Keto Garlic Shrimp Au Gratin Recipe
Introduction
This Keto Garlic Shrimp Au Gratin is a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for low-carb diners. Tender shrimp are bathed in a cheesy garlic sauce and topped with a crunchy pork rind crust for a satisfying meal.

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 basil
- 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 your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a large baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then sear them for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they turn just pink. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until soft. Stir in the minced garlic, chopped basil, and nutmeg, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens. Stir in half of the parmesan cheese and all of the Monterey Jack cheese until smooth. Season the sauce to taste with salt and pepper.
- Step 5: Arrange the seared shrimp evenly in the prepared baking dish and pour the creamy cheese sauce over them.
- Step 6: In a small bowl, combine the remaining parmesan cheese with the crushed pork rind crumbs. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the dish.
- Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a mild kick.
- Fresh basil brings the best aroma, but dried basil works well in a pinch.
- Swap the pork rind crumbs for almond flour or crushed pork rinds if preferred for the topping.
- Serve this dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple green salad to keep the meal low-carb and balanced.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through to avoid overcooking the shrimp and drying out the sauce.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp can be used. Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before searing to avoid excess moisture in the dish.
Is this dish suitable for other diets besides keto?
This recipe is specifically low-carb and keto-friendly due to its ingredients. It can be enjoyed in other low-carb or gluten-free diets, but it is not suitable for vegetarians or those who avoid dairy and shellfish.
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Keto Garlic Shrimp Au Gratin Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
Keto Garlic Shrimp Au Gratin is a rich, creamy, and low-carb shrimp dish featuring seared shrimp baked in a luscious garlic cream sauce topped with a crispy parmesan and crushed pork rind crust. This decadent recipe is perfect for a keto-friendly dinner that’s both flavorful and comforting.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 2 pounds large shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails removed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Aromatics & Sauce
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil (chopped) or 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese (divided)
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Topping
- 1/2 cup crushed pork rind crumbs
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a large baking dish by greasing it thoroughly with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Sear Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the peeled and deveined shrimp with salt and pepper. Sear the shrimp for about 1–2 minutes per side until they are just pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, chopped basil, and ground nutmeg. Cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make Cream Sauce: Pour the heavy whipping cream into the skillet and let it simmer for 3–4 minutes until it thickens slightly. Stir in half of the grated parmesan cheese (1/2 cup) and all of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Mix thoroughly until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble Dish: Place the seared shrimp evenly into the prepared baking dish. Pour the creamy cheese sauce evenly over the shrimp, ensuring all pieces are covered.
- Add Topping: In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese with the crushed pork rind crumbs. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the shrimp and cream sauce in the baking dish to create a crispy topping.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. Bake until the topping is golden brown and crispy and the sauce is bubbling around the edges. Remove from the oven and serve hot.
Notes
- Using crushed pork rinds as a topping adds crunch while keeping the dish keto-friendly.
- Fresh basil enhances flavor but dried basil can be used as a substitute.
- Do not overcook the shrimp during searing to avoid rubbery texture; they will finish cooking in the oven.
- Substitute Monterey Jack with mozzarella if needed, but Monterey Jack provides better melting quality.
- For a dairy-free version, replace butter and cheeses with suitable keto-friendly alternatives, though flavor and texture will vary.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Keto shrimp au gratin, garlic shrimp, low carb shrimp recipe, keto dinner, creamy shrimp bake

