This Garlic Shrimp Gratin is an indulgent, comforting dish that combines juicy shrimp, a rich garlic cream sauce, melty cheese, and a golden, crispy breadcrumb topping. Elegant enough for entertaining yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner, this gratin is a cozy, flavor-packed winner that will impress at any table.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)

• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat Oven:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cook Garlic and Shrimp:
Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 3–4 minutes until pink. Remove from heat.

3. Prepare the Cream Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine heavy cream, mozzarella cheese, half the Parmesan, and cooked shrimp. Mix well.

4. Assemble the Dish:
Transfer the shrimp and cream mixture to a greased 9×9-inch baking dish and spread evenly.

5. Make Breadcrumb Topping:
In a separate bowl, mix panko with the remaining Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle over the top of the dish.

6. Bake:
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.

7. Garnish and Serve:
Let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Nutrients (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 320 kcal

• Fat: 30 g

• Saturated Fat: 15 g

• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g

• Cholesterol: 200 mg

• Sodium: 800 mg

• Carbohydrates: 8 g

• Fiber: 1 g

• Sugar: 3 g

• Protein: 40 g

Why Garlic Shrimp Gratin Works So Well

The brilliance of this dish lies in its layers of texture and deep flavor—from the mellow, aromatic garlic butter base to the rich, cheesy cream sauce that hugs each plump shrimp. Then, there’s the crowning glory: a crisp layer of Parmesan-panko breadcrumbs that brings contrast and crunch. The entire dish is baked until bubbly and golden, offering warmth, indulgence, and soul-soothing satisfaction in every forkful.

What makes it even better is the ease: this dish comes together in one pan and a baking dish, with only a handful of ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your kitchen.

The Star: Shrimp

Shrimp are quick-cooking, lean, and protein-rich, making them ideal for a baked gratin. Here, they’re sautéed lightly in butter and garlic, just until they begin to turn pink—ensuring they finish cooking gently in the oven without becoming rubbery. Their naturally sweet and briny flavor pairs beautifully with the richness of the cheese and cream sauce, giving the dish both lightness and depth.

Choose medium to large shrimp, peeled and deveined, for the best texture. If using frozen shrimp, make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to avoid excess water in the dish.

The Garlic Cream Sauce: Rich and Luxurious

The sauce starts with garlic sautéed in butter, which perfumes the dish with mellow, savory warmth. Heavy cream brings a silky richness, while mozzarella adds that melty, gooey pull. Parmesan cheese, with its salty umami bite, cuts through the creaminess and enhances the depth of flavor. The sauce is simple—no roux, no flour—just cream, cheese, and seasoning stirred into the warm shrimp and baked to perfection.

To add a touch of tang or brightness, you could stir in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a splash of white wine or lemon juice—though it’s perfectly balanced as-is.

Golden Topping: Crisp, Savory Contrast

A true gratin must have a golden, crispy topping, and here, it comes from a mix of panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan. Panko’s larger flakes create a superior crunch, while Parmesan adds saltiness and helps the top layer brown beautifully in the oven. It’s this contrast—the creamy interior and the crisp topping—that elevates this dish beyond your average casserole.

Want even more depth? You could add a pinch of paprika, thyme, or crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture before baking.

How to Serve Garlic Shrimp Gratin

This dish is versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides:

• Crusty baguette or sourdough to soak up the luscious sauce

• Butter noodles or linguine for a heartier plate

• Steamed rice or quinoa to balance the richness

• Green salad with vinaigrette for freshness

• Roasted asparagus or broccoli for a vegetable complement

It’s perfect as a stand-alone meal or served as a main course with appetizers and sides at a dinner gathering.

Make-Ahead Tips and Storage

While best served fresh and hot, this gratin is meal-prep friendly:

• Make ahead: Assemble the entire dish (excluding the breadcrumb topping), cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add the breadcrumb layer just before going into the oven.

• Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2–3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

• Freezing not recommended, as the cream and cheese can separate.

Nutrition Highlights (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 320 kcal

• Protein: 40 g – excellent for muscle maintenance and satiety

• Fat: 30 g (15 g saturated) – from butter, cream, and cheese

• Carbohydrates: 8 g – mostly from breadcrumbs

• Cholesterol: 200 mg – consider reducing cheese or cream for lower cholesterol needs

• Sodium: 800 mg – can be adjusted by using low-sodium cheese or seasoning lightly

This gratin is high in protein, low in carbs, and ultra-satisfying. It can easily fit into low-carb or keto-style diets, especially if the panko topping is reduced or replaced with almond flour or crushed pork rinds.

Tips for Success

• Use freshly grated Parmesan, not pre-shredded, for better flavor and melting.

• Avoid overcooking shrimp, since they’ll finish baking in the oven.

• Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set slightly.

• Broil briefly at the end if you want an extra crispy, golden top.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy, cheesy, and indulgent without being overly complicated

• A one-dish wonder perfect for cozy nights or dinner guests

• Simple ingredients come together for bold, impressive flavor

• Great for low-carb eaters or anyone craving seafood comfort food

• Customizable with herbs, spice, or alternative cheeses

Whether you’re craving something comforting, entertaining friends, or just want a meal that feels special, this Garlic Shrimp Gratin delivers comfort and sophistication in every bubbling, garlicky, golden bite.

Conclusion

This Garlic Shrimp Gratin is more than just a baked dish—it’s a showstopping blend of flavors and textures that brings warmth, comfort, and elegance to your table. With juicy shrimp, a garlicky cream base, gooey cheese, and that all-important crispy topping, it’s the kind of meal that feels like a celebration every time you serve it. Ready in under an hour and made with simple ingredients, it’s a seafood lover’s dream that’s guaranteed to impress.