Savory Scallop Shrimp Gratin – 25 Min Magic

Savory Scallop Shrimp Gratin transforms simple seafood into an elegant restaurant-quality dish that’s surprisingly easy to master at home. I’ve been making this creamy, golden gratin for years, and it never fails to impress dinner guests with its rich flavors and beautiful presentation.

There’s something magical about combining tender scallops and sweet shrimp with a velvety Gruyère sauce that bubbles up golden in the oven. The first time I made this dish was for my husband’s birthday dinner, and I’ll never forget how his eyes lit up when I brought it to the table. The contrast between the crispy breadcrumb topping and the creamy seafood underneath creates the perfect bite every single time. In just 25 minutes, you’ll have a dish that looks like it came from a fine dining restaurant but feels as comforting as Sunday dinner at home. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Savory Scallop Shrimp Gratin

This elegant seafood bake has become one of my most requested recipes because it strikes the perfect balance between sophisticated flavors and simple preparation, much like my Lemon Garlic Scallops with Pasta I discovered this combination while experimenting with different ways to showcase fresh seafood, and it quickly became a family favorite that works equally well for special occasions and cozy weeknight dinners.

• Restaurant-quality results at home – The creamy Gruyère sauce and golden breadcrumb topping create an upscale presentation that rivals any fine dining establishment, similar to the silky finish in my Creamy Shrimp Alfredo.
• Quick 25-minute cooking time – Perfect for busy evenings when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen
• Simple ingredient list – Uses pantry staples combined with fresh seafood for maximum flavor impact
• Impressive presentation – The bubbling golden top makes this dish a real showstopper at dinner parties
• Versatile for any occasion – Works beautifully for romantic dinners, holiday meals, or whenever you want to treat yourself
• Foolproof technique – The straightforward method ensures perfect results every time, even for novice cooks

This savory scallop shrimp gratin is more than just a recipe—it’s my go-to dish for creating memorable moments around the dinner table.

Ingredient Note List

Sea Scallops: I always look for dry-packed scallops that feel firm to the touch and smell like the ocean—they sear better and won’t release excess water that could make your gratin watery.

Shrimp: Choose medium to large shrimp that are already peeled and deveined to save prep time, and make sure they have a bright pink color and firm texture.

Heavy Cream: This creates the rich, velvety base for our cheese sauce and helps bind all the flavors together while keeping the seafood moist during baking.

Gruyère Cheese: The nutty, slightly sweet flavor of Gruyère melts beautifully and adds sophisticated depth that regular cheddar just can’t match in this savory scallop shrimp gratin.

Panko Breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs create a lighter, crispier topping than regular breadcrumbs and give that perfect golden crunch.

Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the salt level in your dish and creates a smooth base for sautéing the garlic.

Fresh Garlic: Minced fresh garlic adds aromatic depth to the cream sauce and complements the seafood without overpowering it.

Green Onions: The mild onion flavor and bright color make a perfect garnish that adds freshness to balance the rich cream sauce.

Lemon Zest: Just a teaspoon brightens the entire dish and enhances the natural sweetness of the seafood.

Fresh Parsley: This final garnish adds a pop of color and fresh herb flavor that makes the dish look restaurant-ready.

How to Cook Savory Scallop Shrimp Gratin

Step 1. I always start by preheating my oven to 375°F because it needs to be perfectly hot for the gratin to bubble and brown properly.

Step 2. In a medium saucepan, I melt the butter over medium heat and add the minced garlic, letting it sauté for just 1-2 minutes until fragrant—be careful not to let it brown.

Step 3. I’ve learned to add the heavy cream slowly while stirring constantly, which prevents the cream from curdling and creates that silky smooth base.

Step 4. When incorporating the Gruyère cheese, I stir continuously and keep the heat moderate so the cheese melts evenly without becoming grainy or lumpy.

Step 5. My grandmother always told me to taste the sauce before adding it to the seafood, so I season with lemon zest, salt, and pepper until it tastes just right.

Step 6. I arrange the halved scallops and shrimp in a single layer in my baking dish, making sure they’re evenly distributed for consistent cooking.

Step 7. Pouring the creamy cheese mixture slowly over the seafood ensures every piece gets coated and the sauce settles evenly around the dish.

Step 8. For the topping, I mix the panko breadcrumbs with a pinch of salt and a light drizzle of olive oil—this creates that perfect golden crust.

Step 9. I bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for the seafood to turn opaque and the top to become golden brown and bubbly.

Step 10. If I want extra crispiness, I broil for 2-3 minutes at the end, but I watch carefully to prevent burning the beautiful golden top.

How to Store & Reheat

I usually store any leftover savory scallop shrimp gratin in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it stays fresh for up to 3 days. The seafood maintains its flavor well, though the texture becomes slightly more tender after storage.

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months if needed. I recommend wrapping individual servings tightly in foil before placing them in freezer bags to prevent freezer burn.

For best results, I prefer reheating this gratin in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent the top from over-browning. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes if you want to restore some crispiness to the breadcrumb topping. The microwave works for convenience, but cover with a damp paper towel and use 50% power to gently warm without making the seafood rubbery.

What to Serve with Savory Scallop Shrimp Gratin

Simple Arugula Salad: The peppery bite of fresh arugula dressed with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the creamy gratin and adds a refreshing contrast that cleanses the palate between bites.

Crusty French Bread: There’s nothing better than using warm, crusty bread to soak up every drop of that incredible Gruyère sauce—it turns into an essential part of the meal rather than just a side.

Roasted Asparagus: The slight char and crisp-tender texture of roasted asparagus provides a lovely vegetable element that complements the seafood without competing with the delicate flavors.

Garlic Rice Pilaf: A subtly flavored rice pilaf makes this gratin more filling while absorbing the creamy sauce beautifully, creating a complete and satisfying meal.

Crisp White Wine: I always serve this with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay because the acidity balances the rich cheese sauce and enhances the natural sweetness of the seafood.

Steamed Green Beans: Simple steamed green beans with a touch of butter add color and freshness to the plate while keeping the focus on the star of the show—your beautiful gratin.

FAQs