Shrimp Casserole Recipe
This Shrimp Casserole Recipe is an easy and delightful dish that brings the flavors of the sea to your dinner table. It’s perfect for weeknight meals or special occasions, offering a creamy sauce that envelops tender shrimp and a crispy breadcrumb topping. This casserole not only satisfies your taste buds but also impresses your guests with its simplicity and elegance.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With a total time of just 35 minutes, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of Old Bay seasoning, cheese, and creamy mayonnaise creates a mouthwatering taste.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect as a main course or served alongside a fresh salad or crusty bread.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether for family dinners or holiday gatherings, everyone will love this shrimp casserole.
- Easy Cleanup: With minimal dishes used in preparation, you can enjoy your meal without the hassle of extensive cleanup.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes preparing this Shrimp Casserole easier and more efficient. Below are the essentials you’ll need to get started.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Casserole dish (2 1/2 quart)
- Large pot
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Casserole dish: Ensures even cooking and presentation when serving straight from the oven.
- Large pot: Perfect for boiling shrimp quickly while allowing ample space for cooking.
- Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients without spills, making the mixing process smoother.
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 Topping
- 1 tablespoon butter, plus more to grease the pan
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
For Cheese
- 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 it heats up, grease your 2 1/2 quart casserole dish with butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add Old Bay seasoning to the water.
Add shrimp and cook until they turn opaque, about 30 seconds.
Drain them and transfer to a mixing bowl.
Step 3: Mix Ingredients
In the bowl with cooked shrimp:
Add mayonnaise, garlic powder, and ground black pepper. Stir until shrimp are well coated.
Incorporate shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses into the mixture.
Transfer everything into the prepared casserole dish.
Step 4: Prepare Topping
Melt butter in a small pan or microwave.
Stir in panko bread crumbs until well combined.
Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the shrimp casserole.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
Bake uncovered for 13-15 minutes until the center reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
Broil for an extra 1-2 minutes if you desire a golden-brown topping. Let it rest for about 15 minutes before serving for optimal flavor experience.
Enjoy your delicious Shrimp Casserole!
How to Serve Shrimp Casserole Recipe
Serving your Shrimp Casserole thoughtfully can elevate the dining experience. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to complement this creamy dish.
With a Side Salad
- Fresh Garden Salad: A mix of greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers drizzled with a light vinaigrette.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with Parmesan cheese and crunchy croutons, tossed in Caesar dressing.
Pairing with Bread
- Garlic Bread: Toasted bread spread with garlic butter for a flavorful bite.
- Cornbread: Sweet and moist cornbread that pairs perfectly with the richness of the casserole.
For a Special Touch
- Lemon Wedges: Fresh lemon slices add a zesty kick when squeezed over the casserole.
- Chopped Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and freshness to each serving.
Accompanying Drinks
- Chilled White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc enhances the flavors of seafood.
- Sparkling Water with Lime: Refreshing and hydrating, perfect for balancing a rich meal.
How to Perfect Shrimp Casserole Recipe
To achieve the best results with your Shrimp Casserole, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp offers better flavor compared to frozen ones. If using frozen, thaw them properly.
- Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Cook shrimp just until opaque to maintain their tender texture in the casserole.
- Experiment with Cheeses: Try different cheese combinations like gouda or pepper jack for added flavor.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the mixture before baking and adjust seasoning according to your preference.
- Cover While Baking: If browning too quickly, cover the casserole with foil during baking.
- Let it Rest: Allow the casserole to sit for 15 minutes after baking for better serving consistency.
Best Side Dishes for Shrimp Casserole Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your Shrimp Casserole can enhance your meal’s overall appeal. Here are some excellent options.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly seasoned broccoli helps balance the richness of the casserole.
- Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice mixed with herbs and spices complements seafood beautifully.
- Roasted Asparagus: Crisp-tender asparagus adds a gourmet touch and vibrant color to your plate.
- Coleslaw: Crunchy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy casserole.
- Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad brings additional nutrients and flavors alongside your dish.
- Baked Potatoes: Simple baked potatoes are versatile and can be dressed up with toppings like sour cream or chives.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making a Shrimp Casserole Recipe, it’s easy to overlook some important details. Here are a few common mistakes to keep in mind.
- Ignoring shrimp quality: Cheap or overcooked shrimp can ruin your casserole. Always choose fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp and cook them just until opaque.
- Skipping the seasoning: Without proper seasoning, the dish may taste bland. Don’t forget to add Old Bay seasoning and adjust salt according to your preference.
- Overbaking the casserole: Baking for too long can dry out the shrimp. Keep an eye on the cooking time, and check for doneness at 13 minutes.
- Neglecting the breadcrumb topping: A soggy topping can make your casserole unappetizing. Ensure you use panko breadcrumbs and toast them lightly with butter before adding.
- Not letting it rest before serving: Serving immediately can lead to a messy dish. Allowing the casserole to rest for 15 minutes helps it set properly.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Shrimp Casserole Recipe
- Use a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap.
- Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Shrimp Casserole Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about this delicious Shrimp Casserole Recipe.
How do I make my Shrimp Casserole Recipe healthier?
You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt and use low-fat cheese options. Adding veggies like spinach or bell peppers also boosts nutrition.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just thaw them completely before cooking. You may need to cook them slightly longer if they are not fully thawed.
What should I serve with my Shrimp Casserole Recipe?
This casserole pairs well with a light salad or steamed vegetables. Garlic bread also complements this dish beautifully.
How do I customize my Shrimp Casserole Recipe?
Feel free to add your favorite spices or vegetables. You can also experiment with different cheeses such as gouda or pepper jack for added flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp Casserole Recipe is not only quick and easy but also versatile enough for special occasions or weeknight dinners. You can customize it to suit your taste by adding different ingredients or spices, making it a delightful choice for everyone at the table.
Shrimp Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Coastal
Description
Indulge in this delightful Shrimp Casserole Recipe, a creamy, savory dish that captures the essence of coastal cuisine right on your dinner table. With tender shrimp enveloped in a rich, flavorful sauce and topped with crispy breadcrumbs, this casserole is perfect for both busy weeknights and festive gatherings. In just 35 minutes, you can whip up this crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or crusty bread for a complete meal that’s as satisfying as it is easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
- 4 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 ounces shredded medium cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 2.5-quart casserole dish.
- Boil salted water with Old Bay seasoning; add shrimp and cook for about 30 seconds until opaque. Drain and transfer to a mixing bowl.
- Mix cooked shrimp with mayonnaise, garlic powder, black pepper, and cheeses until well combined. Pour into the casserole dish.
- Melt butter; mix with panko breadcrumbs and sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 13-15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Broil for an additional 1-2 minutes for a golden top. Let rest for 15 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
