Description
Delightful Cheesy Shrimp Bake brings coastal comfort straight to your dinner table with succulent shrimp nestled in a creamy, golden cheese sauce. Rich Mediterranean flavors and quick preparation make this dish a perfect weeknight indulgence you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined
Dairy and Cheese:
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) butter
- 3/4 cup (85 grams) grated cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 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)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), preparing a welcoming environment for the upcoming seafood delicacy.
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, releasing its rich golden essence.
- Introduce minced garlic to the butter, sautéing until its aromatic fragrance permeates the kitchen, approximately 1 minute.
- Incorporate chicken broth, heavy cream, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper into the skillet, creating a harmonious liquid base.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing flavors to intertwine and develop depth.
- Carefully add shrimp to the simmering liquid, cooking for 2-3 minutes until they transform into a soft pink hue. Promptly remove shrimp and set aside.
- Reduce sauce, concentrating its flavors and creating a more intense liquid foundation.
- Gradually fold in cheddar and Parmesan cheese, stirring until a smooth, velvety sauce emerges.
- Reintroduce shrimp to the cheesy sauce, then transfer the entire mixture into a baking dish.
- Combine breadcrumbs with melted butter, creating a golden, crispy topping.
- Evenly distribute the buttery breadcrumb mixture across the shrimp and sauce.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, watching for a golden, crisp surface and bubbling edges.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while piping hot.
Notes
- Check shrimp freshness by ensuring they smell clean and oceanic, not fishy or ammonia-like.
- Choose medium-sized shrimp for consistent cooking and best texture in this bake.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and prevent over-seasoning.
- Select sharp cheddar for more intense cheese flavor that complements seafood perfectly.
- Pat shrimp dry before cooking to achieve better browning and prevent watery sauce.
- For gluten-free version, swap regular breadcrumbs with almond meal or gluten-free panko.
- Customize heat by adding red pepper flakes or cayenne to spice up the dish.
- Substitute cream with half-and-half or whole milk for lighter, lower-calorie option.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 38-44 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 335 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 190 mg