Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With straightforward steps, this gratin can be prepared in under an hour, making it ideal for busy schedules.
- Rich and Flavorful: The combination of garlic, butter, cream, and cheese creates a luxurious sauce that perfectly complements the shrimp.
- Versatile: Serve it as a main course with a side salad or as an impressive appetizer for guests.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Its indulgent taste and appealing presentation are sure to impress family and friends.
Ingredients
- 1 lb medium-sized shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Sauté Garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until they turn pink, approximately 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Prepare Cream Mixture: In a bowl, combine the heavy cream, mozzarella, half of the Parmesan, and the cooked shrimp along with the garlic butter from the skillet. Mix until well combined.
- Assemble Gratin: Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. In another bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the remaining Parmesan cheese, then sprinkle this over the shrimp mixture.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, let it sit for a few minutes before garnishing with freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cream mixture for a spicy version.
- Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the sauce for added aroma and flavor.
- Cheese Alternatives: Experiment with different cheeses such as Gruyère or cheddar to alter the flavor profile.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Avoid using the microwave, as it may make the shrimp rubbery.
FAQs
What type of shrimp is best for this recipe?
Medium-sized shrimp, peeled and deveined, are ideal for this gratin. They cook quickly and evenly, ensuring a tender texture.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, frozen shrimp can be used. Ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry to remove excess moisture before cooking.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
Half-and-half or a mixture of milk and a small amount of cornstarch can be used as a lighter alternative, though the sauce may be less rich.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
You can assemble the gratin ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate it for up to 8 hours. Bake just before serving.
What can I serve alongside this gratin?
It pairs well with a fresh green salad, crusty bread, or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the dish.
How can I make the topping extra crispy?
For an extra crispy topping, broil the gratin for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Can I add other seafood to this dish?
Yes, adding scallops or chunks of firm fish can enhance the seafood medley in the gratin.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Substitute the butter with olive oil, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and opt for dairy-free cheese alternatives to make it dairy-free.
How do I prevent the shrimp from overcooking?
Sauté the shrimp just until they turn pink; they will continue cooking during baking, ensuring they remain tender.
Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?
Yes, but panko breadcrumbs provide a lighter, crunchier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs.
Conclusion
Garlic Shrimp Gratin is a rich and flavorful dish that brings together the sweetness of shrimp, the depth of garlic, and the creaminess of
Garlic Shrimp Gratin
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Garlic Shrimp Gratin is a flavorful dish featuring tender shrimp in a creamy garlic sauce, topped with crispy breadcrumbs. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant appetizer, this gratin is a crowd-pleasing favorite.
Ingredients
- Shrimp: 1 lb medium-sized shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Butter: 3 tablespoons unsalted
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup
- Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup, shredded
- Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup, grated (divided)
- Panko Breadcrumbs: ½ cup
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Sauté Garlic: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat and sauté garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook Shrimp: Add shrimp to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until pink (about 3-4 minutes). Remove from heat.
- Prepare Cream Mixture: Combine heavy cream, mozzarella, half the Parmesan, and cooked shrimp with garlic butter in a bowl. Mix well.
- Assemble Gratin: Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish. Mix panko breadcrumbs with the remaining Parmesan and sprinkle over the shrimp mixture.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Let the dish rest for a few minutes. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Assemble in advance, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.
- Topping Tips: Broil for 2-3 minutes at the end for extra crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
