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A bubbling hot seafood gratin, freshly baked and golden brown.

Classic Seafood Gratin

A rich and creamy Classic Seafood Gratin, featuring a delicious medley of seafood baked in a cheesy béchamel sauce with a crispy golden topping. This comforting dish is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Medium saucepan
  • Oven-safe gratin dish or individual ramekins
  • Small bowl

Ingredients
  

Seafood

  • 1 lb mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, flaky white fish like cod or haddock, crab meat, lobster – choose your favorites!)

For the Seafood

  • 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Béchamel Sauce

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk whole milk recommended for richness
  • 1/2 cup grated cheese (Gruyère, sharp cheddar, Parmesan, or a mix work wonderfully)
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • Pinch cayenne pepper optional, for a subtle warmth
  • Salt to taste

For the Topping

  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular)
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese optional

For Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped optional

Instructions
 

Prepare the Seafood

  • Pat dry raw seafood. Heat oil or butter in a skillet, sauté seafood briefly until opaque (2-3 minutes), then season with salt and pepper and set aside.

Make the Béchamel (White Sauce)

  • Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
  • Gradually whisk in milk until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes, ensuring no lumps.
  • Remove from heat, stir in grated cheese until melted, then season with nutmeg, cayenne (if using), and salt.

Combine and Assemble

  • Gently fold the cooked seafood into the prepared cheese sauce, then transfer the mixture to an oven-safe gratin dish or ramekins.

Prepare the Topping

  • In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and optional Parmesan cheese, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the seafood.

Bake and Serve

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), then bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
  • Let the gratin rest for a few minutes before serving, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

For diverse flavors and textures, consider using a variety of seafood in your gratin. You can also customize the cheese blend to your preference, experimenting with sharper or milder options. If you don't have panko, regular breadcrumbs will work, but panko provides a crispier topping.