Creamy Crab and Shrimp Gratin: A Luxurious Seafood Bake

Did you know that seafood-based comfort dishes are among the top 5 most ordered restaurant appetizers, with creamy baked seafood ranking especially high during holidays? What if you could recreate Crabe et Crevettes au Gratin Crémeux (Creamy Crab and Shrimp Gratin) at home with restaurant-level richness—without complicated techniques?

This Creamy Crab and Shrimp Gratin combines tender lump crab meat, juicy shrimp, and a velvety garlic cream sauce topped with golden, bubbling cheese. It’s elegant enough for special occasions yet simple enough for a cozy dinner at home.

Let’s explore how to make this decadent seafood gratin perfectly every time.

Introduction: Why Creamy Seafood Gratin Is So Irresistible

What makes Creamy Crab and Shrimp Gratin so satisfying?

It’s the combination of:

Sweet, delicate crab
Succulent shrimp
Rich cream sauce
Golden, broiled cheese crust

When seafood is baked gently in cream and cheese, the proteins remain tender while the sauce thickens into a luxurious texture. The key is careful cooking—overheating can make seafood rubbery.

This dish blends French-inspired technique with comforting baked flavors.

Ingredients for Creamy Crab and Shrimp Gratin

Main Ingredients

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
8 oz lump crab meat, drained and picked over
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small shallot, finely chopped
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Gruyère or mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Optional Additions

White wine (2 tablespoons)
Pinch of paprika
Breadcrumb topping for extra crunch
Spinach or mushrooms

Smart Substitutions

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for lighter sauce
Swap Gruyère with cheddar
Add a touch of cream cheese for extra thickness
Use scallops instead of shrimp

Pro Tip: Fresh lump crab meat provides the best texture and flavor.

Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: 35–40 minutes

That’s faster than most restaurant-style baked seafood dishes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Seafood

Pat shrimp dry and lightly season with salt and pepper.

Ensure crab meat is free from shells.

Step 2: Build the Cream Sauce

In a skillet over medium heat:

Melt butter.

Add shallot and sauté 2–3 minutes.

Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

(Optional) Deglaze with white wine and reduce slightly.

Stir in heavy cream and Dijon mustard.

Simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.

Add lemon juice.

Step 3: Combine Seafood

Gently fold shrimp and crab into cream sauce.

Do not overcook—shrimp will finish cooking in oven.

Step 4: Assemble the Gratin

Transfer mixture to a lightly greased baking dish.

Sprinkle with Gruyère (or mozzarella) and Parmesan.

Optional: Add light breadcrumb layer for extra crisp topping.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Bake 15–18 minutes until:

Shrimp are pink and cooked through
Cheese is melted and bubbly

Broil for 1–2 minutes for golden crust.

Garnish with parsley before serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Approximate Value
Calories	420 kcal
Protein	38g
Fat	28g
Carbohydrates	5g
Sodium	620mg

Data Insight: Seafood provides high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids beneficial for heart health.

Healthier Alternatives

Lower-Fat Version

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream
Reduce cheese by 25%

Gluten-Free

Skip breadcrumbs or use gluten-free crumbs

Dairy-Free

Use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese alternative

Keto-Friendly

Keep recipe as-is (naturally low carb)

These modifications help tailor the dish to different dietary preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Creamy Crab and Shrimp Gratin pairs beautifully with:

Crusty baguette
Garlic toast
Steamed asparagus
Lemon butter rice
Fresh green salad

For entertaining:
Serve in individual ramekins for elegant presentation.

For special occasions:
Pair with a chilled Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking Seafood

Shrimp become rubbery quickly.

2. Boiling Cream Aggressively

Can cause separation.

3. Using Imitation Crab

It lacks the delicate sweetness of real crab.

4. Skipping Lemon Juice

Acidity balances richness.

5. Overbaking

Watch closely once cheese melts.

Avoid these for restaurant-quality results.

Storing Tips

Refrigerator

Store in airtight container up to 2 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently at 325°F until warmed through.

Freezing

Not recommended—cream sauce texture may change.

Meal Prep Tip:
Prepare sauce ahead and bake fresh for best texture.

Conclusion

This Creamy Crab and Shrimp Gratin delivers rich, velvety sauce, tender seafood, and golden melted cheese in under 40 minutes. It’s elegant, comforting, and perfect for special dinners or cozy nights in.

Try it today, leave a comment with your favorite seafood variation, and subscribe for more gourmet-style recipes made simple!

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

What cheese works best?

Gruyère adds nutty depth, mozzarella provides stretch.

Can I prepare it ahead?

Assemble ahead and bake just before serving.

Is it spicy?

No, but you can add paprika or chili flakes.

What type of crab is best?

Lump crab meat offers the best texture and sweetness.