This garlic shrimp gratin is all about layers of flavor: tender shrimp in a white wine–free garlic cream sauce (yes—halal-friendly!), topped with sharp Parmesan, mozzarella, and buttery, crispy breadcrumbs. It’s rich, indulgent, and full of that savory garlic kick we all love.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Garlicky, creamy, and cheesy—like a shrimp Alfredo in baked form
- Crispy on top, juicy underneath—the gratin magic
- Easy to make in under 45 minutes
- Perfect for special occasions or cozy dinners
- Naturally halal-friendly & alcohol-free
Time & Servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: ~40–45 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: ~420
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Gratin Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- Chopped parsley or thyme, for garnish
How to Make Garlic Shrimp Gratin
1. Preheat Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a small baking dish or gratin dish.
2. Sauté the Shrimp
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
- Cook for 1–2 minutes per side just until pink—don’t overcook!
- Remove from heat and set aside.
They’ll finish cooking in the oven, so slightly underdone is perfect here.
3. Make the Creamy Gratin Sauce
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Slowly whisk in milk and cream, stirring until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes until creamy and just thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
4. Assemble the Gratin
- Add cooked shrimp to the baking dish.
- Pour the garlic cream sauce over the shrimp evenly.
- Sprinkle mozzarella on top.
5. Add the Buttery Topping
- In a small bowl, mix panko, Parmesan, and melted butter.
- Sprinkle evenly over the cheese.
This gives you that golden, irresistible crunch on top.
6. Bake Until Golden
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbling and golden on top.
- Optional: Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end for extra browning.
7. Garnish & Serve
- Sprinkle with fresh herbs.
- Serve hot with a side of crusty bread, rice, or roasted veggies.
What to Serve with Garlic Shrimp Gratin
- Toasted baguette or garlic bread for dipping
- Simple lemon-dressed salad to cut through the richness
- Butter rice or herbed couscous
- Steamed asparagus or green beans
- Mashed potatoes or creamy polenta for total comfort vibes
Tips for Success
- Use raw shrimp, not pre-cooked. You’ll get better flavor and texture.
- Let the sauce thicken a little. You want creamy, not runny.
- Broil carefully. That golden top happens fast—don’t walk away!
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
- Make ahead: Assemble and refrigerate (unbaked) up to 24 hours in advance.
Variations
- Spicy Cajun twist: Add Cajun seasoning to the shrimp
- Add mushrooms or spinach to the cream sauce for extra veg
- Cheese swap: Use Gruyère, cheddar, or a fontina mix for a different flavor
- Gluten-free: Use GF flour and breadcrumbs
- Lobster or scallop version: Swap in other seafood or do a combo
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Reheat: Bake at 350°F until warmed through, or use the microwave in short bursts
- Freezer: Not ideal—cream sauces can separate—but doable if tightly wrapped and baked straight from frozen
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
Is this recipe halal?
Yes—just use halal-certified shrimp and skip any wine or alcohol-based ingredients (this recipe is wine-free!).
Can I make this in individual ramekins?
Absolutely—it’s a beautiful appetizer or dinner-party starter served this way.
Can I use half-and-half instead of cream?
Yes—just reduce the milk a little to maintain the richness.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Shrimp Gratin is creamy, savory, garlicky, and everything you want in a baked seafood dish. It’s warm, cozy, and totally indulgent—with just enough elegance to impress anyone you serve it to. Whether you’re cooking for guests or treating yourself on a random Tuesday, this recipe’s a total keeper.
