Cheesy Baked Shrimp

by

Sure! Here’s a detailed, long-form recipe for Cheesy Baked Shrimp, perfect for a hearty appetizer or a main dish. This version includes a rich, creamy cheese sauce and a golden-baked topping.

Cheesy Baked Shrimp Recipe

Servings: 4–6

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

For the shrimp:

  • 1.5 pounds (680g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off, your preference)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Juice of ½ lemon

For the cheese sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half for richer flavor)
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional but recommended)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Topping:

  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred for extra crunch)
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. 

Prepare the Shrimp

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
  3. In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Let it sit while you prepare the sauce.

2. 

Make the Cheese Sauce

  1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
  2. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
  3. Stir in the flour and cook, whisking constantly for about 1 minute to create a roux.
  4. Gradually whisk in the milk and cream. Continue whisking until smooth and the mixture starts to thicken (3–4 minutes).
  5. Stir in Dijon mustard, then add mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
  6. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Remove from heat.

3. 

Assemble the Dish

  1. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish (or a large oven-safe skillet).
  2. Arrange the seasoned shrimp evenly in the dish.
  3. Pour the cheese sauce over the shrimp, using a spatula to spread it evenly.

4. 

Prepare the Topping

  1. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan cheese.
  2. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the cheese-covered shrimp.

5. 

Bake

  1. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through, and the topping is golden brown.
  2. For an extra golden crust, broil on high for 1–2 minutes at the end. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

6. 

Serve

  • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
  • Serve hot with crusty bread, over rice, pasta, or alongside a fresh salad.

Tips & Variations

  • Add spice: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce for heat.
  • Swap cheeses: Gruyère, Fontina, or Pepper Jack can add a unique flavor.
  • Make ahead: You can prepare the cheese sauce and shrimp separately, refrigerate, and assemble just before baking (add 5–10 extra minutes to bake time if cold).
  • Seafood mix: Add scallops or lump crab meat for a deluxe version.

Would you like a printable version or an image of the dish?

Leave a Comment