This Shrimp Casserole Recipe is a delightful choice for anyone looking to whip up a quick and satisfying meal. Perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions, this dish features plump shrimp enveloped in a creamy sauce, topped with a crunchy breadcrumb layer. It’s not only flavorful but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it a go-to for seafood lovers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 5 minutes of prep time, you can have this casserole ready to bake in no time.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of Old Bay seasoning and creamy ingredients creates a rich taste that pleases everyone.
- Versatile Dish: This shrimp casserole works well as a main dish or as part of a buffet spread during gatherings.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Suitable for families and guests alike, it’s sure to impress at any dinner table.
- Easy Cleanup: Using just one casserole dish means less mess in the kitchen!
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth, gather your tools before you start. Having everything on hand makes the process quicker and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Casserole dish (2 1/2 quart)
- Large pot
- Colander
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Casserole dish: A good quality dish helps ensure even cooking and easy serving.
- Large pot: Ideal for boiling shrimp quickly without overcrowding them.
- Mixing bowl: Allows you to combine ingredients thoroughly before transferring them to the baking dish.
Ingredients
This Shrimp Casserole is a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. It features tender shrimp baked in a creamy sauce with a crispy breadcrumb topping.
For the Shrimp
- 2 pounds large shrimp (21-24 count), peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning, plus 1 tablespoon salt for cooking water
For the Sauce
- 2/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
For the Topping
- 1 tablespoon butter, plus more to grease the pan
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
- 4 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 ounces shredded medium cheddar cheese
How to Make Shrimp Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is warming up, grease your casserole dish with butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add Old Bay seasoning to the water. Carefully add the shrimp and cook until they become opaque, about 30 seconds. Drain the shrimp using a colander and transfer them to a mixing bowl.
Step 3: Mix Ingredients
In the bowl with the shrimp, add mayonnaise, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir gently until all the shrimp are well coated. Then, fold in both types of cheese until evenly distributed. Transfer this mixture into your prepared casserole dish.
Step 4: Prepare the Topping
Melt butter in a small pan over low heat. Once melted, add panko bread crumbs and stir until they are coated in butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the shrimp casserole.
Step 5: Bake
Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 13-15 minutes or until the center reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. If desired, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes to achieve a golden-brown topping. Allow it to rest for 15 minutes before serving.
Enjoy this delicious Shrimp Casserole Recipe that’s sure to become a favorite among family and friends!
How to Serve Shrimp Casserole Recipe
Serving your Shrimp Casserole can elevate the dining experience and impress your guests. It pairs well with various accompaniments, making it a versatile dish for any occasion.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Parsley or Cilantro: Sprinkle chopped parsley or cilantro on top for a fresh touch.
- Lemon Wedges: Serve with lemon wedges to add a zesty flavor when squeezed over the casserole.
Pair with a Salad
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad complements the richness of the casserole.
- Mixed Green Salad: Lighten the meal with a simple mixed green salad dressed in vinaigrette.
Serve with Bread
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for scooping up the creamy casserole.
- Dinner Rolls: Soft dinner rolls can be served warm alongside the dish.
Offer a Beverage
- White Wine: A chilled glass of white wine enhances the flavors of seafood.
- Iced Tea: Refreshing iced tea is a great non-alcoholic option to balance the meal.
How to Perfect Shrimp Casserole Recipe
To ensure your Shrimp Casserole turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp will provide better flavor and texture compared to frozen options.
- Do Not Overcook Shrimp: Cook shrimp just until opaque; they will continue to cook in the oven.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste your mixture before baking and adjust seasonings if necessary for optimal flavor.
- Experiment with Cheeses: Try different cheese combinations like gouda or pepper jack for unique tastes.
- Crisp Topping: For an extra crispy topping, broil for an additional minute after baking.
- Let It Rest: Allowing it to rest for 15 minutes before serving helps improve flavor melding and cutting.
Best Side Dishes for Shrimp Casserole Recipe
Choosing the right side dishes can enhance your Shrimp Casserole experience. Here are some excellent options that pair well.
- Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus adds a vibrant color and crunch.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy casserole.
- Rice Pilaf: Flavorful rice pilaf absorbs any extra sauce from the casserole nicely.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add depth and nutrition to your meal.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad is nutritious and complements the shrimp’s flavors well.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob brings sweetness that balances savory dishes beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making a shrimp casserole, there are some common mistakes that can affect the dish’s final outcome. Here are a few key points to keep in mind.
- Using Frozen Shrimp: Always opt for fresh or completely thawed shrimp. Frozen shrimp can release excess water, making your casserole watery.
- Overcooking the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly. If overcooked before baking, they can become tough. Cook them until just opaque before mixing.
- Not Seasoning Enough: The seasoning is crucial for flavor. Don’t skip the Old Bay seasoning and ensure it’s well mixed with the shrimp for best results.
- Skipping the Rest Time: Allowing the casserole to rest after baking helps flavors meld and makes it easier to serve. Don’t rush this step!
- Neglecting Cheese Choices: Using low-quality cheese can impact taste. Choose good-quality mozzarella and cheddar for a creamy texture and rich flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days for best flavor.
Freezing Shrimp Casserole Recipe
- Use a freezer-safe container with tight sealing.
- Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating Shrimp Casserole Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally until hot.
- Stovetop: Gently reheat on low heat, stirring frequently to maintain texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Shrimp Casserole Recipe?
A shrimp casserole recipe is a baked dish featuring shrimp in a creamy sauce topped with breadcrumbs or cheese, perfect for quick dinners.
Can I use other seafood in this casserole?
Yes! You can substitute shrimp with crab, scallops, or even mixed seafood for variety and different flavors.
How do I customize my Shrimp Casserole Recipe?
Feel free to add vegetables such as spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition and color. Adjust spices based on your preference too!
What should I serve with my Shrimp Casserole?
This dish pairs well with a simple salad or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp Casserole is not only delicious but also versatile. It’s quick enough for weeknight dinners yet fancy enough for special occasions. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite ingredients or adjusting spices. We hope you enjoy making this comforting dish!
Shrimp Casserole Recipe
Indulge in our delightful Shrimp Casserole Recipe, a perfect blend of tender shrimp, creamy cheese, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping. This easy-to-make dish is ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions, requiring just 5 minutes of prep time. The rich flavors from Old Bay seasoning combined with the smoothness of mayonnaise create a comforting meal that seafood lovers will adore. Whether served as a main dish or part of a buffet spread, this casserole promises to impress family and guests alike. Enjoy the ease of preparation and minimal cleanup with this one-dish wonder!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Seafood
Ingredients
- 2 pounds large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter (plus more to grease the pan)
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
- 4 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 ounces shredded medium cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a casserole dish.
- Boil salted water with Old Bay seasoning, add shrimp, and cook until opaque (about 30 seconds). Drain and transfer to a mixing bowl.
- Mix in mayonnaise, garlic powder, black pepper, and cheese until well coated. Pour into the casserole dish.
- In a small pan, melt butter and mix with panko bread crumbs. Sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 13-15 minutes until the center reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. Broil for an additional minute if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
