Seafood Gratin with Mushrooms

Description

This Seafood Gratin with Mushrooms is a decadent, creamy, and savory dish that combines tender seafood, earthy mushrooms, and a luscious cheese sauce, all baked to golden perfection. It’s the perfect comfort food for special occasions or cozy family dinners. Each bite offers a symphony of flavors—from the sweetness of shrimp and scallops to the rich umami of sautéed mushrooms, finished with a crisp, bubbling breadcrumb topping.

Ingredients For Seafood Gratin with Mushrooms

For the Seafood Filling:

1 cup shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup scallops or white fish pieces
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups mushrooms (button or cremini), sliced
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
½ cup white wine (optional – can substitute seafood or chicken broth)
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped parsley

For the Topping:

½ cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
¼ cup grated Gruyère or mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon melted butter

Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a medium baking dish or individual ramekins.
Sauté Vegetables:
In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and mushrooms; cook until mushrooms are browned and any moisture has evaporated.
Cook Seafood:
Add shrimp and scallops to the pan, cooking until just opaque (about 2–3 minutes). Remove seafood and set aside, leaving the juices in the pan.
Make the Sauce:
Sprinkle flour into the pan and whisk for 30 seconds. Gradually pour in white wine (or broth) and then cream, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened. Stir in Parmesan, salt, pepper, paprika, and lemon juice.
Combine and Assemble:
Add the seafood back to the sauce, along with parsley. Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Add Topping:
Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and cheese, then sprinkle evenly over the top.
Bake:
Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.
Serve:
Garnish with extra parsley and serve hot with crusty bread, rice, or a fresh green salad.

Notes

You can use a mix of seafood like crab, lobster, or cod depending on availability.
For a lighter version, use milk instead of cream and reduce the cheese slightly.
Individual gratin dishes make an elegant presentation for dinner parties.

Tips

Don’t overcook the seafood before baking—it will continue to cook in the oven.
For extra flavor, add a splash of brandy or sherry to the sauce.
Toast your breadcrumbs lightly before adding for extra crunch.
Fresh herbs like dill or thyme also complement seafood beautifully.

Servings

🍽️ Serves 4 (as a main dish) or 6 (as a side/appetizer)

Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)

Calories: 420 kcal
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fat: 28g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 520mg
Cholesterol: 180mg

Health Benefits

Rich in protein: Excellent source of lean protein from shrimp and scallops.
Omega-3 fats: Supports heart and brain health.
Vitamin D & B12: Found abundantly in seafood for energy and immunity.
Calcium & Phosphorus: From the cheese, promoting strong bones and teeth.

Q & A

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble the gratin up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

Q: What can I use instead of mushrooms?
A: You can use zucchini, spinach, or leeks for a different twist.

Q: Can this be frozen?
A: It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it before baking for up to 2 months. Thaw completely and bake as directed.

Q: Is it gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour substitute (like rice flour or cornstarch) to make it gluten-free.

Q: What pairs well with this gratin?
A: Serve it with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread for a balanced meal.