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Let me share my absolute favorite seafood dish that never fails to wow guests! This Garlic Shrimp Gratin brings together succulent shrimp a velvety cheese sauce and the most incredible crispy topping. I discovered this recipe years ago and have perfected it to create pure comfort food magic. Every time I make it the aroma of garlic and herbs fills my kitchen making everyone eager to dig in!
Why You'll Love This Dish
What I adore about this recipe is how it transforms simple ingredients into something truly spectacular! That moment when you break through the golden crispy top into the creamy sauce below pure heaven. It's elegant enough for special occasions yet easy enough for a cozy night in. My guests always ask for the recipe especially after that first heavenly bite!
Ingredients for Garlic Shrimp Gratin
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Get the good stuff it really makes a difference.
- Butter: Unsalted lets us control the seasoning perfectly.
- All Purpose Flour: Just enough for that silky sauce.
- Milk: Whole milk creates the creamiest texture.
- Ground Nutmeg: My secret ingredient that adds magic!
- Salt: Season carefully to let those shrimp shine.
- Shrimp: Medium sized work best here.
- Italian Seasoning: Adds such wonderful depth.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp gives the best flavor punch.
- Shallot: So much sweeter than regular onion.
- Fresh Parsley: Brings brightness and color.
- Bread Crumbs: Panko creates the crispiest top!
- Parmesan Cheese: That nutty flavor is everything.
Let's Get Cooking
- Making That Perfect Sauce
- Start with your roux get it nice and thick this is the foundation of our creamy sauce! When you add that warm milk watch how beautifully it transforms.
- Building the Layers
- Season those shrimp generously then nestle them in your dish. The way the sauce blankets everything is just gorgeous!
- Creating That Crust
- The breadcrumb Parmesan topping is like adding a crown to our masterpiece.
- Into the Oven
- Keep an eye on that top watching it turn golden brown is so satisfying!
Tips for Best Results
Sometimes I mix it up with Gruyère cheese for extra richness. Want a bit of heat? A pinch of cayenne works wonders! And if you're really looking to impress serve it over some al dente pasta the sauce is too good to waste!
Keep It Fresh
This dish keeps beautifully in the fridge for a few days. Planning ahead? You can freeze it just remember to thaw overnight before reheating. Nothing better than having this comfort food ready when you need it!
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
- Fresh raw shrimp is recommended as pre-cooked shrimp may become tough during baking. If using pre-cooked, reduce baking time to avoid overcooking.
- → What size shrimp works best?
- Medium shrimp are ideal for this recipe, but you can use large shrimp cut into smaller pieces if needed.
- → Can I make this ahead?
- You can prepare the sauce and assemble the casserole ahead of time, but wait to add the breadcrumb topping until ready to bake.
- → What can I serve with this?
- This rich dish pairs well with a light green salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- → Can I use different cheese?
- Yes, you can substitute the cheddar with Gruyere or mozzarella for different flavors while keeping the Parmesan for the topping.