Creamy Shrimp Gratin
Rich and cheesy shrimp gratin with a golden crust, combining succulent shrimp and a creamy sauce baked to perfection.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This gratin brings indulgent creaminess and crisp topping in every bite. It’s a comforting combination of flavours and textures that feels luxurious yet family‑friendly.
ingredients
large shrimp, peeled and deveined
butter
flour (for roux)
milk or cream
grated cheese (such as Gruyère or cheddar)
salt
black pepper
breadcrumbs
fresh parsley, chopped
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
directions
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Preheat oven to moderate heat.
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Sauté shrimp lightly in butter until just opaque; remove and set aside.
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Make a roux with butter and flour, then gradually whisk in milk until thickened.
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Stir in cheese until melted and smooth.
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Add shrimp to the sauce and season.
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Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs and extra cheese.
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Bake until golden and bubbling.
Servings and timing
Serves: 4
Preparation: 20 minutes
Baking: 15–20 minutes
Total: 35–40 minutes
Variations
• Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra texture.
• Use a Parmesan crust for sharper flavour.
• Substitute a mix of cheeses for complexity.
storage/reheating
Cover and refrigerate leftovers up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at low temperature to retain creaminess and re‑crisp topping.
FAQs
Can I use pre‑cooked shrimp?
Yes — add them at the end so they don’t overcook.
Is this dish heavy?
It is rich, but balance with a light salad or vegetables.
Can I make this gluten‑free?
Use gluten‑free flour and breadcrumbs.
How do I prevent a watery sauce?
Thicken sauce properly before adding shrimp and bake without excess liquid.
What cheese melts best?
Gruyère or mild cheddar are excellent choices.
Can I make ahead?
Assemble and refrigerate before baking.
Can kids enjoy this?
Yes; adjust seasoning to mild if needed.
How do I get a golden crust?
Use a mix of breadcrumbs and cheese on top.
Should shrimp be room temperature?
No need; just cook until they turn opaque throughout.
What wine pairs well?
A crisp white like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements richness.
Conclusion
Creamy shrimp gratin is a decadent seafood bake that satisfies with tender shrimp, rich sauce, and a toasty crust.
PrintCreamy Shrimp Gratin
Creamy Shrimp Gratin is a rich and elegant seafood dish featuring succulent shrimp baked in a luscious garlic cream sauce topped with a golden, cheesy breadcrumb crust — perfect for dinner parties or cozy indulgent meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated mozzarella or Gruyère cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (for breadcrumbs)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a small baking dish or gratin dish.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Whisk in flour and cook for another minute to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in heavy cream and milk. Cook, stirring, until thickened — about 3–5 minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
- Add shrimp to the sauce and mix to coat evenly. Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Top with mozzarella or Gruyère cheese.
- In a small bowl, toss breadcrumbs with olive oil or melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the top.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes or until shrimp are cooked through and the top is golden brown and bubbling.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Use raw shrimp for best texture; pre-cooked shrimp may become rubbery.
- Gruyère adds a nutty richness, but mozzarella is a milder option.
- Pairs well with crusty bread, rice, or a green salad.
- Can be prepared in individual ramekins for elegant presentation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 185mg
Keywords: shrimp gratin, creamy seafood bake, cheesy shrimp bake, shrimp casserole, gratin recipe, baked shrimp
