Description
Dive into comfort with this irresistible Cheesy Shrimp Bake, blending succulent seafood and melted cheese in a creamy, herb-infused sauce. Guaranteed to satisfy seafood cravings, this dish brings Mediterranean warmth to your dinner table with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 1 pound (454 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined
Dairy and Cheese:
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) butter
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
- 3/4 cup (85 grams) grated cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Topping:
- 1 cup (120 grams) breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375F (190C) and thoroughly coat a baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Create a garlic-butter infusion by combining melted butter with finely minced garlic, releasing aromatic flavors.
- Arrange raw shrimp in a single, uniform layer across the greased baking dish to ensure even cooking.
- Craft a savory liquid base by whisking together chicken broth, heavy cream, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth and well-integrated.
- Gently cascade the cream mixture over the shrimp, completely submerging each piece to promote consistent flavor absorption.
- Generously distribute grated cheddar and Parmesan cheeses across the surface, creating a rich, melty coverage.
- Prepare a crispy topping by thoroughly coating breadcrumbs with melted butter, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Delicately sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs over the casserole, creating a golden, crunchy layer.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top transforms into a beautiful golden-brown crust and the sauce becomes delightfully bubbly.
Notes
- Swap shrimp for chicken or tofu to create versatile protein options for different dietary preferences.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds to make this recipe celiac-friendly and low-carb.
- Reduce heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for lighter, healthier alternative versions that maintain creamy texture.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or chives can elevate the final dish with bright, fresh flavor and beautiful green garnish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 441 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 670 mg
- Fat: 33 g
- Saturated Fat: 19 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 195 mg