Description
The Shrimp Gratin Delight is a sumptuous seafood recipe that combines the rich flavors of shrimp, cheese, and herbs, topped with a golden breadcrumb crust. This dish is perfect for a comforting dinner at home, blending both elegance and richness in each bite. Its creamy texture and crispy topping make it a favorite for those who love a gratifying culinary experience.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, or to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 pinch ground nutmeg
- salt to taste
- 30 uncooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1 shallot, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, or to taste
- ½ cup dry bread crumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Step-by-step Directions
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature for baking.
2. Make the Roux
In a skillet over medium-high heat, combine the olive oil and butter. Once the butter melts, reduce the heat to medium and whisk in the flour. Stir continuously to form a thick paste, about 5 minutes.
3. Prepare the Cream Sauce
Gradually whisk in the milk to the roux and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir consistently until the sauce thickens and smoothens, approximately 5 to 10 minutes. Season with nutmeg and salt to taste.
4. Arrange the Shrimp
In a casserole dish, spread the shrimp evenly and season them with 3 teaspoons of Italian seasoning and additional salt.
5. Add the Layers
Pour the prepared sauce over the shrimp. Sprinkle the Cheddar cheese over the sauce, add the sliced shallot, remaining Italian seasoning, and parsley. Finally, cover everything with a layer of breadcrumbs and top off with Parmesan cheese.
6. Bake
Bake in the preheated oven until the top of the gratin is crisp and golden, about 25 minutes.
Servings & Preparation Time
This recipe serves 4 to 5 people and takes approximately 45 minutes to prepare and cook.
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the gratin in the oven at 350 degrees F for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving to preserve the crust’s crispiness.
Conclusion
The Shrimp Gratin Delight is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of textures and flavors that come together in a harmonious blend. It’s perfect for those special evenings when you desire a meal that is both comforting and sophisticated. Whether for a quiet family dinner or a more festive occasion, this dish promises to impress.
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Shrimp Gratin Delight
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 5 servings 1x
Description
The Shrimp Gratin Delight is a sumptuous seafood recipe that combines the rich flavors of shrimp, cheese, and herbs, topped with a golden breadcrumb crust. This dish is perfect for a comforting dinner at home, blending both elegance and richness in each bite. Its creamy texture and crispy topping make it a favorite for those who love a gratifying culinary experience.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 pinch ground nutmeg
- salt to taste
- 30 uncooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1 shallot, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- ½ cup dry bread crumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
- Make the Roux
- Prepare the Cream Sauce
- Arrange the Shrimp
- Add the Layers
- Bake
- Prep Time: 45 minutes