Get ready for a flavor explosion!

Imagine sinking your teeth into buttery, garlic-infused shrimp, all enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Sounds heavenly, right? That’s exactly what you get with Keto Garlic Shrimp Au Gratin! This dish isn’t just about the delicious flavor; it’s quick to whip up, effortlessly creamy, and all comes together in one pan. Perfect for when you want a restaurant-worthy meal without the hassle!

Why make this recipe?

There are so many reasons to dive into this dish! First off, easy cleanup means you won’t be drowning in a pile of dishes afterward. Who really wants to spend hours scrubbing pots and pans, right? And it’s one of those family-friendly meals that even picky eaters will gobble up. Plus, the creamy goodness feels indulgent, but it’s actually a healthy keto option! 🙌

Ingredients:

You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!

2 pounds large shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails removed)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper (to taste)
4 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
4 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tablespoons fresh basil (chopped, or 1 tablespoon dried)
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 cup grated parmesan cheese (divided)
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 cup crushed pork rind crumbs

Directions:

Let’s break it down into easy steps!

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Sear Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season shrimp with salt and pepper, then sear for 1–2 minutes per side until just pink. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt butter. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft (3–4 minutes). Toss in garlic, basil, and nutmeg. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Make Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in 1/2 cup parmesan and all the Monterey Jack cheese. Mix until smooth. Season to taste.
Assemble Dish: Place shrimp in the prepared baking dish. Pour the cream sauce evenly over the shrimp.
Add Topping: In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1/2 cup parmesan with crushed pork rinds. Sprinkle mixture over the dish.
Bake: Bake for 25 minutes until the top is golden and sauce is bubbling.

How to make Keto Garlic Shrimp Au Gratin (Overview)

Making this dish is as relaxing as a Sunday afternoon! First, you preheat your oven and get the shrimp dancing in the oil until they blush pink. While they chill out, sauté your aromatic veggies—garlic and onion, yum! Pour in that heavy cream and cheese, and let it simmer until it becomes a beautiful sauce. Combine everything in a baking dish, toss on some crunchy pork rinds for a perfect topping, and let the oven do its magic. Pro tip: Don’t skip toasting the garlic—it makes all the difference! 😉

How to serve Keto Garlic Shrimp Au Gratin

Serving this dish is its own delight! Picture it: a bubbling, golden-brown topping, tucked beneath is creamy, cheesy goodness, and glistening shrimp. You can serve it atop a bed of sautéed greens or low-carb pasta for an extra pop of color and crunch. Drizzle a bit of olive oil and sprinkle some fresh herbs on the top, and you’ve got yourself a dinner that not only looks stunning but smells divine.

How to store Keto Garlic Shrimp Au Gratin

If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare), this dish keeps well in the fridge for about 3 days. Just store it in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven or microwave, just remember to add a splash of cream or stock to keep it creamy and luscious!

Tips to make Keto Garlic Shrimp Au Gratin

Shell and tail removal: Make sure your shrimp are peeled and deveined before cooking — no one wants to deal with messy shells while enjoying this creamy delight!
Cheese swaps: Feel free to switch out the cheeses based on your preference. Cheddar or gouda can add a fun twist!
Add veggies: Toss in a handful of spinach or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrients. Who doesn’t love some extra greens?
Timing it right: Don’t overcook the shrimp! They’ll continue to cook while baking, so pull them off early.
Nutmeg is your friend: Just a pinch adds warmth and depth to the dish—trust me!

Variation

Looking to change things up? You could easily switch in diced chicken or even cauliflower for a delightful twist to the classic shrimp. Feeling adventurous? Add a touch of cajun seasoning for a spicy kick!

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before cooking for the best texture!
How do I make this dish dairy-free?
Substitute the heavy cream and cheeses with coconut cream and nut-based cheese alternatives. The flavor will change a bit, but it’ll still be delicious!
Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it up to the baking step, cover it, and pop it in the fridge for a day. Just bake it when you’re ready to eat!

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!