Name: Garlic Shrimp Gratin: An Easy, Cheesy Seafood Delight
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined); 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 cloves garlic, finely minced; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 cup whole milk (or heavy cream if you want extra richness); ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, adds color and a subtle kick); ½ cup panko breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

I still remember the first time I made Garlic Shrimp Gratin. It was for a laid-back dinner party with close friends. The house smelled like garlic butter and toasted cheese, and the dish barely lasted 10 minutes on the table. Everyone went back for seconds—even the ones who “weren’t into seafood.” That moment sealed this recipe as one of my go-to favorites for any occasion.

This gratin is pure comfort—plump shrimp swimming in a creamy garlic sauce, topped with a crispy golden cheese and breadcrumb crust. It’s rich but not heavy, indulgent yet simple, and best of all, it’s incredibly versatile. Serve it bubbling hot with crusty bread or plate it alongside pasta or greens for a more elegant meal.

Whether you’re hosting guests, making something special for date night, or just want a quick and comforting seafood recipe for your weeknight rotation, this dish has you covered.

Difficulty Level: Easy
Serving Size: 4 servings
Total Calories (per serving): Approx. 425 calories
Cuisine: European-inspired seafood gratin
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Why This Shrimp Gratin Will Be Your New Favorite

Here’s why this garlic shrimp gratin recipe is a true kitchen gem:

Rich and Creamy Garlic Sauce: Made with milk (or cream for extra luxury), garlic, and cheese, this sauce clings to every bite of shrimp.
Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: No rubbery shrimp here—just tender, juicy pieces bathed in flavor.
Crispy Golden Topping: Panko breadcrumbs and melted cheese form a mouthwatering crust that contrasts beautifully with the creamy base.
Quick and Simple: With minimal prep and pantry staples, you can whip this up even on a busy weeknight.
Elevated Comfort Food: It feels fancy but requires no special skills—just heart, heat, and a love for good food.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this creamy garlic shrimp gratin, gather these kitchen staples:

1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup whole milk (or heavy cream if you want extra richness)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ teaspoon paprika (optional, adds color and a subtle kick)
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Ingredient Notes and Kitchen Tips

Shrimp: Fresh shrimp yields the best results, but thawed frozen shrimp works in a pinch—just pat them dry.
Cheese: Parmesan gives that nutty bite, while mozzarella melts into gooey perfection.
Milk or Cream: Use what you prefer. Milk keeps it lighter; cream makes it indulgent.
Breadcrumbs: Panko is ideal for extra crunch, but you can substitute with crushed crackers or even gluten-free alternatives.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Garlic Shrimp Gratin

Step 1: Prep the Shrimp and Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps them cook evenly and prevents a watery gratin.
Lightly season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Creamy Garlic Sauce

In a medium skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant—don’t let it brown!
Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons flour and stir constantly for 1 minute to form a roux.
Slowly whisk in 1 cup of milk or cream. Stir continuously for 3–4 minutes until it thickens.
Remove from heat and stir in half the Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust with more salt or pepper if needed.

Step 3: Assemble the Gratin

Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or butter.
Arrange the seasoned shrimp evenly at the bottom of the dish.
Pour the warm garlic cream sauce over the shrimp. Use a spatula to gently spread it over if needed.

Step 4: Prepare and Add the Topping

In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, olive oil, remaining Parmesan, and paprika.
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the gratin.
Finish with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.
For extra crispiness, switch the oven to broil and toast the top for 1–2 minutes—just keep an eye on it!

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Let it cool for a minute or two out of the oven.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

How to Serve Garlic Shrimp Gratin

This dish can be the star of the show or an elegant side, depending on how you serve it:

With Bread: A must. Crusty French bread or garlic toast soaks up all that creamy sauce.
Over Pasta: Serve it over angel hair or linguine for an indulgent seafood pasta dish.
With Rice: A bed of fluffy jasmine rice or buttery risotto pairs beautifully.
With Greens: Pair it with roasted Brussels sprouts, sautéed spinach, or a fresh arugula salad.
As an Appetizer: Bake it in ramekins and serve mini portions to start a dinner party.

Gratin Tips From My Kitchen

Don’t overcook the shrimp: They finish cooking in the oven, so no need to pre-cook.
Make it crispier: Toast the breadcrumb topping in a dry skillet for a few minutes before sprinkling.
Get creative with cheese: Gruyere adds a rich, nutty flavor. A touch of cream cheese adds body.
Balance the richness: Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a touch of zest to brighten it up.
Make it ahead: Assemble the dish (minus the topping) and store in the fridge. Top and bake when ready.

10 Delicious Garlic Shrimp Gratin Variations

Lemon Garlic Gratin: Stir lemon zest and juice into the sauce for a fresh zing.
Spicy Shrimp Gratin: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño to the sauce.
Herb-Loaded Gratin: Use dill, thyme, or tarragon to elevate the flavor.
Mushroom Gratin: Sauté mushrooms and mix them into the shrimp layer.
Spinach Gratin: Add blanched spinach to the sauce for extra greens.
Cajun Gratin: Add Cajun seasoning for a spicy, smoky flavor.
Bacon Shrimp Gratin: Sprinkle cooked bacon on top before baking.
Seafood Medley: Mix in scallops, crab, or chunks of white fish.
Sun-Dried Tomato Gratin: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes for sweet acidity.
Vegetarian Version: Use sautéed zucchini, cauliflower, or artichokes instead of shrimp.

Storing, Freezing, and Reheating

To Freeze: Assemble the dish without baking. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before baking.
To Store Leftovers: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
To Reheat: Use the oven for best texture. Microwave if needed, but expect a slightly softer topping.

Kitchen Tools That Make This Easier

Oven-safe gratin dishes – Great for baking and serving in one dish.
Garlic press – Speeds up prep and gets more flavor out of every clove.
Microplane – Perfect for grating Parmesan or lemon zest.
Pastry brush – Great for buttering your baking dish or breadcrumb topping.
Cast iron skillet – Excellent for making the sauce and baking all in one.

Common Questions (FAQ)

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but reduce the baking time to prevent overcooking.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Absolutely—use gluten-free breadcrumbs and a GF flour blend for the sauce.

What if I don’t have Parmesan?
Try Pecorino Romano, Grana Padano, or even Asiago.

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking.

Final Thoughts: Shrimp Gratin That Wows Every Time

Garlic Shrimp Gratin isn’t just a dish—it’s an experience. Creamy, cheesy, rich, and bursting with garlicky goodness, it hits every note you want in comfort food. Whether you serve it as a dinner centerpiece or as an elegant appetizer, it always feels like something special.

The best part? You don’t need hours in the kitchen or a culinary degree to pull it off. Just simple ingredients, a little heart, and a love for delicious food.

Make it once, and you’ll see why this dish is always requested again and again. Don’t forget to tag your creations online—I’d love to see your bubbling golden gratins. Now go grab those shrimp and get cooking!