Delicious Seafood Gratin Recipe

Introduction

Seafood gratin is the ultimate comfort dish for seafood lovers, featuring tender morsels of shrimp, scallops, and fish enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce, then topped with golden, crunchy breadcrumbs. The combination of fresh seafood and savory toppings creates layers of intriguing textures and irresistible flavors, making this recipe a true crowd-pleaser for dinner parties and family celebrations alike.

Why This Seafood Gratin Shines

The beauty of this seafood gratin recipe lies in its simplicity. Each bite brings together the buttery sweetness of fresh seafood, the creamy embrace of a béchamel sauce, and a shatteringly crisp breadcrumb topping. These flavors meld seamlessly in the oven for a luxurious, restaurant-quality experience that comes together in less than an hour.

Crafting the Creamy Gratin Sauce

A classic seafood gratin’s richness comes from the marriage of milk, cream, and cheese. Use whole milk and heavy cream for the silkiest result. Whisk them together gently in a saucepan, adding just a pinch of nutmeg for warmth. Then, fold in freshly grated parmesan and a sharp gruyère for extra depth.
Chopping your aromatics (onion, garlic, and a little celery) evenly is crucial for building flavor in the sauce. The Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper makes prep effortless and ensures every bite is perfectly seasoned.

Preparing the Seafood

Aim for a mix of shrimp, scallops, and a mild white fish such as cod or haddock. Pat your seafood dry before cooking to avoid a watery sauce. Sauté everything briefly in a nonstick skillet—like the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch—to lock in flavor and prevent overcooking in the oven. Season simply with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Building and Baking the Gratin

Layer your seafood in a baking dish and cover with the luscious sauce. For the crunchy top, combine breadcrumbs with melted butter and a sprinkle of grated cheese, then scatter generously over the gratin. Lining your baking dish with a sheet of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Slide the dish into a preheated oven and bake until bubbly and deeply golden, about 20 minutes. For even easier serving, let the gratin rest for five minutes before spooning out portions.

Serving Suggestions to Elevate Your Gratin

Pair your seafood gratin with a vibrant, citrusy salad (use the Bamboo Cutting Boards for Kitchen, Set of 3 for effortless prep) and a side of crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Serve alongside a crisp white wine and fresh herbs, like parsley or chives, for a restaurant-worthy finish. This dish also transports and reheats beautifully—perfect for potlucks and gatherings.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This seafood gratin recipe serves 4 hearty portions. Each serving typically provides between 450–550 calories, depending on the seafood and cheese amounts used. It’s a satisfying, protein-packed main course for special occasions.

Seafood Gratin Recap

Gloriously creamy, packed with ocean-fresh flavor, and crowned with a golden crust, this seafood gratin is both luxurious and straightforward to make. Impress guests or treat your family to this classic comfort dish that’s big on both flavor and elegance.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a gratin dish or 2-quart baking dish with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for easy serving and cleanup.
2. Heat the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon butter. Sauté the onion, garlic, and celery until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
3. Add shrimp, scallops, and fish, and sauté for just 2–3 minutes—until they turn opaque. Remove seafood with a slotted spoon and set aside in a mixing bowl.
4. To make the sauce, add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Whisk in milk and cream gradually until smooth. Bring to a low simmer and cook until slightly thickened, 3–4 minutes.
5. Season with nutmeg, salt, pepper, and lemon juice, then stir in half the parmesan and all the gruyère until melted. Pour sauce over the seafood; toss to coat.
6. Transfer the seafood and sauce into your prepared baking dish.
7. In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs with melted butter and the remaining parmesan. Scatter evenly over the seafood mixture.
8. Bake for 20 minutes, or until bubbling and golden brown. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Enjoy this elegant, comforting Seafood Gratin—where luxurious flavor meets crowd-pleasing simplicity!