Creamy Seafood Gratin with Scallops Shrimp

There’s something truly magical about a dish that feels incredibly luxurious yet comes together with heartwarming simplicity. I remember the first time I whipped up this Creamy Seafood Gratin with Scallops Shrimp for a family gathering. The air was filled with anticipation, and as I pulled the golden, bubbling casserole from the oven, everyone’s eyes lit up.

My Uncle Tony, usually a man of few words, actually gasped! That night, plates were cleared faster than I could say “comfort food,” and the requests for the recipe haven’t stopped since. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, a celebration of rich flavors and tender seafood, all bathed in a luscious, cheesy sauce.

It’s perfect for a special occasion, yet so easy to make, it can elevate any weeknight dinner. Trust me, once you try this Creamy Seafood Gratin with Scallops Shrimp, it will quickly become a cherished favorite in your culinary repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You are about to discover your new favorite seafood dish, a creamy seafood gratin that truly delivers on flavor and comfort. This recipe for Creamy Seafood Gratin with Scallops Shrimp embodies everything I adore about home cooking: it’s incredibly satisfying, bursting with flavor, and surprisingly straightforward to prepare. First, the combination of succulent scallops and juicy shrimp, nestled in a velvety, cheesy sauce, creates an irresistible texture and taste sensation.

Every bite offers a delightful medley of tender seafood and rich, creamy goodness. Secondly, despite its gourmet appeal, this scallop and shrimp gratin is remarkably easy to assemble, making it perfect for both seasoned cooks and kitchen newcomers. You don’t need special skills to achieve restaurant-quality results.

Furthermore, this dish is incredibly versatile; you can easily adapt it to suit your family’s preferences or whatever seafood you have on hand. It serves beautifully as the centerpiece of a holiday meal, a cozy weekend dinner, or even a comforting weeknight treat.

Finally, the aroma alone, as this golden-brown creamy seafood gratin bakes in your oven, will make your mouth water and fill your home with warmth. Prepare to fall in love with this unforgettable Creamy Seafood Gratin with Scallops Shrimp!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating this spectacular Creamy Seafood Gratin with Scallops Shrimp requires a few key ingredients, each playing a vital role in its incredible flavor profile. Make sure to choose fresh, high-quality seafood for the best results.

* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
* 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 2 cups whole milk, warmed
* 1/2 cup heavy cream
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
* Pinch of nutmeg
* 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese, divided
* 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
* 1 pound large shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails removed
* 1 pound sea scallops, patted dry
* 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

This Creamy Seafood Gratin with Scallops Shrimp recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to tailor it to your tastes or what you have available. To explore another delicious seafood option, check out this Lobster Crab Shrimp Mac And Cheese for a different twist!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this Creamy Seafood Gratin with Scallops Shrimp is a straightforward process, but following these steps carefully ensures a perfect, delicious outcome every time. Get ready to create a masterpiece!

1. Prepare Your Seafood: First, ensure your shrimp are peeled, deveined, and tails removed. Pat the scallops thoroughly dry with paper towels; this step is crucial for achieving a nice sear.

Season both the shrimp and scallops lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper. Set them aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the butter melts, add the finely diced yellow onion. Sauté the onion for about 5-7 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent.

Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. Make the Roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed onions and garlic.

Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes, cooking out the raw flour taste. This mixture is called a roux, and it will thicken your creamy sauce.
4. Whisk in Dairy: Gradually whisk in the warm whole milk, a little at a time, ensuring no lumps form. Continue whisking until the sauce begins to thicken, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Then, stir in the heavy cream, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and a pinch of nutmeg.

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired creamy consistency.
5. Add Cheese to Sauce: Remove the skillet from the heat.

Stir in 3/4 cup of the shredded Gruyère cheese and 1/4 cup of the shredded Parmesan cheese until they are fully melted and incorporated into the sauce. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings if necessary.
6. Add Seafood to Gratin: Gently fold the prepared shrimp and scallops into the creamy cheese sauce. Make sure the seafood is evenly coated.
7. Assemble and Top: If your skillet is oven-safe, you can bake directly in it. Otherwise, transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of Gruyère cheese and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the Creamy Seafood Gratin with Scallops Shrimp.

8. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the seafood gratin for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly, the seafood is cooked through (shrimp turn pink and scallops are opaque), and the cheese topping is golden brown and irresistible.

9. Rest and Serve: Once baked, remove the Creamy Seafood Gratin with Scallops Shrimp from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly.

Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley. Enjoy your spectacular Creamy Seafood Gratin with Scallops Shrimp!

Pro Tips for Success

Crafting a truly exceptional Creamy Seafood Gratin with Scallops Shrimp involves a few insider tricks that I’ve learned over years of cooking. These tips will elevate your dish from good to absolutely unforgettable.

* Dry Your Scallops: This is probably the most crucial tip for scallops. Patting your scallops thoroughly dry with paper towels before adding them to the gratin prevents them from steaming. Dry scallops will cook better and retain their beautiful, tender texture, preventing a watery sauce in your seafood gratin.

* Don’t Overcook the Seafood: Seafood, especially shrimp and scallops, cooks very quickly. They will continue to cook as the gratin bakes in the oven. Aim for just opaque when folding them into the sauce, or even slightly underdone, as they will finish cooking to perfection in the heat of the oven.

Overcooked seafood becomes rubbery and tough, detracting from the deliciousness of your Creamy Seafood Gratin with Scallops Shrimp.
* Warm Your Milk: Warming the milk slightly before adding it to the roux prevents lumps and helps create a smoother, more homogenous sauce. Cold milk can cause the roux to seize up, making it harder to achieve that velvety consistency crucial for a creamy seafood gratin.

* Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your white sauce before adding the seafood. This is your chance to adjust the salt, pepper, and other seasonings to perfection. Remember, the cheese will add saltiness, so season moderately at first.

A perfectly seasoned sauce makes all the difference in your scallop and shrimp gratin.
* Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can affect how smoothly they melt. For the creamiest, most luxurious sauce and topping for your Creamy Seafood Gratin with Scallops Shrimp, always opt for freshly grated Gruyère and Parmesan.

* Even Seafood Distribution: When folding the seafood into the sauce, ensure it’s distributed as evenly as possible. This ensures every serving of the creamy seafood gratin gets a fair share of those delicious scallops and shrimp.
* Rest Before Serving: Allowing the gratin to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven is essential.

This allows the hot, bubbly sauce to settle and thicken slightly, making for easier serving and a more cohesive Creamy Seafood Gratin with Scallops Shrimp.
* Don’t Skip the Nutmeg: A tiny pinch of nutmeg might seem unusual in a seafood dish, but it’s a classic secret ingredient in béchamel-based sauces.

It subtly enhances the richness and creaminess of the sauce without overpowering the delicate flavors of the scallops and shrimp. It truly rounds out the flavor of this seafood gratin.

Crafting a truly exceptional Creamy Seafood Gratin with Scallops Shrimp involves a few insider tricks that I’ve learned over years of cooking. For more delectable Seafood ideas  read about Garlic Butter Lobster Tail!

Storage & Reheating Tips

Proper storage and reheating ensure you can enjoy your delicious Creamy Seafood Gratin with Scallops Shrimp for days to come.

* Storage: Allow the gratin to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. This creamy seafood gratin makes fantastic leftovers!

* Reheating (Oven): The best way to reheat is in the oven to preserve its texture. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place individual servings or the entire remaining gratin in an oven-safe dish.

Cover loosely with foil to prevent drying out. Bake for 15-25 minutes, or until thoroughly heated through and bubbly. Remove the foil for the last few minutes if you want to crisp up the topping again.

* Reheating (Microwave): For a quick reheat, individual portions of the Creamy Seafood Gratin with Scallops Shrimp can be microwaved. Place a serving on a microwave-safe plate, cover it loosely, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until hot. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can make the seafood rubbery.

While convenient, the microwave might not retain the crispy topping as well as the oven.
* Freezing: Freezing this scallop and shrimp gratin is generally not recommended. The delicate texture of the cooked seafood can change significantly upon thawing and reheating, often becoming rubbery or watery.

Additionally, cream-based sauces can sometimes separate or become grainy after freezing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or from the refrigerator within a couple of days.

What to Serve With This Recipe

This rich and satisfying Creamy Seafood Gratin with Scallops Shrimp truly shines as the star of any meal. To create a balanced and delightful dining experience, consider pairing it with sides that offer contrasting textures or flavors.

* Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty baguette or a rustic artisan bread is absolutely essential. It’s perfect for soaking up every last bit of that luscious, creamy sauce from your seafood gratin. This is a must-have!

* Green Salad: A light, fresh green salad with a bright vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the Creamy Seafood Gratin with Scallops Shrimp. Think mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber.
* Roasted Asparagus or Broccolini: Simple roasted vegetables offer a healthy and flavorful accompaniment.

Asparagus or broccolini, lightly seasoned and roasted until tender-crisp, add a lovely green element and a slight bitterness that complements the creamy dish.
* Steamed Green Beans with Lemon: Steamed green beans tossed with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of sea salt offer a simple, vibrant side that doesn’t overpower the main dish.
* Garlic Mashed Potatoes: If you’re leaning into the ultimate comfort food experience, creamy garlic mashed potatoes are a fantastic choice.

Their smooth texture and mild flavor pair beautifully with the rich scallop and shrimp gratin.
* White Rice: For a simple and absorbent side, plain white rice or even a light pilaf can be a great option.

It allows the flavors of the Creamy Seafood Gratin with Scallops Shrimp to truly stand out.
* A Crisp White Wine: If you enjoy wine, a dry, crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or an unoaked Chardonnay would be a perfect pairing, cutting through the richness of the creamy seafood gratin.

This rich and satisfying Creamy Seafood Gratin with Scallops Shrimp truly shines as the star of any meal. To further enhance your dining experience,  Check out this Steakhouse Potato Salad for the perfect balance!

FAQs

Got questions about this spectacular Creamy Seafood Gratin with Scallops Shrimp? I’ve got answers to help you perfect this dish!

Can I prepare the Creamy Seafood Gratin with Scallops Shrimp ahead of time?

You can certainly prepare parts of the Creamy Seafood Gratin with Scallops Shrimp in advance! I recommend making the creamy sauce up to 1-2 days ahead and storing it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, gently warm the sauce on the stovetop, then fold in the fresh seafood, assemble, and bake.

You can also chop your vegetables and grate your cheese ahead of time. However, I advise against assembling the entire seafood gratin with raw seafood too far in advance, as the seafood can release moisture and alter the sauce’s consistency. For the best texture, always add the seafood just before baking the scallop and shrimp gratin.

What kind of scallops should I use for this Creamy Seafood Gratin with Scallops Shrimp?

For this Creamy Seafood Gratin with Scallops Shrimp, I highly recommend using large “sea scallops.” They have a beautiful, sweet flavor and a lovely, firm texture that holds up well during baking. Look for “dry-packed” scallops if possible, as these haven’t been treated with phosphates and will sear better and taste sweeter. Avoid “wet-packed” scallops, which often have added water, making them less flavorful and prone to shrinking. The quality of your scallops truly elevates this creamy seafood gratin.

How do I know when the Creamy Seafood Gratin with Scallops Shrimp is fully cooked?

You’ll know your Creamy Seafood Gratin with Scallops Shrimp is perfectly cooked when the sauce is visibly bubbly around the edges, the cheese on top is melted and golden brown, and the seafood is opaque throughout. For shrimp, they will turn a vibrant pink. Scallops will be firm and white when cooked.

If you’re unsure, you can gently flake a piece of shrimp or scallop with a fork. It should be tender and easily flake apart. The cooking time for this seafood gratin is usually around 20-25 minutes in a preheated oven.

Creamy seafood gratin is a delightful dish that combines a variety of seafood in a rich, creamy sauce, often topped with a golden crust. This mouthwatering preparation showcases the luxurious taste of seafood while being simple enough for a weeknight dinner, making it a staple in many households. For more on this topic, visit this casserole page.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Please note: These are approximate values and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	450-500 kcal
Protein	35-40 g
Fat	25-30 g
Saturated Fat	15-18 g
Carbohydrates	15-20 g
Fiber	1-2 g
Sugars	4-6 g
Cholesterol	200-250 mg
Sodium	700-800 mg

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