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I’ve got to tell you about this shrimp gratin that’s always the star at my dinners! Imagine tender shrimp under a dreamy, cheesy sauce with a crunchy golden topping. I stumbled on this dish ages ago and ever since, whenever garlic and herbs start sizzling, folks can’t wait to grab a fork. It's total comfort—every time.
Why This Tastes Amazing
The best part? Everyday staples turn into this knockout meal. Digging into that crispy, cheesy top down to the creamy shrimp underneath—it’s almost too good. Fancy enough for a big get-together, simple for a lazy night. People always want the how-to after one mouthful!
What You Need for Garlic Shrimp Gratin
- Parmesan Cheese: That toasty, nutty bite on top is unbeatable.
- Bread Crumbs: Crunchy panko is the way to go.
- Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of green and freshness.
- Shallot: Sweeter than onions. Trust me, it matters.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp flavor is where it’s at.
- Italian Seasoning: Brings all those herbs together.
- Shrimp: Medium ones cook just right.
- Salt: Needed to let the shrimp sing.
- Ground Nutmeg: The unexpected game-changer!
- Milk: Go for whole if you want max creaminess.
- All Purpose Flour: Thickens things up nicely.
- Butter: Unsalted so you can salt it the way you like.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Good oil does make a difference.
Time To Make It Happen
- Oven Time
- Slide it in and just watch until it’s bubbling and the top’s a perfect golden brown!
- That Awesome Crust
- Pile on the breadcrumb and Parmesan mix right at the end for the crunchiest finish.
- Layering Up
- Liberally spice your shrimp, tuck them into your baking dish, and smother them in the creamy sauce. Gorgeous.
- Sauce Magic
- Get your roux nice and sturdy, pour in hot milk, and watch it all thicken smoothly.
Tricks for Even Better Results
Sometimes I swap in Gruyère for extra flavor. Want it a little spicy? Just sprinkle on some cayenne! Or do what I do and spoon it over pasta—the sauce is too tasty to leave behind!
Stay Tasty
This one holds up like a champ in the fridge for a few days. Want to prep ahead? Freeze it and let it thaw in the fridge before warming up. Feels great knowing there’s comfort food waiting for you!
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can pre-cooked shrimp work here?
- Fresh raw shrimp's the best option, but if you're using pre-cooked shrimp, shorten the baking time to keep them tender.
- → What shrimp size is best?
- Medium ones are perfect, though larger shrimp cut into smaller pieces also work great.
- → Can I prep this earlier?
- You can make the sauce and assemble everything, but wait to sprinkle the breadcrumbs till it's ready to bake.
- → What pairs well with this?
- Try a fresh green salad, crusty bread, or steamed veggies as sides for this rich meal.
- → Can I swap the cheeses?
- Feel free to trade cheddar for mozzarella or Gruyere. Just keep Parmesan for the crispy top.