Why creamy prawn bake is a favourite
This creamy prawn bake is a fantastic choice because it requires very little preparation and uses common pantry staples. The combination of cream cheese and double cream creates a velvety texture that pairs beautifully with the delicate taste of seafood. It is a versatile recipe that works well for both casual weeknight meals and special weekend treats. Children and adults alike will enjoy the mild yet savoury notes of the garlic and parmesan topping.
A step-by-step guide to creamy prawn bake
Prepare the oven: Preheat your oven to 200C and lightly grease a medium ovenproof baking dish with the butter. Rinse the prawns under cold water and pat them thoroughly dry with kitchen paper to ensure the sauce stays thick.
Make the sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the double cream, cream cheese, minced garlic, lemon juice, and dried parsley. Stir the ingredients together until you have a smooth and consistent sauce without any large lumps of cheese.
Combine the ingredients: Arrange the prawns in an even layer across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Pour the creamy mixture over the prawns and sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Bake and serve: Place the creamy prawn bake in the oven for 20 minutes until the prawns are cooked through and the cheese is golden and bubbling. Serve the dish immediately while it is hot with pasta or fresh bread.
Extra tips for creamy prawn bake
To get the best results from your creamy prawn bake, always use fresh garlic instead of powder for a deeper flavour. If you choose to use frozen prawns, make sure they are completely defrosted and dried well before they go into the dish. You can add a handful of fresh spinach or some halved cherry tomatoes to the baking dish if you want to include some vegetables. For a bit of crunch, try mixing some breadcrumbs with the parmesan cheese before sprinkling it on top. Be careful not to overcook the prawns because they can become rubbery if they stay in the oven for too long. Checking the prawns after 15 minutes is a good idea to see how they are progressing.
The sauce will naturally thicken as it stands for a minute or two after being removed from the heat. If you prefer a bit of spice, a small pinch of chilli flakes added to the cream mixture works very well. Always serve this dish with something that can soak up the delicious sauce, like rice or a warm baguette.
Find more ideas here:
creamy salmon bake,
oven-baked beef patties or
rabbit stew.