Shrimp Au Gratin
Creamy shrimp au gratin features tender shrimp, mushrooms, and Swiss cheese baked to perfection with a cheesy breadcrumb topping, perfect for elegant dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a saucepan.
- Saute chopped onion until translucent.
- Stir in flour, salt, dry mustard, and pepper.
- Cook, stirring constantly until mixture is bubbly.
- Add milk; cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until sauce thickens and bubbles.
- Add 3/4 cup shredded Swiss cheese; stir until melted.
- Add cooked shrimp and drained mushrooms to the sauce.
- Turn the mixture into a buttered 6-cup shallow baking dish.
- Combine bread crumbs and remaining cheese.
- Sprinkle the crumb mixture over the top of the dish.
- Dot with remaining 1 tablespoon butter.
- Bake in a hot oven at 400°F for 10 minutes or until bubbly and lightly browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. You can also substitute the Swiss cheese with Gruyère for a richer flavor. If you want to add more vegetables, try incorporating some spinach or bell peppers. Ensure the shrimp are cooked but not overcooked before adding them to the dish to retain their texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Shrimp Au Gratin with a light side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Pasta Salad With Tuna, adding a refreshing contrast to the rich gratin. For a complete dinner, consider offering crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the dish with foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20 minutes. This helps maintain the dish's creamy texture without drying it out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shrimp Au Gratin contains roughly 783 calories, with 20g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (43% of the Daily Value), protein (40% of the Daily Value), and iron (35% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2486mg per serving (108% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp as long as they are properly thawed and drained before cooking. This ensures even cooking and helps maintain the dish's texture. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if the shrimp are still cold when added to the sauce.
What can I substitute for Swiss cheese?
If you prefer a lower calorie option, consider using reduced-fat cheese or a blend of cheese with some cream cheese to achieve a similar creamy texture without the extra calories.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the shrimp and sauce ahead of time, then assemble the dish and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to add the bread crumbs and remaining cheese just before baking to keep them crispy.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).