Classic Seafood Gratin: A Comforting Coastal Delight Recipe

Introduction

Classic Seafood Gratin is a comforting coastal dish that combines tender mixed seafood with a rich, creamy sauce topped with a golden, cheesy crust. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it’s both elegant and easy to prepare at home.

Ingredients

• 400 g mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, white fish fillets), fresh or frozen, thawed and patted dry
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 200 ml heavy cream (substitute coconut milk for dairy-free option)
• 100 ml milk
• 50 g butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 100 g grated cheese (Gruyère or cheddar)
• 50 g breadcrumbs (mix with melted butter for extra crunch)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the seafood by drying the mixed seafood well, cutting white fish into bite-sized pieces, and seasoning generously with salt and pepper.
2. Step 2: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1-2 more minutes.
3. Step 3: Add butter to the skillet and melt it. Whisk in the all-purpose flour to create a roux. Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking continuously. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
4. Step 4: Remove the skillet from heat and gently fold the seasoned seafood into the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
5. Step 5: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the grated cheese and breadcrumbs on top. For extra crunch, mix breadcrumbs with a little melted butter before sprinkling.
6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
7. Step 7: Let the gratin rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh seafood when possible for the best flavor and texture.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use a plant-based butter alternative.
• Add fresh herbs like dill or thyme to the sauce for extra aroma.
• Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter before topping to achieve a crispier crust.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through to maintain the crispy topping. Avoid microwaving to preserve texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use only one type of seafood for this gratin?

Yes, you can use just shrimp, scallops, or fish if preferred. The dish works well with any single seafood, though a mix adds more depth of flavor.

Is it possible to prepare the gratin in advance?

Absolutely. Assemble the gratin up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. This makes it convenient for meal prep or entertaining.

Classic Seafood Gratin: A Comforting Coastal Delight Recipe

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4.8 from 147 reviews

Classic Seafood Gratin is a comforting coastal dish featuring a creamy mixture of shrimp, scallops, and white fish baked with a rich cheese and breadcrumb topping. This recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, ideal for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion meal.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Coastal European

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Seafood

• 400 g Mixed Seafood (shrimp, scallops, white fish fillets), fresh or frozen, thawed and patted dry

Sauce

• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
• 1 small Onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 200 ml Heavy Cream (substitute coconut milk for dairy-free option)
• 100 ml Milk
• 50 g Butter
• 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour

Topping

• 100 g Grated Cheese (Gruyère or cheddar)
• 50 g Breadcrumbs (optionally mixed with melted butter)
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• Fresh Parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare Seafood: Dry the mixed seafood thoroughly, cut the white fish fillets into bite-sized chunks, and season all the seafood generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Make the Roux and Sauce: Add butter to the skillet and allow it to melt completely. Whisk in all-purpose flour to create a roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes. Gradually pour in milk and heavy cream while whisking continuously. Continue whisking for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
4. Combine Seafood and Sauce: Remove the skillet from heat and gently fold the seasoned seafood into the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
5. Prepare for Baking: Transfer the seafood and sauce mixture into a greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the grated cheese and breadcrumbs over the top. For extra crunch, mix the breadcrumbs with a little melted butter before sprinkling if desired.
6. Bake the Gratin: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
7. Rest and Garnish: Let the gratin rest for 5 minutes after baking to set. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add a fresh, vibrant finish.

Notes

• Use fresh seafood whenever possible for the best flavor and texture.
• For additional flavor, consider adding fresh herbs such as dill or thyme to the sauce.
• Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk to make the dish dairy-free.
• Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter before topping to enhance the crunchiness.

Keywords: Seafood Gratin, creamy seafood bake, coastal recipe, shrimp scallops fish gratin, cheesy seafood casserole