Name: Cheesy Shrimp Bake you’ll love: Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 500 g shrimp (peeled & deveined); 2 tbsp butter; 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half); ½ cup cream cheese (softened); 1 cup shredded mozzarella; ½ cup grated parmesan; ½ tsp paprika; ½ tsp chili flakes (optional, for heat); 2 tbsp parsley (chopped); Salt & black pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe·5 from 29 reviews

If you’re searching for a showstopping comfort dish that’s guaranteed to impress, look no further than this Cheesy Shrimp Bake you’ll love: tender shrimp enveloped in a silky, garlicky cream sauce, baked under a blanket of golden, bubbling cheese. It’s the sort of dish that makes you pause mid-bite just to marvel at how decadent and satisfying it is. Bursting with flavor from fresh herbs, a kiss of spice, and melty cheeses, this bake transforms simple shrimp into the ultimate, easy weeknight indulgence.

Cheesy Shrimp Bake you’ll love: Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Cheesy Shrimp Bake you’ll love: comes together with just a handful of kitchen staples, each one playing a key role in creating layers of rich flavor and luscious texture. It’s the quality of these ingredients that makes this simple dish taste restaurant-worthy!

Shrimp (500 g, peeled & deveined): Fresh or thawed shrimp work beautifully; they become tender and juicy during baking.
Butter (2 tbsp): Adds a hint of richness and helps the garlic bloom for an aromatic base.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses the entire bake with irresistible, savory notes.
Heavy cream (1 cup) or half-and-half: Creates the velvety sauce that cloaks every bite.
Cream cheese (½ cup, softened): Adds a subtle tang and thickens the sauce to a dreamy consistency.
Mozzarella (1 cup, shredded): Gives you that iconic stretchy cheese pull and beautiful browning on top.
Parmesan (½ cup, grated): Lends a nutty, salty depth that seasons the sauce perfectly.
Paprika (½ tsp): Boosts color and brings a gentle smokiness.
Chili flakes (½ tsp, optional): For just the right amount of zesty heat, if you like things spicy.
Parsley (2 tbsp, chopped): Freshens things up with a pop of green flavor and color at the end.
Salt & black pepper (to taste): Rounds out all the flavors—don’t forget to taste and adjust!

How to Make Cheesy Shrimp Bake you’ll love:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First, go ahead and set your oven to 200°C (400°F). This temp ensures the cheese gets perfectly golden while the shrimp stay juicy and tender—and it means you’ll be eating this Cheesy Shrimp Bake you’ll love: in under half an hour!

Step 2: Cook the Garlic

While your oven heats up, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté it for about one minute, just until the aroma fills your kitchen. This quick step unlocks deep, mellowed garlic flavor for the base of your sauce.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Base

Next, pour the heavy cream (or half-and-half) into the skillet and add the softened cream cheese. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken ever so slightly. Now, sprinkle in the grated parmesan, paprika, salt, and pepper. This is your flavor-packed foundation—the magic that makes the Cheesy Shrimp Bake you’ll love: utterly irresistible.

Step 4: Assemble the Bake

Arrange all the shrimp in a single layer in your favorite oven-safe baking dish. Pour all that luscious sauce right over the top, making sure every shrimp is bathed in cheesy goodness. Finish with a generous sprinkle of mozzarella for the ultimate melty topping.

Step 5: Bake

Slide the dish into your hot oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the shrimp have turned opaque and pink, and the cheese is bubbling and golden in spots. The aroma alone will tell everyone dinner is about to get exciting!

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Once out of the oven, don’t forget to finish your Cheesy Shrimp Bake you’ll love: with a generous scattering of fresh parsley and a bright squeeze of lemon juice. These last touches wake up all the flavors and make the whole dish look as inviting as it tastes.

How to Serve Cheesy Shrimp Bake you’ll love:

Garnishes

A flourish of chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon right before serving bring freshness and color that lift the whole dish. If you’re feeling extra, try a dusting of extra parmesan or an extra pinch of chili flakes for a pop of personality on your Cheesy Shrimp Bake you’ll love:.

Side Dishes

This bake is all about the sauce—so you’ll want something to soak up every drop. Thick slices of toasted bread, a bowl of fluffy white rice, or a swirl of pasta are all perfect companions. Even a simple side salad helps balance the rich flavors and rounds out your Cheesy Shrimp Bake you’ll love: experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant twist, serve individual portions in small, oven-safe ramekins. Or, spread the bake over crispy crostini for a crowd-pleasing appetizer. You can even spoon it over roasted vegetables for a lighter, yet still indulgent, meal. However you serve it, the Cheesy Shrimp Bake you’ll love: always steals the show!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you manage to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The sauce may thicken as it sits, but the flavors will only deepen, making for an equally delicious second meal.

Freezing

Cheesy Shrimp Bake you’ll love: can be frozen, but for best texture, freeze it before baking. Assemble the bake, cover tightly, and freeze for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as usual. Already baked leftovers can be frozen, but the sauce might separate a bit when reheated (still tasty, just a touch less creamy).

Reheating

To reheat, pop leftovers into a 180°C (350°F) oven, covered with foil, until warmed through (about 10 minutes). If microwaving, use a lower power setting and cover to retain moisture. A splash of cream or milk stirred in before reheating can revive extra creamy magic in your Cheesy Shrimp Bake you’ll love:.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw your frozen shrimp completely and pat them dry before starting. This way, you avoid any extra water that could thin out your creamy sauce.

Is it okay to substitute light cream or milk?

Yes, you can use light cream or even whole milk for a lighter sauce, but the finished bake won’t be quite as rich or thick. Half-and-half strikes a nice balance if you want to cut back the richness without sacrificing too much creaminess.

How do I know when the shrimp are done?

Shrimp cook very quickly! They’re ready once they’ve turned opaque and pink—the cheese should be bubbling and slightly golden at this point as well. Avoid overbaking to keep them juicy and tender in your Cheesy Shrimp Bake you’ll love:.

Can I make this dish ahead of time for guests?

You sure can! Assemble the Cheesy Shrimp Bake you’ll love: up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When guests arrive, just pop it into the oven—super convenient and still totally delicious.

Are there ways to tweak the recipe for extra flavor?

Definitely! Add a handful of chopped sun-dried tomatoes, swap in smoked paprika, or mix in some baby spinach before baking for a new twist on your Cheesy Shrimp Bake you’ll love:. A pinch of cayenne or dash of hot sauce can elevate the heat factor, too!

Final Thoughts

There’s just something impossibly comforting and special about sitting down to a bubbling Cheesy Shrimp Bake you’ll love:. It’s fast enough for a relaxed weeknight dinner, yet decadent enough to wow friends or family. Give it a try—you’ll savor every single cheesy, saucy, shrimp-studded bite!