mellow stretch.
- Paprika: Adds color and a gentle smoky note that perks up the sauce.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning each layer—don’t skip it!
- Black pepper: A touch of pepper for warmth and depth.
- Breadcrumbs (preferably panko): Promise that beautiful golden crunch on top—panko adds extra crispiness!
- Melted butter: Mixed with breadcrumbs for a deeply savory, toasty finish.
- Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of color and freshness to lift every bite just before serving.
How to Make Garlic Shrimp Gratin
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s nice and hot when the gratin goes in. Lightly grease a shallow baking dish or a few individual ramekins. This ensures nothing sticks and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Shrimp
In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and add your minced garlic. Sauté just until fragrant—about 30 seconds—so it doesn’t burn. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 1–2 minutes per side, just until the shrimp start turning pink. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside (they’ll finish cooking later).
Step 3: Make the Creamy Gratin Sauce
Deglaze your skillet by pouring in the white wine (or chicken broth). Scrape up all the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom—this is pure magic for your sauce! Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes, just until it thickens a little and becomes glossy.
Step 4: Combine and Prepare to Bake
Return your seared shrimp to the skillet and give everything a gentle stir so the shrimp are well coated in that luscious sauce. Pour or spoon the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish. Next, sprinkle Gruyère or mozzarella over the top, ensuring even cheesy coverage for every bite.
Step 5: Top with Buttery Breadcrumbs
In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter until every crumb glistens. Sprinkle this mixture all over the gratin. It’s the secret to that ultra-satisfying crunchy top!
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, and the sauce is bubbling at the edges. For an extra-crunchy crust, you can broil for 1–2 minutes right at the end—just watch closely so it doesn’t burn.
Step 7: Garnish and Enjoy
Straight out of the oven, sprinkle your Garlic Shrimp Gratin with plenty of freshly chopped parsley. Serve it hot and watch your guests swoon over each creamy, garlicky, crunchy bite!
How to Serve Garlic Shrimp Gratin
Garnishes
Dressing up your Garlic Shrimp Gratin is half the fun and really makes it shine at the table. A generous shower of fresh parsley adds freshness and color, while a squeeze of lemon brightens up the richness. Sometimes, a light dusting of extra Parmesan right before serving adds even more irresistible flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish loves a simple side. Try thick slices of warm, crusty baguette to soak up every drop of sauce, or serve it over buttery rice or twirled pasta for a more substantial meal. A crisp green salad or steamed asparagus can balance out the creamy decadence beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Garlic Shrimp Gratin is fantastic in individual ramekins for an elegant dinner party starter. For family-style, serve it bubbling in a beautiful baking dish at the center of the table. Or scoop it into crispy bread boats or atop toasted baguette slices for a shareable appetizer. However you present it, this dish always garners oohs and aahs!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (and that’s a big if!), let your Garlic Shrimp Gratin cool, then cover and refrigerate. It will stay fresh and tasty for up to 2 days—just make sure it’s stored in an airtight container.
Freezing
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze Garlic Shrimp Gratin if needed. Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe dish and wrap tightly. Note that the creamy sauce may separate slightly upon thawing, but a gentle stir after reheating helps bring it back together. Use within one month for best flavor and texture.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven, covered with foil to prevent drying out, until heated through. If the topping has lost its crunch, remove the foil for the final few minutes or broil briefly to revive that golden crispness. The microwave works in a pinch, but keep the power low to avoid tough shrimp.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for Garlic Shrimp Gratin?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thoroughly thaw and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess water in your gratin. The flavor and texture will still be fantastic.
What’s the best cheese combo for the topping?
Gruyère gives Garlic Shrimp Gratin a nutty, sophisticated flavor, but mozzarella works if you prefer more creamy, milder cheese. You can even blend the two or use what’s on hand—just don’t skip the Parmesan in the sauce for that extra burst of umami.
Can I make it ahead for entertaining?
Definitely! You can assemble the full gratin (minus the breadcrumb topping) up to a few hours in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. When ready to bake, add the buttered breadcrumbs and pop it in the oven—it’ll be fresh and bubbly for your guests!
How do I avoid overcooking the shrimp?
Cook the shrimp just until they turn pink in the skillet, and remember they’ll finish cooking in the oven. Avoid baking too long—keep an eye out for that golden, bubbling top and remove promptly to keep the shrimp juicy and tender.
What’s a good wine pairing with Garlic Shrimp Gratin?
A crisp, chilled Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay really complements the creamy sauce and shrimp, but any dry white wine you enjoy will work beautifully. Even a squeeze of lemon and sparkling water makes a refreshing match!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something outrageously delicious yet totally doable any night of the week, Garlic Shrimp Gratin is your new go-to. It’s a dish that delivers big bistro flavor without fuss, and sharing it with family or friends guarantees smiles every time. Give it a whirl—and don’t be surprised when it becomes a regular request at your table!
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Garlic Shrimp Gratin Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of this Garlic Shrimp Gratin, a creamy and cheesy seafood dish that’s easy to make and perfect for a special dinner at home.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
Sauce:
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded Gruyère or mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Topping:
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking dish.
- Sauté garlic and shrimp: In a skillet, sauté garlic in olive oil. Add shrimp and cook briefly. Remove shrimp.
- Prepare sauce: Deglaze pan with wine, then add cream, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and paprika. Simmer.
- Combine shrimp and sauce: Return shrimp to sauce, then transfer to baking dish.
- Add toppings and bake: Sprinkle with Gruyère, top with breadcrumb mixture, and bake until golden and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Pair with crusty bread, rice, or pasta.
- For extra crunch, broil briefly at the end.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 230mg
