Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that transforms humble shrimp into a luxurious French-inspired masterpiece! This Shrimp Au Gratin isn't just a recipe; it's a creamy, cheesy adventure that promises to elevate your dinner from ordinary to extraordinary. With a perfect blend of succulent shrimp, rich cheese sauce, and a golden, bubbling top, this dish is guaranteed to impress even the most discerning food lovers and make your dinner guests wonder if a professional chef secretly invaded your kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Cheddar)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Ensure the oven rack is positioned in the middle for even heating.
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika, ensuring even coating.
- In a medium skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a light roux, being careful not to brown the mixture.
- Gradually pour in the half-and-half, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Remove the sauce from heat and stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and fully incorporated.
- Arrange the seasoned shrimp in a single layer in a greased baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the shrimp.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top of the shrimp and sauce. Garnish with chopped green onions.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through, and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow the sauce to set. Serve hot, directly from the baking dish.
Tips
- • Always pat shrimp dry before seasoning to ensure perfect texture and better browning • Use freshly grated cheese for the most luxurious melting quality • Don't overcook the shrimp - they should be just opaque to maintain tenderness • Position your oven rack in the middle for even heat distribution • Let the dish rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the sauce to set and flavors to meld • For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or a splash of white wine to the sauce • Choose medium to large shrimp for the best presentation and bite
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 579kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 320mg
