introduction
This Cheesy Seafood Gratin is creamy, cheesy, and simple to make. It combines shrimp and scallops in a rich sauce and bakes until golden. If you like baked cheese dishes, try a similar twist like cheesy bacon brussels sprouts au gratin for another easy side.
why make this recipe
Make this recipe when you want a fast, special meal with little fuss. It cooks quickly, feeds a few people, and looks fancy on the table. It is hearty and comforting. For another easy oven-cheese idea, see easy cheesy cabbage au gratin.
how to make Cheesy Seafood Gratin
Follow the steps below. Work in order and do not overcook the seafood before baking so it stays tender.
Ingredients :
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 pound scallops
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions :
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the garlic until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp and scallops, cooking until they are just opaque.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, paprika, salt, and pepper until the cheese is melted and the mixture is creamy.
- Transfer the seafood mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy with your favorite sides!
how to serve Cheesy Seafood Gratin
Serve hot from the oven. It pairs well with a green salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread to soak the sauce. For a casual snack or side idea, you might also enjoy a warm cheesy bean dip at the same meal.
how to store Cheesy Seafood Gratin
Cool the gratin to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot, about 10–15 minutes. Do not freeze cooked seafood gratin — texture may suffer.
tips to make Cheesy Seafood Gratin
- Do not overcook shrimp and scallops on the stove; they will finish in the oven.
- Use fresh or thawed seafood for best texture.
- Taste and adjust salt before baking since cheeses can add salt.
- Use panko crumbs for extra crunch, or mix butter into breadcrumbs for a richer top.
variation (if any)
- Swap the cheddar for Gruyère or mozzarella for a different melt and flavor.
- Add cooked crab meat or chunks of white fish for mixed seafood.
- Stir in a small handful of chopped spinach or diced bell pepper for color and extra veg.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen seafood?
A: Yes. Thaw fully and pat dry before cooking to avoid extra water in the sauce.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: You can assemble it and keep covered in the fridge for a few hours, then bake when ready.
Q: Is there a low-fat option?
A: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the cheese, but the dish will be less rich.
Q: How many does this serve?
A: This recipe serves about 4 people as a main or 6 as a side.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Seafood Gratin is an easy, tasty dish that looks and tastes special with little work. For another take on a mixed seafood bake, see this related recipe: Cheesy Mixed Seafood Gratin – Food Lust People Love.
Print
Cheesy Seafood Gratin
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A creamy, cheesy seafood dish with shrimp and scallops baked until golden.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 pound scallops
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat and sauté the garlic until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp and scallops, cooking until they are just opaque.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, paprika, salt, and pepper until the cheese is melted and the mixture is creamy.
- Transfer the seafood mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Serve hot with a green salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread. Do not overcook the seafood before baking to maintain tenderness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: seafood gratin, cheesy dish, baked seafood, shrimp and scallops, comfort food