Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I lifted the lid off the bubbling casserole, the warm aroma of garlic and cream wafted through my kitchen, instantly bringing a smile to my face. This Creamy Seafood Gratin isn’t just any weeknight dinner; it effortlessly transforms the mundane into a luxurious experience, fusing tender shrimp and soft scallops under a blanket of melted cheese and rich sauce. In just 30 minutes, you can treat yourself and loved ones to a comfort food delight that’s also customizable—feeling like seafood today or perhaps leaning toward a vibrant vegetarian version? This dish not only caters to your cravings but also offers a hassle-free approach, making it a fantastic choice for busy evenings or intimate gatherings. Are you curious about how to create this irresistible seafood masterpiece? Let’s dive into the details! Why is Seafood Gratin a Must-Try? Comforting, Creamy Delight: This seafood gratin is a nostalgic hug in a dish, blending creamy sauce and seafood for a culinary experience that feels indulgent yet easy. Quick Preparation: In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a satisfying meal that feels like it’s come straight from a gourmet kitchen. Perfect for busy weeknights! Customizable Options: Switch up the seafood or go vegetarian with vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms, offering endless possibilities. Check out other variations on Shrimp Roll to mix it up! Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The golden, bubbly cheese topping pairs beautifully with the savory seafood, making it a recipe everyone will love, from kids to guests. Serve with Style: Pair this dish effortlessly with crusty bread or a fresh salad—ideal for impressing friends during a dinner gathering or cozy family meals. Seafood Gratin Ingredients • Find everything you need for a creamy seafood gratin. For the Seafood Shrimp – Essential for protein; peeled and deveined for easy cooking. Scallops – Fresh or thawed if frozen; they add a delightful texture and flavor. For the Base Butter – Melts down for a rich sauté base; substitute with olive oil for a lighter taste. Onion – Chopped to provide natural sweetness and depth; shallots can be a milder alternative. Garlic – Minced to enhance the dish’s aromatic profile; adjust based on your love for garlic! For the Sauce Heavy Cream – Delivers that creamy, indulgent texture; use half-and-half if you prefer a lighter option. White Grape Juice – Adds a hint of sweetness; can swap with dry white wine or vegetable broth for a different touch. For Topping and Seasoning Grated Cheese – Choose your favorite like Gruyère or mozzarella for a bubbly topping; mixing cheeses elevates the flavor. Salt – Adjust to taste; low-sodium options are great if you’re watching your sodium intake. Black Pepper – Season to your liking for a touch of subtle heat. This seafood gratin is as customizable as it is delicious, perfect for impressing your family or dinner guests! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Seafood Gratin Step 1: Prep Seafood Begin by thoroughly rinsing and drying the shrimp and scallops. Peel the shrimp, ensuring they are deveined, and chop the scallops into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. This preparation will create a delicious base for your creamy seafood gratin that’s both appealing and easy to manage during cooking. Step 2: Sauté Aromatics In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant. This step infuses the dish with depth, enhancing the overall flavor of your seafood gratin, and creates a wonderful aromatic foundation. Step 3: Cook Seafood Next, add the prepared shrimp and scallops to the skillet. Cook them for approximately 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp is pink and the scallops turn opaque. This quick cooking ensures the seafood remains tender, forming a delicious mixture that will be the centerpiece of your gratin. Step 4: Add Sauce Ingredients After the seafood is perfectly cooked, pour in ½ cup of white grape juice and let it simmer for about 2 minutes. Then, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, along with salt and black pepper to taste, creating a rich, velvety sauce that embraces the seafood, readying your mixture for the oven. Step 5: Assemble Gratin Carefully transfer the seafood mixture into a greased baking dish, ensuring an even layer. Sprinkle your choice of grated cheese generously on top—this addition will melt beautifully, creating that signature bubbly topping that makes seafood gratin so irresistible. Step 6: Bake Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and place the assembled gratin inside. Bake it for 15 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture and flavor, turning your seafood gratin into a comforting masterpiece. Step 7: Cool Before Serving Once baked, remove the gratin from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This short resting period allows the dish to set, making it easier to serve. Now you’re ready to indulge in your creamy seafood gratin, perfect for sharing with family and friends. What to Serve with Creamy Seafood Gratin? Indulging in this delightful seafood dish can truly elevate your dining experience, so let’s explore the perfect companions to enhance your meal. Crusty Baguette: Ideal for sopping up that rich, creamy sauce, this bread brings the meal together beautifully. Freshly baked, it adds a comforting crunch to each bite. Light Green Salad: A refreshing salad with mixed greens and a lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the gratin, brightening the entire plate with its zesty flavors. Steamed Asparagus: These tender, vibrant spears provide a lovely contrasting texture and a hint of earthiness, making every forkful of seafood gratin even more enjoyable. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and buttery, these mashed potatoes provide a cozy, velvety base. They soak up the gratin’s flavors perfectly, turning every mouthful into heaven. Roasted Vegetables: A colorful medley of seasonal veggies adds both sweetness and a bit of char, creating a delicious harmony of flavors on your plate. Chilled White Wine: A glass of crisp, chilled Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc elevates the meal, complementing the seafood’s fresh flavors while offering a refreshing sip in between bites. These thoughtful pairings promise to round out your creamy seafood gratin for an unforgettable dining experience. Expert Tips for Seafood Gratin Fresh Seafood: Always use fresh seafood for the best flavor. If using frozen shrimp or scallops, make sure they are completely thawed and dried to avoid a watery gratin. Don’t Overcook: Be mindful of cooking times; shrimp should be pink and firm while scallops need to be opaque. Overcooked seafood can lead to a rubbery texture, which you want to avoid. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère, cheddar, or even a spicy pepper jack for a unique twist. Mixing cheeses can elevate the flavor profile of your seafood gratin. Resting Time: Allow the gratin to cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes serving easier, ensuring you get beautiful portions every time. Customize Base: Feel free to substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version or add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for an extra flavor kick. How to Store and Freeze Seafood Gratin Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Make sure it’s well-wrapped to maintain freshness and flavor. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the seafood gratin in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating for best results. Reheating: To reheat, place your gratin in an oven preheated to 350°F (180°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. This helps restore the creamy texture without making it soggy. Make-Ahead: You can prepare the seafood gratin up to the baking stage, cover it, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve, ensuring a delicious experience every time! Make Ahead Options These delightful Seafood Gratin dishes are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can assemble the gratin up to 24 hours in advance by following these steps: prepare the seafood mixture as directed, then transfer it to your baking dish before topping it with grated cheese. Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. When it’s time to serve, simply bake it directly from the fridge; you may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time to ensure everything is heated through. This method maintains the dish’s creamy texture and prevents the seafood from becoming rubbery, allowing you to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without the fuss on busy weeknights. Variations & Substitutions for Seafood Gratin Feel free to let your creativity shine by customizing this seafood gratin to your liking! Vegetarian Option: Substitute seafood with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach for a hearty vegetarian gratin. It still delivers that creamy goodness with a vibrant veggie twist! Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cream sauce for an exciting heat that elevates the dish. Spice lovers will appreciate this flavor boost! Different Cheese: Experiment with bold cheeses like feta or gorgonzola for a unique flavor that pairs wonderfully with the gratin’s creamy base. Mixing cheeses can create a delightful depth! Seafood Variety: Swap shrimp and scallops for crab meat or lobster for a luxurious take. Just ensure the seafood mix totals around 400g for balanced flavor! Herb Infusion: Toss in fresh herbs like dill or parsley right before baking. These add a fresh, aromatic touch that complements the creamy sauce beautifully. Grain Base: For a heartier twist, serve the gratin over cooked quinoa or rice, adding texture and a healthy grain element. This makes each bite even more satisfying! Baked Topping: Instead of just cheese, mix breadcrumbs with parsley and a touch of olive oil for an extra crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy dish. Garlic Bliss: Roast garlic instead of using raw for a mellower, sweeter taste in the sauce. This twist enriches the gratin with a beautiful depth of flavor! Looking for more ways to incorporate seafood? Check out our delicious Shrimp Roll for another fantastic seafood recipe! Seafood Gratin Recipe FAQs What type of seafood is best for seafood gratin? Absolutely! While shrimp and scallops are the traditional choices, you can customize your seafood gratin with crab meat, lobster, mussels, or even various fish fillets like cod. Just aim for a total seafood weight of around 400g for the right balance and flavor. How should I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Ensure it’s well-wrapped to keep the flavors intact. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore that lovely creamy texture. Can I freeze seafood gratin? Yes, you can freeze seafood gratin! Place it in an airtight container and store it for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking in an oven preheated to 350°F (180°C) for about 20-25 minutes. This will help maintain its delightful creaminess. What if my seafood seems tough or overcooked? The key to tender seafood is careful timing! Cook shrimp until they’re just pink and scallops until they’re opaque, around 3 minutes for each. If you find they are tough, it’s likely they were overcooked. For future batches, try reducing cooking time or keeping an eye on them closely. Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind? Absolutely! If you or your guests have dietary restrictions, be sure to choose low-sodium options for ingredients like salt and broth. For lactose intolerance, consider substituting heavy cream with a dairy-free version or using a combination of half-and-half and coconut cream. Always check for seafood allergies as well before serving! How can I make this dish vegetarian? Making a vegetarian version of seafood gratin is quite simple! Replace the seafood with hearty vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach. You might even consider adding cooked quinoa or beans for additional protein. Just ensure you mimic the seafood weight for a well-balanced dish! Deliciously Creamy Seafood Gratin: Your New Go-To Comfort Food This Seafood Gratin combines tender shrimp and scallops in a creamy, indulgent dish that's perfect for busy weeknights. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 15 minutes minsCooling Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 35 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 400 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Seafood1 pound Shrimp Peeled and deveined1 pound Scallops Fresh or thawed if frozenFor the Base2 tablespoons Butter1 medium Onion Chopped2 cloves Garlic MincedFor the Sauce1/2 cup White Grape Juice1 cup Heavy CreamFor Topping and Seasoning1 cup Grated Cheese Gruyère or mozzarellato taste Salt Adjust to tasteto taste Black Pepper Adjust to taste Equipment large skilletBaking dishOven Method Step-by-Step InstructionsThoroughly rinse and dry the shrimp and scallops. Peel and devein the shrimp, chop the scallops into bite-sized pieces.Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.Add shrimp and scallops; cook for 3 minutes, stirring, until shrimp is pink and scallops are opaque.Pour in 1/2 cup white grape juice and let simmer for 2 minutes, then stir in 1 cup heavy cream with salt and pepper to taste.Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish, and sprinkle grated cheese on top.Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and bake for 15 minutes until the cheese is golden brown.Remove from oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1servingsCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg NotesThis dish is customizable; consider adding fresh herbs or substituting heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter option. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
