Seafood Gratin is a rich and comforting French dish made by combining shrimp and scallops in a creamy sauce, topped with melted cheese, and baked until golden. The seafood is sautéed with onions and garlic, then mixed with a luscious cream sauce, and finally baked to perfection. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for impressing guests or for a special dinner at home.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 200g shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 200g scallops, fresh or thawed if frozen

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 200ml heavy cream

• 50ml white grape juice

• 50g grated cheese (choose your favorite)

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

1. Prepare the Seafood:

   • If using frozen seafood, thaw it completely, rinse it under cold water, and pat dry.

   • Peel the shrimp if necessary, and chop the scallops into bite-sized pieces.

2. Cook the Aromatics:

   • In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent.

3. Cook the Seafood:

   • Add the shrimp and scallops to the skillet. Cook for about 3 minutes, or until the shrimp turns pink and the scallops become opaque.

   • Pour in the white grape juice and simmer for 2 minutes to enhance the flavors.

4. Make the Sauce:

   • Stir in the heavy cream, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine, and cook for another 2 minutes.

5. Assemble the Gratin:

   • Transfer the seafood mixture to a baking dish, spreading it evenly.

   • Sprinkle the grated cheese generously on top.

6. Bake:

   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).

   • Bake the gratin for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

7. Serve:

   • Remove the gratin from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Nutrients

Per Serving (approximate):

• Calories: 350 kcal

• Fat: 20g

• Saturated Fat: 12g

• Carbohydrates: 18g

• Protein: 25g

The Seafood: Shrimp and Scallops

The star ingredients of this dish are the shrimp and scallops, which provide a delicate yet rich flavor and texture. When choosing seafood, it’s best to use fresh, high-quality shrimp and scallops, but if fresh is unavailable, frozen seafood works just as well when thawed properly. The shrimp should be peeled and deveined, while the scallops are chopped into bite-sized pieces to ensure that they cook evenly.

Shrimp adds a sweet, tender bite to the dish, while scallops contribute a mild, slightly sweet, and buttery flavor. Together, these two seafood ingredients create a perfect harmony of taste and texture in every bite.

The Aromatics: Onions and Garlic

Onions and garlic are sautéed in butter to create the aromatic base for this gratin. The onions are cooked until translucent, which brings out their natural sweetness, while the garlic adds a savory depth of flavor. These ingredients set the stage for the seafood and the creamy sauce that will follow.

By cooking the aromatics first, you create a flavorful foundation for the rest of the dish, allowing the seafood and sauce to absorb all the savory goodness from the onions and garlic.

The Creamy Sauce: Heavy Cream and White Grape Juice

The cream sauce in Seafood Gratin is what gives the dish its richness and indulgence. The heavy cream adds a luscious, smooth texture that coats the seafood beautifully, while the white grape juice adds a subtle hint of sweetness and acidity that helps balance the richness of the cream. The combination of these two ingredients results in a sauce that is both creamy and flavorful, perfectly complementing the shrimp and scallops.

The addition of salt and black pepper helps to season the sauce, and a couple of minutes of simmering ensures that the flavors meld together.

Baking the Gratin: Melting Cheese on Top

Once the seafood and cream sauce are ready, they are transferred to a baking dish and topped with a generous layer of grated cheese. The cheese of your choice can vary depending on your preference—whether you prefer a sharp, tangy cheese like Gruyère or a milder cheese like mozzarella, it’s up to you. The cheese should be sprinkled generously over the seafood mixture to ensure that it melts beautifully into a bubbly, golden crust.

Baking the gratin in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 15 minutes allows the cheese to melt and brown to perfection. The result is a beautifully golden, slightly crispy topping that contrasts perfectly with the creamy seafood and sauce underneath.

Serving the Gratin: Elegant and Satisfying

Once the gratin is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. The bubbling cheese and creamy sauce make it a comforting and satisfying dish that can be served as a main course or paired with a light salad, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread. You can also serve it with a glass of white wine for an elegant touch.

Seafood Gratin is perfect for special occasions, dinner parties, or as a treat for a loved one. It’s a simple yet luxurious dish that’s guaranteed to impress with its rich flavors and beautiful presentation.

Why Seafood Gratin is Perfect for Special Occasions

Seafood Gratin is an elegant and comforting dish that’s perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a special dinner at home. The combination of tender shrimp, delicate scallops, and a creamy sauce topped with golden, melted cheese creates a decadent dish that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to prepare.

This dish can be made ahead of time and baked just before serving, making it a great option for entertaining or meal prepping. It’s also versatile—you can customize the seafood to your liking, adding other shellfish like lobster or crab, or even experimenting with different cheeses.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Seafood Gratin contains approximately 350 calories, making it a rich but balanced meal. It provides 25 grams of protein, thanks to the shrimp and scallops, which are both excellent sources of lean protein. With 20 grams of fat, including 12 grams of saturated fat, this dish is indulgent, but the richness comes from the creamy sauce and butter used to sauté the seafood.

The gratin also contains 18 grams of carbohydrates, including 1 gram of fiber. The sodium content is 344mg, which is moderate for a dish of this richness. With a good amount of calcium (from the cheese) and a small amount of iron, this dish offers nutritional benefits alongside its indulgent flavors.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Seafood Gratin is a rich, flavorful, and comforting dish that combines tender shrimp and scallops with a creamy sauce and a golden, bubbly cheese topping. The balance of flavors and textures—creamy, savory, sweet, and slightly crispy—makes this gratin a truly indulgent treat. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy meal at home, this dish is sure to impress. It’s simple enough for a weeknight meal but sophisticated enough for a special occasion, making it a must-try for seafood lovers.