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Making creamy cheese sauce for seafood gratin in skillet with wooden spoon

Creamy Seafood Gratin

A rich, comforting seafood gratin made with cod, shrimp, and scallops in a creamy sauce topped with golden cheese and breadcrumbs. Ideal for special occasions or a hearty weekend meal.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, French
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 450 g cod fillet cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 225 g shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 225 g bay scallops
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 cups milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp onion powder
  • 0.25 tsp paprika
  • 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper optional
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated, divided
  • 0.75 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • large bowl
  • Buttered baking dish
  • Small bowl

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cut the cod into bite-sized pieces. Pat shrimp and scallops dry with paper towels.
  3. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to form a roux and cook for 2 minutes until it smells nutty.
  4. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream until smooth and thickened. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and black pepper.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in half of the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  6. In a large bowl, toss cod, shrimp, and scallops with lemon juice and a pinch of salt. Gently fold into the cheese sauce.
  7. Pour the mixture into a buttered baking dish.
  8. In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs, remaining Parmesan, olive oil, and parsley. Sprinkle evenly over the top.
  9. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the top is golden and sauce is bubbling. For extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.
  10. Let the gratin rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

Use well-dried seafood to prevent watery sauce. Prepare ahead and bake just before serving. Swap in crab or lobster for variety. Broil briefly at the end for a golden crust.