Cheesy Shrimp Bake Recipe

This cheesy shrimp bake is the ultimate comfort food — rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. Juicy shrimp are nestled in a luscious sauce, smothered with gooey melted cheese, and baked until golden and bubbly. It’s the kind of dish that feels restaurant-worthy but is surprisingly easy to make at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Cheesy Perfection: That melty, golden top layer is irresistible.
• Quick & Easy: Comes together with minimal prep — perfect for busy nights.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Fancy enough for guests, simple enough for weeknight dinner.
• Versatile: Serve it with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this cheesy shrimp bake:

• Shrimp: The star of the dish — tender and juicy when baked.
• Garlic: Adds depth and savory flavor.
• Butter: Creates richness and a silky base for the sauce.
• Cream or Half-and-Half: Makes the sauce creamy and indulgent.
• Cheese Blend (like mozzarella, cheddar, or parmesan): Melty, gooey goodness on top.
• Seasonings (salt, pepper, paprika, chili flakes): Balance the flavors and add a kick.
• Fresh Herbs (like parsley or chives): Brightens up the richness.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a touch of freshness to balance the creaminess.

Full ingredients with measurements can be found in the recipe card below.

How to Make the Cheesy Shrimp Bake

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Clean and pat dry the shrimp. Season lightly with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Step 2: Build the Sauce

In a skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Stir in cream and seasonings, letting it simmer until slightly thickened.

Step 3: Assemble the Bake

Place shrimp in a baking dish. Pour the sauce over, then sprinkle generously with your cheese blend.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, or until the shrimp are cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh herbs and serve hot with your favorite sides.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overbake: Shrimp cook fast — keep an eye on them so they stay juicy.
• Use a Cheese Mix: Combining mozzarella for melt and parmesan for flavor makes it next-level.
• Add Veggies: Spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli bake beautifully in the sauce.
• Broil for Extra Golden Top: A quick 1–2 minutes under the broiler makes the cheese irresistible.

How to Serve

• Over pasta or rice for a complete meal.
• With warm, crusty bread to soak up every drop of sauce.
• As a decadent appetizer alongside a crisp salad.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Freezing

Not recommended — the creamy sauce can separate when thawed.

Reheating

Warm gently in the oven at 325°F until heated through. Avoid microwaving, which can make shrimp rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw and pat dry before using to avoid excess water in the sauce.

What’s the best cheese for this recipe?
A mix of mozzarella and parmesan works wonderfully. Cheddar adds sharpness if you like a stronger flavor.

Can I make this lighter?
Swap cream for half-and-half or even evaporated milk. Use less cheese or choose a reduced-fat version.

What can I serve with cheesy shrimp bake?
It pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, roasted veggies, or even a crisp green salad.