Dinner

Keto Garlic Shrimp Au Gratin Recipe

Bylilan Sage October 18, 2025October 18, 2025

Introduction

Enjoy a rich and flavorful Keto Garlic Shrimp Au Gratin that’s perfect for a low-carb dinner. This creamy, cheesy shrimp bake combines garlic and fresh basil with a crispy topping, making it an irresistible dish for seafood lovers.

A white ceramic round dish filled with creamy shrimp gratin, showing one wooden spoon inside scooping out a portion of the soft, pale yellow sauce mixed with juicy, orange-pink shrimp pieces. The top layer is golden brown and crispy, sprinkled with small green herb flakes and toasted breadcrumb bits. The gratin surface has a bubbly texture with browned spots where the cheese is melted and slightly caramelized. The dish is set on a wooden board over a white marbled surface, with soft blurred background details. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Step 2: 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 shrimp and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, melt butter. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic, basil, and nutmeg, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Pour in heavy cream and simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in half of the parmesan cheese and all the monterey jack cheese until smooth. Season the sauce to taste.
Step 5: Place the seared shrimp in the prepared baking dish. Pour the cream sauce evenly over the shrimp.
Step 6: In a small bowl, combine the remaining parmesan cheese with crushed pork rind crumbs. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the dish for a crispy topping.
Step 7: Bake for 25 minutes until the top is golden and the sauce is bubbling. Serve hot.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a mild kick.
Substitute pork rind crumbs with almond flour for a different low-carb crispy topping.
Use fresh herbs like thyme or parsley instead of basil for a unique twist.

Storage

Store leftover shrimp au gratin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to keep the topping crisp and sauce creamy. Avoid microwaving to prevent the cheese from becoming rubbery.

How to Serve

A round white ceramic dish filled with a creamy baked casserole, featuring a top layer of golden melted cheese that is slightly browned and bubbly around the edges. Scattered evenly across the surface are juicy, pink shrimp with a light sear, some curled and some slightly straightened, adding a pop of color. Small green herb leaves and finely chopped herbs are sprinkled on top, giving a fresh contrast to the warm yellow and orange tones of the cheese and shrimp. The dish rests on a wooden board placed on a white marbled surface, with a blurred background hinting at kitchen items. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp can be used but make sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the dish.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for the cheese and cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese alternatives, but the texture and flavor will differ from the traditional version.