Creamy Seafood Gratin with Shrimp, Scallops, and Mushrooms: Your Ultimate Coastal Comfort Dish

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There’s something uniquely satisfying about indulging in a rich, creamy seafood dish that feels both comforting and elegant. If you’ve ever craved a meal that combines the delicate sweetness of scallops and shrimp with earthy mushrooms and a luscious cheese sauce, then this Creamy Seafood Gratin with Shrimp, Scallops, and Mushrooms is designed just for you. Whether you’re aiming to impress guests or simply elevate your weeknight dinners, this recipe is a perfect fit.

You’re about to discover how simple ingredients and straightforward techniques come together to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor, texture, and coastal charm. Ready to master a seafood gratin that’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with the freshest flavors? Let’s dive right in.

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Why You Should Make This Creamy Seafood Gratin Tonight

The Allure of Shrimp, Scallops, and Mushrooms

When you think about seafood dishes, the blend of shrimp and scallops often stands out for good reason. Both are tender, mildly sweet, and incredibly versatile. Pairing these with mushrooms adds an earthy, savory note that perfectly balances the natural sweetness of the seafood.  Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Baked Spinach Mushroom Quesadillas

You’ll find the mushrooms lend a subtle depth, enhancing every bite without overpowering the star ingredients. Together, the seafood and mushrooms create a harmonious flavor profile that makes this gratin truly irresistible.

A Sauce That Brings It All Together

The heart of this gratin is the creamy sauce — a velvety combination of a buttery roux, half-and-half cream, and nutty Gruyère cheese. The cheese melts smoothly into the sauce, giving it a rich, slightly tangy flavor that complements the seafood beautifully.

Moreover, the secret weapon here is the reserved cooking liquid from the seafood and mushrooms. Using this broth to build the sauce infuses it with subtle oceanic notes, making the dish taste fresh and vibrant rather than heavy or dull.

Comfort Food With a Coastal Twist

If you crave comfort food that isn’t just indulgent but also feels fresh and satisfying, this gratin is a perfect example. It’s the kind of dish that warms you up on a chilly night or makes any dinner feel like a special occasion. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to prepare, even if you’re new to cooking seafood.

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Ingredients: What You’ll Need to Bring This Recipe to Life

Here’s a handy table of all the ingredients you’ll gather before you start. Having everything ready will make your cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Ingredient	Quantity
Small scallops	1 pound
Small shrimp, peeled & deveined	1 pound
Mushrooms, sliced	12 ounces
Small onion, chopped	1
Fresh parsley, chopped	1 tablespoon
Lemon juice	2 tablespoons
Unsalted butter	¼ cup + 1 tablespoon
All-purpose flour	6 tablespoons
Half-and-half cream	1 cup
Gruyère cheese, grated	⅓ cup
Fresh breadcrumbs or panko	1 cup
Salt	To taste

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Step-by-Step: How to Make Your Creamy Seafood Gratin

1. Start by Cooking the Seafood and Vegetables

Combine your scallops, shrimp, sliced mushrooms, chopped onion, parsley, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a large skillet. Add about a cup of water, just enough to create a gentle simmer. This is key to ensuring your seafood cooks delicately without becoming tough or rubbery.

Bring the mixture to a soft boil and then simmer for approximately five minutes. The goal here is to cook the seafood through but not overdo it — overcooked seafood loses its tenderness and flavor. Once done, drain the mixture using a strainer, but keep one cup of the flavorful cooking liquid. You’ll need this broth to make your sauce.

2. Make the Roux for the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, melt ¼ cup of butter over medium heat. Add the six tablespoons of all-purpose flour and whisk constantly. This mixture is called a roux, and it’s the thickening agent for your sauce.

Keep whisking for about two minutes — this cooks the flour taste out and prepares it to absorb the liquids without clumping.

3. Create the Velvety Sauce

Now, gradually add your reserved seafood broth and the half-and-half cream into the roux while whisking continuously. This prevents lumps and ensures a smooth, luscious sauce.

Cook the mixture for about three minutes until it thickens and comes to a gentle boil. Once thickened, remove it from heat and stir in the grated Gruyère cheese. The cheese will melt into the sauce, making it creamy and flavorful.

4. Combine the Sauce with Your Seafood Mix

Gently fold the seafood and mushroom mixture into the cheese sauce until everything is evenly coated. This blending step ensures that every bite is full of creamy, cheesy goodness combined with the delicate seafood.

5. Prepare for Baking

Spoon the mixture into four oven-safe ramekins or scallop shells. These individual portions make for elegant presentation and even cooking.

6. Make the Crispy Topping

Melt the remaining tablespoon of butter in a small microwave-safe bowl. Stir in the breadcrumbs or panko, ensuring they are evenly coated in butter. This topping will add a golden, crunchy finish to your gratin.

Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the tops of your filled ramekins.

7. Broil to Perfection

Place the ramekins under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes or until the topping turns golden brown and crispy, and the sauce beneath bubbles enticingly. Keep a close eye here; the breadcrumbs can burn quickly.

8. Serve Immediately

Once out of the oven, serve your gratin hot. The contrast between the bubbling creamy sauce and crispy topping makes every bite a delightful experience.

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Tips to Make Your Seafood Gratin Shine

Choose the Freshest Seafood Possible

Your dish depends on the quality of the scallops and shrimp. Look for fresh, firm seafood at your local market. Wild-caught or sustainably sourced options add not only superior taste but peace of mind about your environmental impact.

Don’t Overcook Your Seafood

You want your scallops and shrimp tender and juicy, not rubbery. Cooking them gently in the simmering broth for about five minutes is perfect. Avoid rushing this step or simmering too long.

Whisk the Roux Thoroughly

When making your roux, constant whisking prevents lumps and ensures a silky sauce. If lumps form, whisk vigorously or strain the sauce before adding cheese.

Breadcrumb Topping Tips

Use fresh breadcrumbs or panko for the crispiest topping. Toss them in melted butter to help them brown evenly and add richness.

Experiment With Cheese Variations

Gruyère is classic, but if you want to try something different, Parmesan or Fontina are excellent substitutes. They each bring their unique flavor profiles to the sauce.

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Nutritional Snapshot and Serving Suggestions

Here’s a quick glance at what each serving offers nutritionally and some ideas for what to serve alongside.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	Approximately 430
Protein	High (from seafood)
Fat	Moderate (butter, cheese)
Carbohydrates	Moderate (breadcrumbs)
Serving Size	1 of 4 servings

Pairings That Complement Your Gratin

• A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
• Crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping into the creamy sauce.
• A chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay to elevate the meal.

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FAQs About Creamy Seafood Gratin with Shrimp, Scallops, and Mushrooms

What If I Don’t Have Gruyère Cheese?

No worries — Parmesan, mozzarella, or Fontina can all substitute well. Each offers a different texture and flavor, so feel free to experiment.

Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the gratin in ramekins, cover, and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight. When ready, simply broil the topping before serving.

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Keep leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge and consume within two days. Reheat gently in the oven to maintain the creamy texture.

Is This Recipe Gluten-Free?

The original recipe isn’t, due to flour and breadcrumbs. You can substitute gluten-free flour and gluten-free panko to adapt it for gluten sensitivity.

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Final Thoughts: Why This Seafood Gratin Belongs in Your Recipe Collection

By now, you’ve seen how straightforward ingredients and techniques can come together to create something truly special. This Creamy Seafood Gratin with Shrimp, Scallops, and Mushrooms offers you the chance to enjoy coastal flavors in the comfort of your home, without the fuss.

Not only will it satisfy your craving for something rich and comforting, but it also gives you the flexibility to adapt the recipe based on what you have on hand or your dietary needs.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up your stove and oven, and create a seafood gratin that’s sure to impress and satisfy. When you do, share your experience or favorite tweaks—you might just inspire someone else to try it!

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