Keto Garlic Shrimp Au Gratin: An Irresistible Low‑Carb Delight

What Is Shrimp Au Gratin?

The classic au gratin technique involves baking a savory dish until it develops a golden, cheesy crust. In its original form, breadcrumbs and rich sauces are layered over vegetables or seafood, then baked to a bubbly perfection.

But our keto garlic shrimp au gratin swaps grain-based toppings for a crisp, low-carb crust, delivering that beloved texture without the added carbs.

You’ll find more about the French au gratin technique here to see how clever swaps recreate the signature crust.

Why It Makes the Best Keto Dinner

Here’s why this shrimp bake works beautifully on a low-carb plan:

• Creamy garlic sauce: Combining heavy cream and melted cheese creates a luxurious gravy-like base.
• Seafood spotlight: Plump, succulent shrimp infuse the dish with flavor.
• Savory topping: Crushed pork rinds or almond flour take the place of breadcrumbs, keeping the texture crispy and carb-free.

To appreciate how shrimp shines in recipes, check out this USDA page on shrimp nutritional value which illustrates why shrimp is a staple in so many classic dishes.

This dish delivers an indulgent, restaurant-style finish—just with smart, carb-conscious ingredients:

• Each portion is topped with cheesy crisp goodness.
• Prep and assembly take under 30 minutes.
• It bakes quickly and emerges bubbling and ready to serve.

With minimal fuss and maximum payoff, it’s the perfect dinner solution for busy nights or special gatherings—without compromising on comfort or taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Keto Garlic Shrimp Au Gratin

Here’s everything you’ll need, plus smart swaps for creative flexibility:

1 Shrimp

• Medium to large, peeled and deveined
• Fresh or frozen (thawed before cooking)
• Pat dry for a crisp sear

2 Aromatics

• Fresh garlic is key (4–5 cloves), but garlic powder works in a pinch.
• Optional: finely chopped shallots or onion for extra depth.

3 Cream & Cheese

• Heavy cream provides richness.
• Parmesan and Monterey Jack (or mozzarella) melt beautifully.
• Dairy-free options: coconut cream plus non-dairy shreds.

4 Topping Base

• Crushed pork rinds = classic crisp.
• Blanched almond flour = mild, nutty texture.
• Try keto bread crumbs or crushed kale chips as variations.

5 Seasonings

• Salt, black pepper, paprika
• For more heat: cayenne or red pepper flakes
• Herb twist: chopped parsley, basil, or thyme

Step‑by‑Step Cooking Guide for Keto Garlic Shrimp Au Gratin

Follow these detailed steps to create the perfect keto garlic shrimp au gratin.

1. Prep

1. Preheat oven to 190 °C (375 °F).
2. Grease a large baking dish or individual ramekins.
3. Pat shrimp dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.

2. Sear Shrimp

1. Heat 2 Tbsp butter or olive oil in a skillet.
2. Add shrimp in a single layer; cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink.
3. Remove shrimp and set aside.

3. Make the Garlic Cream Sauce

1. In the same skillet, add a little more butter and finely chopped garlic.
2. Sauté 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t burn).
3. Pour in heavy cream; simmer for 2 minutes.
4. Add grated Parmesan and Monterey Jack, stirring until melted and silky.
5. Optional: add a pinch of cayenne, paprika, or herbs.

4. Assemble Layers

1. Arrange seared shrimp at the bottom of your dish.
2. Pour creamy cheese sauce over the shrimp.

5. Add the Topping

1. Combine crushed pork rinds (or almond flour) with a touch of melted butter and extra cheese.
2. Evenly sprinkle the crunchy mixture over the sauce.

6. Bake

1. Place in preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, until the sauce bubbles and the topping is golden and crisp.
2. For extra browning, switch to broil for 1–2 minutes (watch closely).

7. Rest & Serve

1. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
2. Garnish with fresh herbs, olives, or a squeeze of lemon.
3. Serve in shallow bowls, ramekins, or a cast iron skillet.

This method ensures each layer—shrimp, sauce, crust—is perfectly cooked and gorgeously presented.

Creative Variations & Customizations

Make this recipe your own with these delicious twists:

• Spice-Level Boost
  • Add Cajun, Creole seasoning, or Old Bay for a bold kick.
  • Include chopped jalapeños or diced chorizo sausage.
• Cheese Swap
  • Gruyère or Fontina for nuttier flavor and richer melt.
  • Goat cheese for tanginess.
• Seafood Fusion
  • Mix in crab meat or lobster bits.
  • Lighten it with chunks of white fish.
• Veggie Upgrades
  • Fold in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or thinly sliced bell peppers before baking.
  • Try zucchini slices for added texture.
• Mini Portions
  • Use individual ramekins—ideal for appetizers or individual servings.

These tweaks let you cater to different tastes and themes—from spicy holiday bakes to elegant seafood dinners.

Make‑Ahead & Storage Tips

Prep and preserve your dish with ease by following these tips:

• Assembly ahead: Assemble 24 hours in advance; store tightly covered.
• Refrigeration: Keeps well for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze baked or assembled casserole up to 1 month (texture may soften).
• Reheat:
  • Oven: bake at 160 °C (325 °F) for 10–15 minutes.
  • Microwave: warm in short intervals to prevent rubbery shrimp.

These strategies help ensure that leftovers maintain their flavor and texture.

Common Mistakes & Simple Fixes

Avoid these pitfalls to get perfect results every time:

• Soggy Crust
  • Pat shrimp dry and avoid excess sauce on top before adding topping.
• Overcooked Shrimp
  • Remove shrimp early—they’ll finish in the oven.
• Runny Sauce
  • Let the cream simmer enough to thicken before baking.
• Uneven Crunch
  • Mix topping ingredients separately before sprinkling for consistent browning.

FAQ: Your Keto Garlic Shrimp Au Gratin Questions Answered

Conclusion

In just a few simple steps, you can create this keto garlic shrimp au gratin, a rich, creamy, and irresistibly cheesy seafood bake with a perfectly crisp, low-carb crust. Whether you serve it for a cozy family dinner or impress guests at a special gathering, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. With customizable toppings, quick prep time, and endless flavor variations, it’s the ultimate keto-friendly comfort food.

Keto Garlic Shrimp Au Gratin Recipe

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• Author: Velma
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Keto Garlic Shrimp Au Gratin is the perfect low-carb comfort food—tender shrimp cooked in a garlic cream sauce, topped with gooey melted cheese, and baked until golden and bubbly. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but rich enough to serve for a special dinner or date night at home. Serve it with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete keto-friendly meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450g) raw shrimp, peeled & deveined
• 3 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Gruyère cheese
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Set to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook the shrimp:
   • In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
   • Add shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until just pink (they’ll finish cooking in the oven).
3. Make the cream sauce:
   • Pour in heavy cream and stir in Parmesan. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Transfer & top:
   • Pour the shrimp and sauce into a small baking dish. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella or Gruyère.
5. Bake:
   • Bake for 8–10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve:
   • Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Notes

• Cheese swap: Try Gruyère for a richer flavor or cheddar for a sharper bite
• Extra creamy: Add 1 oz cream cheese to the sauce
• Make it spicier: Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne
• Meal prep: Assemble ahead, refrigerate, and bake just before serving

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Mains
• Method: Sautéed & Baked
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 320kcal
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 540mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 210mg