Seafood Gratin Recipe — I came across this dish one evening while scrolling through Pinterest, and it instantly caught my eye. The picture looked rich, cozy, and full of comfort, so I decided to make it my own. After a few simple tweaks in my kitchen, it turned out even better than I expected — creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender seafood in every bite. It’s the kind of recipe that feels special without being complicated, the perfect balance of warmth and flavor for any night you want something truly satisfying.
What Is Seafood Gratin?
Seafood gratin is a classic French comfort dish featuring tender seafood coated in a creamy sauce, topped with melted cheese, and baked until golden. The mix of shrimp, scallops, and aromatics like onion and garlic creates depth, while the cream and cheese bring a velvety richness that feels indulgent but approachable. Once baked, you get that irresistible bubbly top and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Why You’ll Love This Seafood Gratin
This recipe is comforting, elegant, and incredibly easy to make. It only takes about 30 minutes, but it feels like something from a fine restaurant. The creamy sauce perfectly coats every piece of seafood, while the golden cheese crust adds just the right crunch. It’s also flexible—you can swap in crab, cod, or even lobster depending on what you have. Whether for a quiet night in or a dinner with friends, this seafood gratin always impresses.
Ingredients for Seafood Gratin
- 200 g shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 200 g scallops
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 200 ml heavy cream
- 50 ml white grape juice
- 50 g grated cheese (Gruyère, cheddar, or mozzarella)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Each ingredient plays a role—the seafood gives freshness, the butter and garlic add warmth, and the cream and cheese make the dish decadently smooth. The white grape juice adds gentle sweetness that balances the richness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Seafood
If using frozen shrimp or scallops, thaw them fully and pat dry. Moisture is the enemy of a creamy gratin—dry seafood ensures better browning. Slice scallops if large so they cook evenly.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Stir in shrimp and scallops, cooking for about 3 minutes until shrimp turn pink. Pour in the white grape juice, simmer for 2 minutes, then add heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let the sauce thicken slightly—it should coat the back of your spoon.
Step 3: Assemble the Gratin
Transfer the creamy seafood mixture to a baking dish. Spread evenly and top generously with grated cheese. The cheese will melt and form that signature golden crust during baking.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake for about 15 minutes until the top is bubbling and lightly browned. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving so the sauce settles and thickens just enough.
Variations
Alternative Seafood Options
You can swap the shrimp and scallops for crab, cod, haddock, or lobster. Each adds its own flavor profile. For a more robust twist, mix in smoked salmon—it adds savory depth to the creamy sauce.
Vegetarian Gratin Option
Replace seafood with mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. Sauté them first in butter, then follow the same steps for the sauce. You’ll still get that creamy, cheesy comfort without seafood.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with crusty French bread or warm sourdough to soak up the sauce.
- Pair with a simple arugula or spinach salad for freshness.
- Add steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli for balance.
- Enjoy with a glass of chilled white wine for a restaurant-quality pairing.
Tips for the Perfect Seafood Gratin
- Use the freshest seafood possible for the best flavor.
- Avoid overcooking—the seafood should stay tender, not rubbery.
- Mix cheeses for complexity—try a blend of Gruyère and Parmesan.
- Let the gratin rest 5 minutes before serving so it firms slightly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or dill for a pop of color and brightness.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 4 servings):
Calories: ~350 kcal
Protein: ~25 g
Fat: ~22 g
Carbohydrates: ~6 g
Sodium: ~600 mg
This recipe is rich yet balanced—a satisfying meal high in protein and full of healthy omega-3s from the seafood.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen seafood?
Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking. It prevents excess moisture and keeps your gratin creamy, not watery.
2. Can I make seafood gratin ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 6 hours. Bake just before serving for the best texture.
3. What cheeses work best for gratin?
Gruyère gives a nutty flavor, cheddar adds sharpness, and mozzarella melts beautifully. A mix of two works wonderfully.
4. Can I add vegetables?
Definitely—spinach, leeks, or mushrooms pair beautifully with seafood and cream.
5. How do I make this dish lighter?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the cheese slightly. The flavor stays rich but lighter.
6. What can I serve it with?
Crusty bread, light salad, or pasta all make great pairings.
7. Can I freeze seafood gratin?
You can freeze it before baking for up to a month. Thaw overnight and bake when ready.
8. How do I reheat leftovers?
Warm in the oven at 160°C (320°F) until heated through. Avoid microwaving to keep the sauce smooth.
9. How can I make it extra golden on top?
Switch to broil mode for 1–2 minutes after baking until the top is bubbly and browned.
10. What makes a gratin “gratin”?
It’s the signature golden crust formed by cheese and cream under heat—rich, bubbly, and irresistibly crispy on top.
Conclusion
Seafood Gratin is one of those timeless dishes that feels both comforting and elegant. Each bite brings together tender seafood, creamy sauce, and a golden cheesy crust — the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner at home or serving guests at a special gathering, this dish never fails to impress. What makes it truly special is its flexibility; you can use whatever seafood you have on hand and still end up with a rich, satisfying meal. So the next time you’re craving something warm, creamy, and full of ocean flavor, try this Seafood Gratin Recipe — it’s simple, indulgent, and unforgettable.
Seafood Gratin
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- If using frozen seafood — thaw fully and pat dry. Large scallops can be sliced in half for even cooking.
- Preheat the oven to 180 °C (350 °F).
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add chopped onion and garlic and sauté 3–4 minutes until translucent.
- Add shrimp and scallops to the skillet. Cook ~2–3 minutes, until shrimp just begin turning pink.
- Pour in the white grape juice (or wine/broth), simmer 1–2 minutes. Then stir in heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Let simmer until sauce thickens slightly — it should coat the back of a spoon.
- Transfer the seafood‑cream mixture into a baking dish. Sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake in preheated oven for ~15 minutes, until sauce is bubbly and cheese is melted and lightly browned. Let rest a few minutes before serving so sauce sets slightly.