Baked Gratinated Calamari

Name: Baked Gratinated Calamari
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: Calamari (squid) to be cleaned 2.2 lbs; Bread crumb 1 ½ cup; Lemon peel 1; Lemon juice 1; Parsley 1 bunch; Basil 1 bunch; Thyme 1 sprig; Extra virgin olive oil 3 ½ tbsp; Salt to taste; Black pepper to taste

it de es fr br

Lactose Free

Difficulty: Easy
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Serving: 4
Cost: Low

PRESENTATION

Baked calamari gratin is a classic Southern Italian dish that’s both light and full of bold flavor. In places like Naples and along the beautiful Mediterranean coast, people often pick this when they want something crispy yet satisfying—without the heaviness of fried squid.

What really makes baked calamari gratin stand out is how simple breadcrumbs—mixed with chopped parsley, garlic, and a hint of lemon zest—form a golden crust over the calamari au gratin. And you know what? This gives the squid a nice contrast: tender rings and tentacles beneath a topping that cracks a bit when you bite into it. Seriously good.

You'll find this dish at family gatherings or as a starter at casual seaside spots, where folks want to highlight the natural taste of squid—without too much batter or sauce. The experience? It's not just about texture. There’s a freshness in the air when you pull an oven-baked calamari out of the oven, and those herbs fill the room with their aroma. Pretty much amazing.

In Southern Italy, locals often use fresh seafood, adding different herbs or a dash of chili flakes for a little kick. Thing is, compared to fried calamari or other traditional recipes like 'calamari in umido' (a stewed version) or 'calamari ripieni' (stuffed), the baked squid gratin is simpler and lets you really really taste the squid itself.

Pair it with a bright salad or some roasted veggies, and you’ve got a meal that feels both special and laid-back. The best part? How the moist seafood works with the crunchy breadcrumb topping, making every bite a mix of soft and crispy. If you’re into Mediterranean flavors—or just want a seafood gratin that’s not weighed down by frying—this dish brings fun to dinnertime. And here's the thing, it’s perfect for those who appreciate Southern Italy’s culinary traditions while enjoying a refreshing twist on seafood. For real.

How to prepare Baked Gratinated Calamari

To prepare baked gratinated calamari, start by cleaning the calamari, then cut them into 1-inch rings 1. Take the bread and roughly chop the crumb. Place it in a blender and add oil 2, salt 3, and pepper.

Add parsley 4, basil 5, and thyme 6.

Continue with lemon zest 7 and juice 8. Blend until you obtain a homogeneous breadcrumb mixture 9.

Coat the rings in the breadcrumb mixture 10 and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper 11. Bake in a static oven at 350°F for 20 minutes, then switch to the fan setting and bake for another 5 minutes. Your baked gratinated calamari are ready to be enjoyed 12.

Storage

Baked gratinated calamari should be consumed immediately, but if there are leftovers, they can be stored in the refrigerator in a closed container for 1-2 days. To reheat, use the oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes: this way, the breadcrumb coating will regain some crispiness without drying out the calamari.

Advice

If you like it spicy, you can add paprika to the breadcrumb coating. For an even crunchier texture, add chopped walnuts, pistachios, or almonds to the coating. For a fresh note, try serving the calamari with a yogurt sauce or a light mayonnaise.

For the translation of some texts, artificial intelligence tools may have been used.

Baked Gratinated Calamari

PRESENTATION

How to prepare Baked Gratinated Calamari

Storage

Advice

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