Dive into a culinary adventure with our Cheesy Seafood Gratin by LMB, a dish that promises to transport your taste buds straight to the French coast! This creamy, cheesy delight combines succulent shrimp, tender scallops, and flaky fish, all enveloped in a rich cheese sauce and topped with a golden, crunchy breadcrumb crust. Perfect for impressing guests or indulging in a cozy night in, this gratin is not just a meal; it's an experience. Ready to create a dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds? Let’s get started on this mouthwatering journey!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- Mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, and fish)
- Heavy cream
- Cheddar cheese, grated
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Garlic, minced
- Breadcrumbs
- Butter
- Parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your seafood gratin will cook evenly and develop a nice golden crust.
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
- Add the mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, and fish) to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the seafood is just cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a separate saucepan, heat 1 cup of heavy cream over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent it from scorching. Once warmed, gradually add in 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheeses are melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Combine the cooked seafood with the cheese sauce in the skillet. Stir in half of the chopped parsley for added flavor and mix well to ensure the seafood is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Transfer the seafood and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- In a small bowl, mix together 1 cup of breadcrumbs, the remaining 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Stir until the breadcrumbs are well coated.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the seafood and cheese layer in the baking dish. This will create a crunchy topping when baked.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the gratin is bubbling. You can broil it for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end for a crispier top, but watch it closely to prevent burning.
- Once done, remove the gratin from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes to cool slightly. This will make it easier to serve.
- Garnish with the remaining chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your Cheesy Seafood Gratin with a side salad or crusty bread!
Tips
- Choose Fresh Seafood: For the best flavor and texture, opt for fresh seafood. If fresh isn’t available, high-quality frozen seafood works well too—just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.
- Don’t Overcook the Seafood: When sautéing the seafood, remember that it will continue to cook in the oven. Aim for just cooked through to keep it tender and juicy.
- Experiment with Cheeses: While cheddar and Parmesan are classic choices, feel free to mix in other cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella for a unique twist on flavor.
- Breadcrumb Topping: For an extra crunchy topping, consider adding some grated cheese to the breadcrumb mixture. This will enhance the flavor and create an even more delightful crust.
- Broil for a Perfect Finish: If you love a crispy top, finish your gratin under the broiler for a couple of minutes. Just keep a close eye on it to prevent burning!
- Serve with Style: This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious cheese sauce. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 590kcal
Carbohydrates: 13g
Protein: 35g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 25g
Cholesterol: 200mg
