Description
Garlic Shrimp Gratin is a creamy, flavorful seafood casserole featuring tender shrimp baked in a rich garlic-parmesan sauce, topped with a crispy mozzarella and breadcrumb crust. This easy-to-make dish combines succulent shrimp sautéed with garlic and white wine, smothered in a cheesy cream sauce, then baked until golden and bubbly. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Main Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup (60 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 tsp paprika (optional)
Topping
- 1/2 cup (50 g) breadcrumbs (preferably freshly made)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Shrimp: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the shrimp and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until they turn pink but remain slightly undercooked. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Using the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the dry white wine or chicken broth and let it simmer for 1–2 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in the heavy cream and continue simmering for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and paprika if using, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Gratin: Arrange the cooked shrimp evenly in the greased baking dish. Pour the creamy garlic sauce over the shrimp, ensuring they are well coated. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
- Breadcrumb Topping: In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with olive oil to coat evenly. Sprinkle this mixture over the mozzarella layer to create a crispy crust when baked.
- Bake and Serve: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes until the gratin is bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Once done, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Fresh shrimp can be substituted with frozen if properly thawed before cooking.
- For a non-alcoholic option, chicken broth works well instead of white wine.
- Using freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella enhances the flavor and melting quality.
- Breadcrumbs can be homemade from stale bread for better texture and taste.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or crusty bread.
