Garlic shrimp au gratin is a beautiful blend of rich flavors that feels like a cozy hug on a plate. This dish is creamy and comforting, perfect for those weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s loaded with delightful shrimp and a cheesy sauce that will surely please the whole family.
Why You Will Love This Keto Garlic Shrimp Au Gratin
This dish is simply wonderful for busy families. It comes together quickly, making it an easy choice for dinner on any night of the week. The warm, cheesy flavor is a hit with both kids and adults. Plus, you only need a few everyday ingredients to whip this up, saving both time and effort. It’s a delightful treat that’s both satisfying and comforting!
How to Make Keto Garlic Shrimp Au Gratin
Making this garlic shrimp au gratin is quite straightforward. Start by cooking your shrimp until they’re just pink, then whip up a creamy sauce with aromatic onion and garlic. Once everything is combined, just pop it in the oven, and let it bake until golden and bubbly. It’s hassle-free and full of flavor!
What You Need
- 2 pounds large shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails removed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil (chopped or 1 tablespoon dried)
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese (divided)
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup crushed pork rind crumbs
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Sear Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season shrimp with salt and pepper, then sear for 1–2 minutes per side until just pink. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt butter. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft (3–4 minutes). Add garlic, basil, and nutmeg. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make Cream Sauce: Pour in heavy cream and simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in 1/2 cup parmesan and all the Monterey Jack cheese. Mix until smooth. Season to taste.
- Assemble Dish: Place shrimp in the prepared baking dish. Pour the cream sauce evenly over the shrimp.
- Add Topping: In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1/2 cup parmesan with crushed pork rinds. Sprinkle this mixture over the dish.
- Bake: Bake for 25 minutes until the top is golden and the sauce is bubbling.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
This garlic shrimp au gratin pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables. You could also serve it with a light, buttery bread to soak up the creamy sauce. It’s an excellent choice for casual family dinners or when entertaining guests. Everyone will love digging into this warm, cheesy dish!
How to Store Keto Garlic Shrimp Au Gratin
To keep your leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When reheating, make sure to warm it in the oven to keep that lovely texture, about 20 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Recipe Tips
- Make sure the shrimp are just cooked through; you don’t want them overcooked.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of cheese to your liking for a richer taste.
- You can swap the pork rinds for crushed crackers for a different topping.
- Always taste your sauce before baking to ensure it’s seasoned perfectly.
- For extra flavor, add a dash of hot sauce or paprika to the cream sauce.
Variations & Swaps
- Make it Spicy: Add sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Cheese Variety: Use any favorite meltable cheese, like Gruyère or cheddar, for a different flavor.
- Seafood Swap: Substitute shrimp with scallops or cooked chicken for a different twist.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare everything in advance and assemble it in the baking dish. Just cover it and refrigerate. Bake it when you’re ready to serve, adding an extra 5–10 minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely, leftovers can be frozen. Just make sure to let the dish cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It should last up to 2 months in the freezer.
What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
The best way to reheat is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until it’s warmed through. This helps keep the topping crispy!
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
Yes, you can use half-and-half or a non-dairy cream alternative if you prefer. Just keep in mind that it might change the texture slightly.
What should I serve with this dish?
It pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or steamed veggies. You can also serve it with warm, crusty bread to soak up all the delicious sauce!
Garlic Shrimp Au Gratin
Ingredients
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 2 pounds large shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails removed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- to taste Salt and pepper
Aromatics and Cream Sauce
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil (chopped or 1 tablespoon dried)
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese (divided)
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Topping
- 1/2 cup crushed pork rind crumbs
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season shrimp with salt and pepper, then sear for 1–2 minutes per side until just pink. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft (3–4 minutes). Add garlic, basil, and nutmeg. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Cooking
- Pour in heavy cream and simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in 1/2 cup parmesan and all the Monterey Jack cheese. Mix until smooth. Season to taste.
- Place shrimp in the prepared baking dish. Pour the cream sauce evenly over the shrimp.
- In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1/2 cup parmesan with crushed pork rinds. Sprinkle this mixture over the dish.
- Bake for 25 minutes until the top is golden and the sauce is bubbling.
