Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Bake

This easy garlic shrimp gratin turns basic ingredients into a luxurious seafood treat that'll make you feel like you're dining at a fancy French restaurant. The tender shrimp soaked in rich sauce and finished with a crispy cheese topping makes for the ultimate comfort meal that's surprisingly quick to put together.

I stumbled on this creation while trying to use up some frozen shrimp. What started as a simple fridge clean-out has turned into my favorite last-minute meal for drop-in guests. I'm always blown away by how the garlic flavor runs through every bite.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) shrimp: Shell and vein removed. Go for fresh if possible, though thawed frozen ones work great too.
• 2 tbsp butter: Pick unsalted so you can adjust seasoning yourself.
• 3 cloves garlic: Finely chopped. Choose ones that feel heavy and have tight skin for best taste.
• 1 cup heavy cream: This makes the silky sauce that's key to the dish.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Grate it yourself rather than buying pre-packaged for better melt and taste.
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Gives you those wonderful stretchy cheese pulls everyone loves.
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs: Try panko breadcrumbs if you want extra crunch on top.
• 1 tbsp olive oil: Spring for good quality to boost those Mediterranean notes.
• 1 tsp dried oregano: Crush it in your palm before adding to wake up its flavor.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Grinding your pepper fresh really does make food taste better.
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley for garnish: Gives a pop of green and fresh flavor contrast.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Turn your oven to 375°F (190°C) and let it warm up completely while you work on the rest. This helps everything cook evenly and get that nice golden top.

Prepare the Garlic Base:

Gently melt your butter in a big skillet over medium heat. Toss in your chopped garlic and cook for around 30 seconds until you can smell it but before it turns brown. This sets up all the flavor for your dish.

Cook the Shrimp:

Throw your shrimp into the garlic butter, add some salt and pepper, and cook until they just turn pink, about 2-3 minutes. Don't cook them all the way since they'll finish in the oven. They should be barely done now.

Assemble the Gratin:

Move your shrimp to a shallow baking dish, spreading them out. Pour the heavy cream over them so they're mostly covered. As it bakes, the cream will bubble down and make a thick, yummy sauce.

Add the Topping:

Scatter the Parmesan and mozzarella all over the top, then sprinkle on the breadcrumbs. Drizzle everything with olive oil and finish with the oregano. These layers will turn into a crunchy, cheesy crust.

Bake to Perfection:

Stick the dish in your hot oven for 15-20 minutes. You want the top to be golden brown with bubbles around the edges. The sauce should thicken but still be creamy.

Garnish and Serve:

Take it out and let it sit for 2 minutes before sprinkling the parsley on top. This short rest lets the sauce settle and get a bit thicker.

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I've tried all sorts of cheese combos since finding this recipe, but I always end up coming back to Parmesan and mozzarella. We make this every Christmas Eve in my family, and everyone fights over who gets to scrape those crispy cheese bits from the sides of the dish. Trust me, those crusty edges are the best part.

Make Ahead Options

You can get this dish ready up to the baking part several hours early. Just put some plastic wrap over your assembled dish and stick it in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, take it out about 30 minutes before baking so it warms up a bit, then cook as normal with maybe 5 extra minutes in the oven.

Serving Suggestions

This gratin can totally stand on its own, but it also goes great with other foods. Try it over some buttery angel hair pasta, next to a chunk of crusty French bread for soaking up that sauce, or with a simple arugula salad with lemon dressing to balance the richness. If you want wine with it, go for a light Chardonnay or a crisp Pinot Grigio.

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Smart Swaps

Don't worry if you need to change things up based on what's in your kitchen. Small scallops work just as well as shrimp, or mix them together for a fancy seafood combo. If dairy doesn't agree with you, try coconut cream instead of heavy cream - it adds a nice hint of tropical flavor. For keto folks, crushed pork rinds make an amazingly crunchy topping instead of breadcrumbs.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use either fresh or frozen shrimp?

Yes, both are fine! Just make sure you're using thawed, peeled, and deveined shrimp for better results.

→ How far ahead can I prepare this?

You can prep the shrimp and layer the gratin earlier. Keep it in the fridge and bake it fresh right before serving.

→ What sides go well with shrimp bake?

Pair with bread, rice, or pasta to enjoy the creamy sauce. A salad with greens is also a great side.

→ Can I switch any of the ingredients?

Feel free to use half-and-half in place of cream, or swap cheeses—Gruyère or cheddar can work instead.

→ What’s the trick to avoid overcooking shrimp?

Shrimp only need about 2-3 minutes to turn pink. They'll finalize as the gratin bakes, staying tender.