Oven-Baked Shrimp and Spinach Gratin

This Oven-Baked Shrimp and Spinach Gratin is a luxurious yet easy-to-make dish that combines tender shrimp, fresh spinach, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce. Golden on top, bubbly and flavorful throughout, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or when you simply want a comforting, elegant meal with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and creamy: The combination of heavy cream and Gruyère cheese creates a luscious sauce.
Quick and easy: Ready in under 35 minutes for a convenient weeknight dinner.
Elegant presentation: Perfect for impressing guests without complicated techniques.
Healthy greens: Spinach adds a boost of vitamins and minerals while complementing the richness of the cheese.

Ingredients

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Tender, flavorful shrimp cook quickly and pair perfectly with creamy cheese.
2 cups fresh spinach leaves: Adds color, texture, and nutrients. Wilted before baking to release excess moisture.
1 cup heavy cream: Creates the rich, velvety base of the gratin sauce.
1 cup grated Gruyère cheese: Provides a nutty, creamy flavor that melts beautifully.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharpness and enhances the golden crust on top.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic flavor.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to sauté the garlic and wilt the spinach.
1 teaspoon lemon zest: Brightens the dish and balances the richness of the cream and cheese.
Salt and black pepper, to taste: Season the dish perfectly according to your preference.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the gratin will cook evenly and develop a golden, bubbly crust without overcooking the shrimp or wilting the spinach too much.

2. Sauté Garlic and Spinach

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Immediately add 2 cups of fresh spinach leaves and cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted. The spinach should reduce in volume but still retain a vibrant green color.

Tip: Stir frequently to prevent garlic from burning, which can impart a bitter taste.
Spinach tip: Do not overcook; spinach will continue to cook slightly in the oven.
Drain excess liquid: If the spinach releases too much water, gently squeeze out the excess before layering in the baking dish to avoid a soggy gratin.

3. Prepare the Cream and Cheese Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of grated Gruyère cheese, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon of lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth and uniform. This mixture will coat the shrimp and spinach, creating a rich, cohesive gratin.

Cheese tip: Use freshly grated Gruyère and Parmesan for optimal melt and flavor. Pre-shredded cheese may contain anti-caking agents that affect texture.
Consistency tip: The mixture should be pourable but thick enough to coat the shrimp and spinach evenly without running off the edges.
Lemon zest: Adds a subtle brightness that balances the richness of the cream and cheese.

4. Assemble the Gratin

Spread the cooked spinach evenly across the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the peeled and deveined shrimp in a single layer on top of the spinach. Pour the cream and cheese mixture evenly over the shrimp and spinach, ensuring all components are coated.

Layering tip: Make sure the shrimp are not stacked; this ensures even cooking and a beautiful presentation.
Even coating: Use a spatula to gently spread the cream mixture, ensuring the cheese melts evenly and covers every piece of shrimp and spinach.

Baking the Shrimp and Spinach Gratin

5. Bake the Gratin

Place the assembled baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes. The gratin is done when the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown, and the shrimp are opaque and cooked through.

Visual cue: Look for a lightly browned cheese crust. This ensures a balance between rich creaminess and a slightly crisp top layer.
Shrimp check: Shrimp should curl slightly and turn pink. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery, so check at the earlier side of the baking time.
Even cooking: If your oven has hot spots, rotate the baking dish halfway through to ensure uniform color and cooking.

6. Rest and Garnish

Once baked, remove the gratin from the oven and let it cool for 5–10 minutes. This resting period allows the sauce to set slightly, making it easier to serve without spilling. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a fresh, vibrant finish and a pop of color.

Resting tip: Allowing the gratin to rest prevents the sauce from running too much when scooped.
Garnish tip: Fresh herbs like parsley or chives not only enhance the visual appeal but also add a subtle freshness that complements the richness of the dish.
Serving tip: For extra elegance, serve directly from a warm baking dish and accompany with lemon wedges for a bright, zesty option.

7. Optional Enhancements

For a richer flavor, you can sprinkle additional Parmesan on top during the last 5 minutes of baking. For texture contrast, consider adding lightly toasted breadcrumbs or panko mixed with a touch of olive oil to create a crunchy topping. A drizzle of truffle oil before serving elevates the dish to gourmet levels.

Crunchy topping: Mix 2 tablespoons of panko with a teaspoon of olive oil and sprinkle over the gratin before finishing baking for added texture.
Flavor depth: A tiny pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper in the cream mixture adds a subtle warmth and complexity.
Cheese variation: Swap Gruyère with Fontina or Emmental for a slightly different nutty and creamy profile.

In Conclusion

This Oven-Baked Shrimp and Spinach Gratin is a perfect combination of elegance and comfort. The tender shrimp, vibrant spinach, and creamy, cheesy sauce make every bite indulgent yet balanced. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner, a special family meal, or entertaining guests, this gratin impresses both in flavor and presentation.

Advanced Tips for Perfect Gratin

Make ahead: You can assemble the gratin up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving to maintain freshness.
Even cooking: Ensure shrimp are in a single layer to avoid uneven cooking. Slight overlap may result in undercooked shrimp in the middle.
Cheese options: Experiment with different melting cheeses like Fontina, Emmental, or even a sharp Cheddar for a unique flavor profile.
Prevent watery gratin: Squeeze excess moisture from spinach and pat shrimp dry to avoid diluting the creamy sauce.
Temperature control: Keep an eye on oven temperature and check the gratin a few minutes early to prevent overbrowning.
Presentation: Garnish with fresh herbs and a light sprinkle of lemon zest to brighten the dish and enhance visual appeal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve directly from the baking dish or portion onto individual plates for a more elegant presentation.
Pair with crusty bread, garlic bread, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
For a gourmet touch, drizzle with a tiny amount of truffle oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving.
Accompany with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, to complement the richness of the gratin.

Enjoy your creamy, golden, and flavorful Oven-Baked Shrimp and Spinach Gratin — a dish that combines indulgence, elegance, and simplicity in every bite!