Mediterranean Cheesy Shrimp Bake
This Mediterranean Cheesy Shrimp Bake is rich, creamy, and full of flavor. Tender shrimp are baked in a smooth garlic cream sauce with a golden layer of cheddar and Parmesan on top. It’s comfort food with a coastal Mediterranean twist—perfect for family dinners, small gatherings, or an easy yet impressive main dish. Serve it with crusty bread, pasta, or a light salad to balance the creamy richness.
Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: 30–35 minutes
Servings: 3–4
Ingredients
Shrimp: 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Olive oil: 3 tbsp
Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
Heavy cream: 1 cup
Cheddar cheese: 2 cups, shredded
Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup, grated
Breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup
Paprika: 1 tsp
Salt: 1/2 tsp
Black pepper: 1/4 tsp
Fresh parsley: for garnish
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a medium baking dish with olive oil.
Cook the Garlic:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant (do not brown).
Prepare the Cream Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in 1 cup cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup Parmesan, mixing until melted and smooth. Season with paprika, salt, and black pepper. Remove from heat.
Assemble the Bake:
Arrange shrimp evenly in the baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the shrimp, making sure all are coated.
Add the Topping:
In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1 cup cheddar, 1/4 cup Parmesan, and breadcrumbs. Sprinkle evenly over the shrimp mixture.
Bake:
Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly, and the shrimp are fully cooked through.
Garnish and Serve:
Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a light drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Tips
Use fresh shrimp if possible: They cook more evenly and stay tender.
Don’t overbake: Shrimp cook fast—remove from the oven as soon as they’re opaque.
Adjust creaminess: Add a splash of milk if the sauce feels too thick before baking.
Grate cheese freshly: Pre-shredded cheese contains starch that prevents smooth melting.
Add flavor depth: A squeeze of lemon before serving enhances freshness.
Choose a proper baking dish: Use a shallow dish for even browning.
Make it crispier: Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end for a golden crust.
Balance the meal: Serve with a green salad or roasted vegetables to cut through the richness.
Variations
Mediterranean Herb Version: Add oregano, basil, or thyme to the sauce for extra aroma.
Spicy Shrimp Bake: Mix in a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper.
Lemon Garlic Cream: Add lemon zest and juice to the sauce for a lighter, citrusy touch.
Cheese Blend: Use mozzarella, provolone, or feta for a different cheesy profile.
Low-Carb Option: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed almonds or parmesan crisps.
Vegetable Add-In: Add chopped spinach, artichokes, or sun-dried tomatoes for more Mediterranean flavor.
Seafood Mix: Combine shrimp with scallops, crab, or chunks of white fish.
Baked Pasta Style: Toss cooked penne or rigatoni into the sauce before baking for a full one-dish meal.
Q&A
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes, but thaw and pat dry thoroughly before using to avoid watery sauce.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: You can assemble it up to 6 hours ahead and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
Q: What can I use instead of heavy cream?
A: Half-and-half, evaporated milk, or a mix of milk and cream cheese work too.
Q: How can I make it lighter?
A: Reduce cheese slightly and use Greek yogurt mixed with milk for the sauce base.
Q: What can I serve with this?
A: Garlic bread, couscous, rice pilaf, or a Mediterranean tomato-cucumber salad pair beautifully.
Q: How do I reheat leftovers?
A: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes—use gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit them entirely and top with more Parmesan.
Nutrition
(Per Serving, Approximate)
Calories: 480
Protein: 38g
Fat: 32g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Sugar: 1g
Fiber: 0.5g
Sodium: 680mg
Conclusion
Mediterranean Cheesy Shrimp Bake brings together creamy richness and coastal charm in one dish. The garlic cream sauce and golden cheese crust turn simple shrimp into something special. Whether you serve it on its own or as part of a larger meal, it’s an easy, comforting recipe that feels both elegant and satisfying—perfect for seafood lovers and weeknight indulgence alike.