Shrimp Au Gratin: A Decadent Delight You Can Make at Home

Shrimp au gratin is the epitome of comfort food elevated. Imagine succulent shrimp bathed in a creamy, cheesy sauce, baked to golden perfection. It’s rich, it’s satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make at home. This recipe will guide you through each step, ensuring a restaurant-quality dish that will impress your family and friends.

What is Shrimp Au Gratin?

“Au gratin” is a French culinary term that refers to dishes topped with breadcrumbs and/or cheese, then browned under a broiler or in an oven. The topping creates a delightful crust that contrasts beautifully with the tender ingredients underneath. In the case of shrimp au gratin, the shrimp are typically cooked in a creamy, cheesy sauce, often featuring Gruyere, Parmesan, or Cheddar cheese, and then finished with a golden, bubbling crust.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe strikes the perfect balance between rich indulgence and ease of preparation. Here’s why it’s a winner:

* **Flavorful Sauce:** The creamy sauce is the star of the show. We use a combination of butter, flour, milk (or cream for extra richness), and a blend of cheeses to create a sauce that’s both decadent and flavorful.
* **Perfectly Cooked Shrimp:** We provide tips for cooking the shrimp to ensure they are tender and juicy, not rubbery. Overcooked shrimp can ruin the dish, so we focus on gentle cooking methods.
* **Crispy Topping:** The breadcrumb topping, mixed with melted butter and Parmesan cheese, adds a delightful textural contrast to the creamy sauce and tender shrimp.
* **Versatile:** This recipe can be easily adapted to suit your preferences. You can use different types of cheese, add vegetables, or adjust the spice level to your liking.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** You can prepare the shrimp and sauce ahead of time and assemble the dish just before baking, making it perfect for entertaining.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need for this shrimp au gratin recipe:

* **Shrimp:** 1.5 – 2 pounds of large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined. Fresh or frozen (thawed) shrimp will work. Ensure they are patted dry before cooking.
* **Butter:** 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided.
* **Flour:** 1/4 cup all-purpose flour.
* **Milk (or Cream):** 2 cups whole milk (or heavy cream for a richer sauce).
* **Cheese:** 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (optional, for extra sharpness).
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves garlic, minced.
* **Shallot:** 1 small shallot, finely chopped (optional, for added depth of flavor).
* **Dry White Wine:** 1/4 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, optional, but adds a wonderful flavor).
* **Lemon Juice:** 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice.
* **Hot Sauce:** A few dashes of your favorite hot sauce (such as Tabasco or Frank’s RedHot, optional, for a touch of heat).
* **Breadcrumbs:** 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs.
* **Fresh Parsley:** 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish.
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste.
* **Olive Oil:** 1 tablespoon (for sautéing the shallot and garlic).

Equipment You’ll Need

* Large skillet or sauté pan
* Medium saucepan
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Mixing bowls
* Whisk
* Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect shrimp au gratin:

**1. Prepare the Shrimp:**

* If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely and pat them dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting a good sear and preventing the shrimp from steaming.
* Peel and devein the shrimp if they aren’t already. To devein, use a small knife to make a shallow slit along the back of the shrimp and remove the dark vein.
* Season the shrimp with salt and pepper.

**2. Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce:**

* In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
* Add the minced garlic and chopped shallot (if using) to the melted butter and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
* Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This creates a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
* Slowly whisk in the milk (or cream), making sure to break up any lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth.
* Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring constantly, and cook for 3-5 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
* If using white wine, add it to the sauce and simmer for another minute to allow the alcohol to evaporate.
* Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the Gruyere cheese, Parmesan cheese, and Cheddar cheese (if using). Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
* Stir in the lemon juice and a few dashes of hot sauce (if using). Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

**3. Cook the Shrimp:**

* In the large skillet or sauté pan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat.
* Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer (work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan). Overcrowding will steam the shrimp instead of searing them.
* Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, until they are pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as they will continue to cook in the oven.

**4. Assemble the Au Gratin:**

* Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
* Pour the creamy cheese sauce into the prepared 9×13 inch baking dish.
* Arrange the cooked shrimp evenly over the sauce.

**5. Make the Breadcrumb Topping:**

* In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and grated Parmesan cheese.
* Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the shrimp and cheese sauce.

**6. Bake the Au Gratin:**

* Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and bubbly and the sauce is heated through.

**7. Garnish and Serve:**

* Remove the shrimp au gratin from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
* Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
* Serve hot with crusty bread or rice.

Tips for Perfect Shrimp Au Gratin

* **Don’t Overcook the Shrimp:** This is the most important tip! Overcooked shrimp will be rubbery and unpleasant. Cook them just until they are pink and opaque.
* **Use Good Quality Cheese:** The cheese is a key ingredient in this dish, so use the best quality cheese you can find. Gruyere, Parmesan, and Cheddar are all excellent choices.
* **Make the Sauce Smooth:** Whisk the sauce constantly while it’s cooking to prevent lumps from forming.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** When cooking the shrimp, make sure to cook them in a single layer. Overcrowding the pan will steam the shrimp instead of searing them.
* **Use Panko Breadcrumbs:** Panko breadcrumbs are larger and lighter than regular breadcrumbs, which gives the topping a crispier texture.
* **Add Some Heat:** A few dashes of hot sauce can add a nice kick to the dish. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
* **Get Creative with Vegetables:** Feel free to add vegetables to the dish, such as mushrooms, asparagus, or spinach. Sauté the vegetables before adding them to the sauce.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
* **Broil for Extra Color:** For a more golden brown topping, broil the au gratin for a minute or two at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Variations and Substitutions

This shrimp au gratin recipe is easily adaptable to your preferences. Here are a few variations and substitutions you can try:

* **Seafood Au Gratin:** Substitute some of the shrimp with other seafood, such as scallops, crabmeat, or lobster.
* **Vegetarian Au Gratin:** Replace the shrimp with vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, or mushrooms.
* **Spicy Shrimp Au Gratin:** Add more hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicier dish.
* **Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Fontina, Gouda, or Monterey Jack.
* **Cream Cheese:** Add a couple of ounces of cream cheese to the sauce for extra richness and tanginess.
* **Sherry:** Substitute the white wine with dry sherry for a slightly different flavor.
* **Herbs:** Add fresh herbs to the sauce, such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano.

Serving Suggestions

Shrimp au gratin is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or an appetizer. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **With Crusty Bread:** Serve with crusty bread for dipping into the creamy sauce.
* **Over Rice:** Serve over rice for a more substantial meal.
* **With Pasta:** Serve with pasta, such as linguine or fettuccine.
* **As an Appetizer:** Serve in small ramekins as an appetizer.
* **With a Salad:** Serve with a side salad for a light and refreshing meal.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Shrimp au gratin can be made ahead of time and baked just before serving. Here’s how:

* Prepare the shrimp and the creamy cheese sauce according to the recipe instructions.
* Pour the sauce into the baking dish and arrange the shrimp over the sauce.
* Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
* When ready to bake, remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
* Prepare the breadcrumb topping and sprinkle it over the shrimp and sauce.
* Bake in the preheated oven according to the recipe instructions.

Storage Instructions

Leftover shrimp au gratin can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Shrimp Au Gratin Recipe

**Yields:** 6 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 30 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1.5-2 pounds large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
* 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 2 cups whole milk (or heavy cream)
* 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (optional)
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 small shallot, finely chopped (optional)
* 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
* 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
* A few dashes of hot sauce (optional)
* 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
* Salt and black pepper to taste
* 1 tablespoon olive oil

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Pat shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper.
3. Melt 4 tablespoons butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and shallot (if using) and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
4. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
5. Slowly whisk in milk (or cream) until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, and cook for 3-5 minutes, until thickened.
6. If using, add white wine and simmer for 1 minute. Remove from heat.
7. Stir in Gruyere, Parmesan, and Cheddar (if using) until melted. Stir in lemon juice and hot sauce (if using). Season with salt and pepper.
8. Heat olive oil and remaining 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
9. Pour cheese sauce into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange shrimp over the sauce.
10. In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle over the shrimp and sauce.
11. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
12. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Enjoy this decadent and delicious Shrimp Au Gratin!