If you’re craving a dish that’s packed with bold, comforting flavors and is irresistibly creamy and cheesy, then you’re going to fall head over heels for this Garlic Shrimp Gratin Recipe. Tender shrimp bathed in a luscious garlic cream sauce, topped with a heavenly layer of bubbling Parmesan and mozzarella cheese, make this gratin a true showstopper. It’s a fantastic recipe that’s as simple to prepare as it is impressive to serve, perfect for a cozy night in or your next dinner party.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Garlic Shrimp Gratin Recipe relies on a handful of straightforward ingredients that come together beautifully to create complex flavors and textures. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the garlicky richness to the cheesy topping that crisps to perfection.
- Large shrimp (1 lb): Fresh, peeled, and deveined shrimp are key for tender bites without fuss.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): Adds richness to the sauce and prevents overpowering saltiness.
- Garlic (6 cloves, minced): The star flavor that infuses the sauce with that signature pungent warmth.
- Dry white wine or chicken broth (1/4 cup): Provides acidity and depth, brightening the creamy sauce.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Creates a luxurious, velvety base that clings to every shrimp.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For just a hint of spicy heat to elevate the flavor profile.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings to perfectly balance and enhance all the other ingredients.
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Brings a nutty sharpness that crisps beautifully on top.
- Mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup, shredded): Melts super smooth and adds that deliciously gooey texture.
- Fresh parsley (1/4 cup, chopped): Adds a fresh, herbaceous contrast and a pop of color.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): A final bright splash to awaken all the rich flavors.
- Breadcrumbs (1/4 cup, optional): For a crunchy, golden crust that adds delightful texture.
How to Make Garlic Shrimp Gratin Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing your baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This step ensures your gratin doesn’t stick and bakes evenly to a golden sparkle.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Next, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook them just until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. This quick sear locks in the shrimp’s juicy tenderness. Once cooked, set them aside for the next step.
Step 3: Create the Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter and add your minced garlic. Cook the garlic just long enough to release that aromatic fragrance—about 1 minute. Then pour in the dry white wine or chicken broth and let it simmer gently for 2 minutes, which reduces the liquid and intensifies its flavor.
Step 4: Add Cream and Seasonings
Stir in the heavy cream and sprinkle in red pepper flakes if you like a subtle kick. Season with salt and pepper, then let everything simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. This rich, creamy mixture is what makes the Garlic Shrimp Gratin Recipe truly indulgent.
Step 5: Assemble the Gratin
Return the shrimp to the skillet, tossing gently to coat each piece in the gorgeous garlic cream sauce. Then transfer it all to your prepared baking dish. Generously sprinkle the Parmesan and mozzarella over the top for that irresistibly cheesy blanket.
Step 6: Add Topping and Bake
If you want an extra satisfying crunch, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the cheese layer. Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and just turning golden. If using breadcrumbs, look for a beautifully crisp, browned surface.
Step 7: Final Touches
Once out of the oven, drizzle fresh lemon juice over the gratin to brighten the decadent flavors. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish that will make your dish pop.
How to Serve Garlic Shrimp Gratin Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley isn’t just for color—it brings a lovely herbal lift that balances all the rich cream and cheese. A squeeze of lemon juice right before serving is absolutely essential; it cuts through the richness and adds a lively, tangy brightness that wakes up every bite.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Shrimp Gratin Recipe pairs wonderfully with a simple, crisp salad to refresh the palate. Crusty bread is also a must-have—perfect for sopping up every drop of that luscious garlic cream sauce. Roasted vegetables or lemony green beans can add even more depth if you’re looking to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming twist, try making individual servings in ramekins; it’s perfect for impressing guests at dinner parties or intimate dates. You can also serve the gratin on a bed of fluffy rice or creamy polenta to soak up the savory goodness. Presentation matters and makes this comforting dish look extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Garlic Shrimp Gratin Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, but the shrimp’s texture is best enjoyed within this timeframe to stay tender.
Freezing
While fresh is best, you can freeze this gratin before baking. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 1 month. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual, adding a few extra minutes if needed for bubbling and browning.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain the gratin’s delightful crispy top. Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley after reheating brings freshness back into the dish.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Garlic Shrimp Gratin Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to ensure they sear nicely and don’t release too much water in the sauce.
What kind of white wine works best?
Choose a dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for the best flavor. If you prefer no alcohol, chicken broth is a great substitute that still adds a savory depth.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can try substituting butter with olive oil and using coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative; however, keep in mind this will change the classic creamy texture and cheesy topping.
What if I want it spicier?
Feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce. You can also sprinkle some chili flakes on top before baking for an extra kick.
Is this dish suitable for a dinner party?
Definitely! Garlic Shrimp Gratin Recipe is impressive yet easy to prepare, making it a perfect elegant dish that can be made ahead and baked just before serving.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Garlic Shrimp Gratin Recipe enough—it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate, with incredible flavor and satisfying textures in every bite. Whether you’re looking to treat yourself or wow your friends, this recipe has all the right ingredients for a memorable meal. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a beloved favorite in your kitchen!
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Garlic Shrimp Gratin Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Garlic Shrimp Gratin is a creamy, cheesy seafood delight featuring tender shrimp baked in a garlicky white wine cream sauce topped with melted Parmesan and mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a quick yet impressive dinner, this dish offers a luscious combination of flavors with a hint of heat from red pepper flakes, and a crispy golden breadcrumb topping.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Sauce & Cheese
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Toppings & Garnish
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish or individual ramekins with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Shrimp: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until just pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Wine and Simmer: Pour in the white wine or chicken broth and let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly, enhancing the flavor.
- Incorporate Cream and Seasoning: Stir in the heavy cream, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes so the sauce thickens gently.
- Combine Shrimp and Sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat them thoroughly with the rich garlic cream sauce.
- Assemble the Gratin: Transfer the shrimp and sauce mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Add Cheese Layer: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella evenly over the shrimp to create a cheesy crust once baked.
- Top with Breadcrumbs: Optionally, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the cheese for an extra crispy texture after baking.
- Bake the Gratin: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. If breadcrumbs were added, they should also turn crispy and browned.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, drizzle fresh lemon juice over the gratin, and garnish with chopped parsley for freshness.
- Serve Immediately: Serve warm alongside crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth for white wine to keep the dish alcohol-free.
- If you prefer less heat, omit the red pepper flakes.
- For a gluten-free option, skip the breadcrumbs or use gluten-free breadcrumbs as a topping.
- Cook shrimp just until pink to avoid rubbery texture.
- Use fresh lemon juice at the end for brightness and to balance the richness of the cream and cheese.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently.
