Crispy Shrimp Au Gratin Recipe: A Simple Seafood Dream

Comfort food reaches new heights with this irresistible shrimp au gratin recipe that promises a delightful culinary adventure.

Creamy, cheesy, and packed with succulent seafood, this dish transforms an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Seafood enthusiasts will adore the rich, decadent flavors melding together in every single bite.

The combination of tender shrimp, velvety sauce, and golden-brown cheese creates a mouthwatering experience that screams indulgence.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of textures and tastes that dance across your palate.

Elegant yet simple, this recipe proves gourmet cooking can be accessible to home chefs with just a few quality ingredients.

Prepare to savor a dish that will undoubtedly become a favorite at your dinner table.

Why Shrimp Au Gratin Is So Rich and Creamy

• Prepare this recipe with minimal kitchen skills, making it perfect for home cooks of all levels, from beginners to seasoned chefs.
• Dive into a rich, velvety sauce that hugs tender shrimp, creating a luxurious and satisfying meal that feels like a warm culinary embrace.
• Impress family and friends with a sophisticated dish that looks gourmet but requires simple techniques, making it ideal for dinner parties or special gatherings.
• Experience a delightful contrast between the smooth, creamy sauce, succulent shrimp, and crispy bread crumb topping that keeps every bite interesting and exciting.

What’s Inside Shrimp Au Gratin

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that serves as the star protein of this comforting casserole.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Provide a rich, smooth base for the creamy sauce.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth texture.
• Milk: Creates the creamy foundation of the sauce.
• Ground Nutmeg: Adds a subtle warm and aromatic flavor to the sauce.
• Salt: Enhances the overall seasoning of the dish.

• Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp and melty cheese layer to the casserole.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a salty, crispy topping with nutty undertones.
• Dry Bread Crumbs: Creates a crunchy golden exterior for the dish.

• Italian Seasoning, Parsley, Shallot: Bring fresh herbal notes and additional depth of flavor to the shrimp au gratin.

Cooking Shrimp Au Gratin at Home

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by setting it to 350F (175C).

This will ensure your dish bakes perfectly from the start.

Step 2: Craft the Creamy Base

• Olive oil
• Butter

Melt the butter completely, then reduce heat to medium.

Whisk in flour until you create a golden, smooth paste.

This foundation will make your sauce incredible.

Step 3: Transform the Sauce

Gradually pour in milk while whisking constantly.

Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring until the mixture becomes silky and thick.

Add a pinch of ground nutmeg and salt to enhance the flavor profile.

Step 4: Prepare the Seafood Stars

Place shrimp in a casserole dish.

• Italian seasoning
• Salt

Ensure each shrimp is evenly coated with the aromatic spices.

Step 5: Layer the Deliciousness

Pour the creamy sauce over the shrimp.

• Shredded Cheddar cheese
• Thinly sliced shallots
• Remaining Italian seasoning
• Fresh parsley

Step 6: Create a Crispy Crown

• Dry bread crumbs
• Grated Parmesan cheese

This will develop a golden, crunchy topping that adds incredible texture.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the casserole into the oven and bake for 25 minutes.

Look for a bubbly surface with a beautifully crisp top.

Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle and make serving easier.

Tips for Smooth Shrimp Au Gratin

• Select large, fresh shrimp without any fishy smell and pat completely dry before seasoning to prevent watery sauce and ensure crispy texture.
• Whisk milk gradually and continuously to prevent lumps, stirring constantly over medium heat until sauce reaches smooth, velvety thickness without burning.
• Layer seasonings strategically by using fresh herbs like parsley and Italian seasoning, which complement the shrimp's delicate taste and enhance overall dish complexity.
• Use room temperature cheeses for even melting and sprinkle Parmesan and Cheddar in layers to create rich, golden-brown crispy topping with maximum flavor distribution.
• Monitor baking time closely, removing casserole when shrimp turn opaque and slightly firm, typically around 20-25 minutes, to maintain tender, juicy seafood texture.

How to Save and Warm Shrimp Au Gratin

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
• Transfer shrimp au gratin to a freezer-safe dish. Cover with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month, preventing freezer burn by removing excess air from the container.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place leftovers in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, checking internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Stop when thoroughly warm to prevent rubbery texture.

What Complements Shrimp Au Gratin

• Pair Bold Chardonnay: Select a buttery, oak-aged Chardonnay that complements the creamy sauce and rich cheese, enhancing the shrimp's delicate flavor with its smooth, full-bodied profile.
• Serve Crusty Sourdough Bread: Slice a warm, rustic sourdough to soak up the luxurious sauce, providing a tangy counterpoint and satisfying textural contrast to the tender shrimp.
• Toss Crisp Arugula Salad: Create a light, peppery arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the dish's richness, adding a fresh, zesty element that balances the creamy gratin.
• Match Sparkling Pinot Grigio: Choose a crisp, light Pinot Grigio with bright acidity to cleanse the palate between bites, its subtle citrus notes complementing the seafood's sweetness.

Shrimp Au Gratin Variants to Explore

• Crab Classic: Replace shrimp with lump crab meat for a rich, sweet seafood alternative that maintains the creamy sauce's elegance.
• Lobster Luxe: Swap shrimp for tender lobster chunks to elevate the dish into a more gourmet seafood experience.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute shrimp with roasted cauliflower or white beans for a plant-based protein that absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully.

• Gluten-Free Makeover: Use almond flour instead of wheat flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs to create a celiac-friendly version without compromising flavor.
• Low-Carb Edition: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond meal for a keto-friendly topping that adds crunch and keeps carbohydrates minimal.
• Dairy-Free Transformation: Utilize coconut milk for the sauce and nutritional yeast instead of cheese to accommodate dairy sensitivities while maintaining a creamy texture.

FAQs

• What type of shrimp works best for this recipe?

Large or medium-sized shrimp work perfectly. Peeled and deveined shrimp save preparation time and ensure the best texture for the dish.

• Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen shrimp are great. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning to prevent excess moisture in the dish.

• Is there a substitute for Cheddar cheese?

Gruyère or Monterey Jack are excellent alternatives that will provide similar creamy and melty characteristics to the dish.

• How do I prevent the sauce from becoming lumpy?

Whisk continuously while adding milk and cook over medium heat. Constant stirring and slow milk incorporation are key to creating a smooth, lump-free sauce.

Shrimp Au Gratin Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Indulgent shrimp au gratin brings coastal comfort to your dinner table with creamy, cheesy goodness. Succulent Gulf Coast shrimp nestled in a rich sauce will transport your taste buds to a seaside paradise you can savor right at home.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 30 uncooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 4 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 pinch ground nutmeg
• 1 shallot, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• salt to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), preparing a warm environment for the upcoming culinary creation.
2. In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter and olive oil together, creating a smooth cooking base.
3. Whisk flour into the butter mixture, stirring consistently until a golden, thick paste forms, approximately 5 minutes.
4. Gradually pour milk into the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from developing, and simmer until sauce thickens, about 7-10 minutes.
5. Season sauce with ground nutmeg and salt, adjusting flavors to taste.
6. Arrange shrimp in a casserole dish, coating thoroughly with Italian seasoning and a light salt sprinkle.
7. Drizzle prepared cream sauce evenly over the seasoned shrimp, ensuring complete coverage.
8. Distribute shredded Cheddar cheese across the surface, followed by thinly sliced shallots and chopped parsley.
9. Create a crispy topping by sprinkling dry bread crumbs and grated Parmesan cheese over the entire dish.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, watching for a bubbling texture and golden-brown crust.
11. Remove from oven and allow to rest for 3-5 minutes before serving, letting flavors meld and settle.

Notes

• Ensure shrimp are evenly coated with seasoning by gently tossing them in a bowl before placing in the casserole dish for maximum flavor absorption.
• Control sauce thickness by adjusting milk quantity, allowing it to simmer longer for a thicker consistency or adding more milk for a lighter texture.
• Choose fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best taste, preferably wild-caught or sustainably sourced varieties to enhance overall dish quality.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 21 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg