This garlic shrimp gratin is a rich, indulgent dish packed with tender shrimp, creamy sauce, and a crisp golden topping. It blends garlic butter and cheese into a luscious, oven-baked casserole that feels elegant but is surprisingly simple to make. With just the right balance of flavor and texture, it’s the kind of dish I like to serve when I want to impress—without spending all day in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe for its comforting, restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort. The garlic butter gives it depth, the cheese adds creamy indulgence, and the breadcrumbs bring that satisfying crunch. It’s versatile—I can serve it with crusty bread, over rice, or alongside a fresh salad. Plus, it bakes beautifully and looks stunning straight from the oven, making it great for dinner parties or special nights in.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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Butter
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Garlic, minced
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Heavy cream
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Parmesan cheese, grated
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Mozzarella cheese, shredded
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Salt
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Black pepper
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Red pepper flakes (optional)
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Panko breadcrumbs
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Parsley, chopped (for garnish)
directions
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I preheat the oven and grease a baking dish lightly with butter.
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In a skillet, I melt butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
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I add the shrimp and cook just until they start to turn pink, then remove them from heat.
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I stir in heavy cream and most of the cheese to make a rich sauce, seasoning with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
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I pour the mixture into the baking dish, spreading the shrimp evenly.
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I sprinkle the top with mozzarella, Parmesan, and panko breadcrumbs for a golden crust.
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I bake the gratin until bubbly and lightly browned, then garnish with parsley before serving.
Servings and timing
This dish serves about 4 people. It takes around 15 minutes to prepare and 15–20 minutes to bake, so the total time is roughly 30–35 minutes.
Variations
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I sometimes add mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to the gratin for a veggie boost.
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For a lighter version, I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
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I swap the shrimp with scallops or a mix of seafood when I want variety.
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I like experimenting with different cheeses like Gruyère or Fontina for a more complex flavor.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I use a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and the topping crisps again. I avoid microwaving it if I can, since it may make the shrimp rubbery and the topping soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, I just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
Is this dish good for meal prep?
It’s best fresh, but I prep the components (like the garlic butter sauce) in advance to save time.
Can I make this gratin without cream?
I’ve used a béchamel sauce or even a mix of milk and cream cheese for a lighter or dairy-adjusted version.
What’s the best cheese for shrimp gratin?
I love using a combo of Parmesan for saltiness and mozzarella for meltability, but Gruyère also works beautifully.
Can I make it spicy?
Yes, I add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce if I want a kick.
Conclusion
Delicious Garlic Shrimp Gratin is my go-to when I want something rich, cheesy, and full of flavor without spending hours cooking. It’s elegant enough for guests but easy enough for a cozy night at home. With that irresistible garlic and cheese combo, it’s always a hit—and the crispy topping takes it over the top every time.
Print
Delicious Garlic Shrimp Gratin Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
- Total Time: 30–35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired / American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Garlic Shrimp Gratin is a rich, cheesy seafood casserole featuring tender shrimp, creamy garlic sauce, and a crispy panko topping. Elegant yet easy, this oven-baked dish makes the perfect dinner party centerpiece or cozy weeknight comfort food. It’s full of bold garlic butter flavor and melty cheese goodness—ready in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly butter a small baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add shrimp and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, just until beginning to turn pink. Remove from heat.
- Stir in heavy cream, most of the Parmesan and mozzarella cheese, and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Transfer shrimp mixture to prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle with remaining cheese and panko breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes or until bubbling and golden brown.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Add mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for more veggies.
- Use half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Swap shrimp with scallops or mixed seafood.
- Try Gruyère or Fontina for deeper flavor.
- Avoid microwaving leftovers to keep shrimp tender and the topping crisp.
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