Dinner

Creamy Seafood Gratin: An Easy and Delicious Bake Recipe

BySimon Carel October 29, 2025October 29, 2025

Introduction

Creamy Seafood Gratin is a comforting and elegant dish that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. Packed with shrimp, scallops, and crab, it’s perfect for seafood lovers looking for a rich, cheesy bake with a crunchy topping.

A close-up of a white oval dish filled with creamy baked shrimp gratin, showing three large shrimp on top with golden-brown grilled edges and orange-pink tails, sitting on a thick layer of melted white cheese sauce mixed with green herbs scattered around. The dish has a bubbly, slightly browned surface with small browned spots, and it rests on a matching white plate against a white marbled texture background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, and crab meat, fresh or frozen, thawed if frozen)
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the mixed seafood to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until just cooked through. Remove from heat.
Step 4: In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir in the cooked seafood.
Step 5: Transfer the seafood mixture to a greased baking dish.
Step 6: In a separate bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the seafood.
Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Step 8: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh seafood when possible for the best flavor, or thaw frozen seafood completely before cooking.
Try swapping mozzarella for Gruyère or cheddar cheese for a different flavor profile.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cream mixture for a subtle spicy kick.
For a gluten-free option, substitute the breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond meal.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to maintain the topping’s crispness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the topping soggy.

How to Serve

A white oval dish filled with a baked seafood dish showing multiple layers, starting with a creamy white base layer, topped with plump, pink-orange shrimp scattered evenly across. The dish is covered with melted cheese that has golden brown spots and a slightly crispy texture. Small green herb bits are sprinkled all over the top, adding contrast to the creamy and golden colors. The dish sits on a light wooden board, and the background has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen seafood for this recipe?

Yes, frozen seafood works well as long as it is fully thawed and drained before cooking to prevent excess moisture in the gratin.

What can I serve with creamy seafood gratin?

This dish pairs nicely with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

Simon Carel