Charleston’s Shrimp Cargot Recipe With Havarti – A Southern-Inspired Seafood Delight
If you’ve ever dined at Charleston’s Restaurant, you know their Shrimp Cargot is one of the most irresistible appetizers on the menu. This decadent dish combines tender shrimp baked in a rich garlic butter sauce, topped with creamy Havarti cheese, and served bubbling hot with crusty bread for dipping.
Today, we’re bringing that same restaurant-quality experience into your kitchen. This Charleston’s Shrimp Cargot recipe with Havarti is easy to prepare, bursting with flavor, and perfect for impressing guests at dinner parties or enjoying a cozy night in.
Let’s dive into the Southern comfort of shrimp, butter, garlic, and cheese—an unbeatable combination that defines indulgence.
What Is Shrimp Cargot?
The name “Shrimp Cargot” is a playful twist on the classic French dish escargot, which features snails baked in garlic butter. In this version, shrimp replace the snails—making it more approachable yet equally rich and flavorful.
Charleston’s popularized this dish by adding a Southern spin—incorporating butter, garlic, herbs, and melted Havarti cheese for an ultra-creamy finish. The result? A buttery, garlicky, cheesy seafood bake that feels both luxurious and comforting.
Why You’ll Love This Charleston’s Shrimp Cargot Recipe With Havarti
Here’s why this recipe is bound to become your new favorite appetizer:
- Restaurant-quality flavor at home: It captures that same Charleston’s flair—without needing a reservation.
- Quick and easy: You can whip this up in under 30 minutes!
- Rich, cheesy, and buttery: A flavor trio that’s impossible to resist.
- Perfect for entertaining: Serve it in individual ramekins or an escargot dish—it’s elegant yet simple.
- Crowd-pleaser: Shrimp lovers will go wild for the creamy garlic sauce and bubbling cheese topping.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Charleston’s Shrimp Cargot Recipe With Havarti
To make this Charleston’s Shrimp Cargot with Havarti, you’ll need a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients.
🦐 Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp (16–20 count) – peeled and deveined, tails removed
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter – melted
- 4 cloves garlic – finely minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley – chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) for a touch of heat
- 4 oz Havarti cheese – shredded or thinly sliced
- French baguette or crusty bread, for serving
Equipment Needed
You don’t need much to make this dish, but a few tools help replicate the restaurant-style presentation:
- Escargot dish or small oven-safe ramekins
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Garlic press (optional)
- Oven or broiler
How to Make Charleston’s Shrimp Cargot Recipe With Havarti
Follow these simple steps for a perfect batch of creamy, garlicky shrimp goodness.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). If you’re planning to broil the top at the end, you can use the broiler setting for the final minute.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, mix:
- Melted butter
- Minced garlic
- Chopped parsley
- Lemon juice
- Paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (if using)
Stir until well combined. This buttery garlic sauce is the base of all that Charleston’s flavor.
Step 3: Arrange the Shrimp
Place shrimp in your escargot dish or ramekins—one shrimp per well if using an escargot plate.
Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over each shrimp, ensuring they’re well coated. The butter should just cover the shrimp so they bake in flavor.
Step 4: Add the Havarti Cheese
Top each shrimp generously with shredded Havarti cheese. This Danish cheese melts beautifully, giving the dish that signature creamy, gooey finish that Charleston’s is known for.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the shrimp are pink and opaque and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
For an extra golden top, switch to the broiler for 1–2 minutes at the end—just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
Step 6: Serve Hot
Carefully remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Serve with warm crusty bread to soak up all that garlic butter and cheese. Every bite will taste like a trip to Charleston’s.
Recipe Tips & Variations
Want to personalize your Shrimp Cargot with Havarti? Here are a few ideas:
🔸 Use Different Cheeses
While Havarti is the signature choice for this dish, you can try:
- Gruyère: Adds a nutty, slightly sweet flavor.
- Mozzarella: Gives an extra melty stretch.
- Parmesan: For a sharper, saltier edge.
🔸 Add More Flavor
Experiment with:
- White wine – Add a splash to the butter mixture for depth.
- Old Bay seasoning – A coastal classic that complements shrimp.
- Smoked paprika – Adds a subtle smoky flavor.
🔸 Make It Spicy
Kick up the heat with Cajun seasoning or extra red pepper flakes. It’s a great twist for those who like spice.
🔸 Add Mushrooms or Spinach
Layer sautéed mushrooms or wilted spinach beneath the shrimp for an earthy, balanced flavor combination.
What to Serve With Shrimp Cargot
This Charleston’s-inspired dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and drinks.
🥖 Best Sides:
- Crusty French bread or garlic toast
- Simple green salad with vinaigrette
- Lemon orzo or herb rice
- Roasted asparagus or zucchini
🍷 Perfect Pairings:
- Chardonnay – complements the buttery sauce.
- Sauvignon Blanc – adds brightness to balance the richness.
- Sparkling water with lemon – for a lighter, refreshing option.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you somehow have leftovers (which is rare!), here’s how to store and reheat your Shrimp Cargot:
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Place in an oven-safe dish at 350°F for 8–10 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving—it can make the shrimp rubbery.
- Do not freeze – the texture and cheese don’t hold up well after thawing.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Approximate values (for 6 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290 |
| Protein | 20g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Carbohydrates | 2g |
| Sodium | 520mg |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sugar | 0g |
Note: These are estimated values and can vary depending on portion size and ingredients.
The Secret Behind Charleston’s Flavor
What makes Charleston’s Shrimp Cargot so irresistible isn’t just the shrimp or cheese—it’s the balance of garlic butter and Havarti.
The garlic brings warmth, the butter adds depth, and the Havarti creates that luscious, velvety finish. Together, they transform a simple seafood appetizer into something memorable and restaurant-worthy.
Charleston’s chefs also use fresh shrimp, never overcooked, ensuring a tender bite every time. So remember: keep an eye on the baking time—shrimp cook fast!
Make It a Complete Southern Meal
Want to recreate a full Charleston’s-inspired dinner? Pair your Shrimp Cargot with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Honey butter croissants (a Charleston’s staple)
- Grilled steak or roasted chicken
- Classic key lime pie for dessert
It’s the perfect Southern comfort meal that feels like dining out—without leaving home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓ Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before using. Excess water will dilute the butter sauce.
❓ What is Havarti cheese, and can I substitute it?
Havarti is a semi-soft Danish cheese known for its creamy texture and mild, buttery flavor. If you can’t find it, Monterey Jack or Fontina are excellent substitutes.
❓ Do I need a special escargot dish?
Not necessarily. You can use small ramekins or even a muffin tin—anything oven-safe that keeps the shrimp and butter mixture contained.
❓ Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it a few hours in advance and refrigerate it, then bake just before serving.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been craving that irresistible Charleston’s Shrimp Cargot with Havarti, now you can make it right in your own kitchen.
This dish captures everything we love about Southern comfort food—richness, warmth, and a touch of indulgence. The combination of buttery garlic shrimp and gooey melted cheese is pure perfection, especially when scooped up with fresh bread.
Whether you’re hosting friends, preparing a romantic dinner, or just treating yourself, this recipe guarantees restaurant-level flavor with easy home cooking.
So grab some shrimp, butter, and Havarti—and bring a taste of Charleston’s to your table tonight!
