Shrimp Casserole Recipe
This Shrimp Casserole Recipe is a delightful dish that brings together tender shrimp, creamy sauce, and a crispy topping. It’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. With its quick preparation time and rich flavors, this casserole is sure to impress your family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This casserole can be ready in just 35 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of Old Bay seasoning and creamy sauces elevates the taste, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course or a side dish; this recipe fits any occasion seamlessly.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With its cheesy goodness and crispy topping, it’s sure to be a hit with adults and kids alike.
- Easy Cleanup: One casserole dish means less mess in the kitchen, allowing you to enjoy your meal without stress.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into cooking, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Casserole dish (2 1/2 quart)
- Large pot
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Casserole dish: This holds all the ingredients together while baking, ensuring even cooking.
- Large pot: Perfect for boiling shrimp quickly and efficiently.
- Mixing bowl: Helps in combining ingredients without spilling.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp Casserole
- 2 pounds large shrimp (21-24 count), peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning, plus 1 tablespoon salt for cooking water
- 2/3 cup mayonnaise
- 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
How to Make Shrimp Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating, grease a 2 1/2 quart casserole dish with butter to prepare for the shrimp mixture.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling:
Add the Old Bay seasoning.
Carefully add the shrimp.
Cook until they turn opaque, about 30 seconds.
Drain the shrimp and transfer them to a mixing bowl.
Step 3: Mix Ingredients
In the bowl with cooked shrimp:
Add mayonnaise, garlic powder, and pepper.
Stir gently until all shrimp are well coated.
Next, add both cheeses and stir again to combine thoroughly. Transfer this mixture to your prepared casserole dish.
Step 4: Prepare Breadcrumb Topping
In a small saucepan:
Melt butter over low heat.
Stir in panko bread crumbs until evenly coated.
Sprinkle this breadcrumb mixture over the shrimp in the casserole dish.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
Place the casserole in the oven:
Bake uncovered for 13-15 minutes or until the center reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
To brown the topping:
Broil for an additional 1-2 minutes if desired.
Allow resting for about 15 minutes before serving.
Enjoy your deliciously creamy Shrimp Casserole Recipe, perfect for any gathering!
How to Serve Shrimp Casserole Recipe
Serving shrimp casserole is an enjoyable experience, as this dish combines rich flavors and a delightful texture. Here are some creative suggestions on how to serve it for your guests or family.
Pair with a Fresh Salad
- Garden Salad: A mix of greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers adds a refreshing crunch.
- Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing complements the shrimp’s richness nicely.
Accompany with Bread
- Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread enhances the meal and is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Dinner Rolls: Soft rolls are great for a cozy touch and can be served warm.
Serve with Rice or Quinoa
- Steamed Rice: Plain or flavored rice serves as a wonderful base for the casserole.
- Quinoa: This nutritious grain adds a nutty flavor that pairs well with seafood.
Add Some Vegetables
- Roasted Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus provides a tasty side that balances the dish.
- Sautéed Spinach: Quickly sautéed spinach offers a vibrant color and nutrients.
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 enhance the flavor significantly compared to frozen options.
- Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Cook shrimp just until opaque to maintain tenderness; they will continue cooking in the oven.
- Experiment with Cheeses: Feel free to mix different types of cheese for added depth of flavor.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Tailor the Old Bay seasoning and garlic powder based on your preference for spice levels.
- Let it Rest Before Serving: Allowing the casserole to sit for 15 minutes helps set the dish and makes serving easier.
Best Side Dishes for Shrimp Casserole Recipe
Choosing the right sides can elevate your shrimp casserole experience. Here are some excellent options to consider.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and balances out the creamy casserole.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn brings sweetness that complements seafood beautifully.
- Baked Potatoes: Fluffy baked potatoes can soak up any extra sauce from the casserole.
- Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli not only adds color but also nutrition and texture.
- Pasta Salad: A chilled pasta salad provides a refreshing contrast to the hot casserole.
- Fried Green Tomatoes: Crispy fried green tomatoes add Southern charm and flavor diversity.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing your Shrimp Casserole Recipe, avoiding common pitfalls can make all the difference in achieving a delicious dish.
- Overcooking the shrimp: Cooking shrimp for too long can make them tough. To avoid this, cook them just until opaque, about 30 seconds, before mixing with other ingredients.
- Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season properly can lead to bland flavors. Always include Old Bay seasoning and adjust according to taste for a more vibrant dish.
- Not greasing the pan: A sticky casserole can ruin the texture. Make sure to grease your casserole dish well with butter or cooking spray for easy serving.
- Ignoring resting time: Cutting into the casserole too soon can result in messy servings. Let it rest for 15 minutes after baking to allow flavors to meld and set.
- Using low-quality cheese: Poor cheese choices can affect taste and texture. Opt for good quality mozzarella and cheddar for a creamy, flavorful topping.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store any leftover shrimp casserole in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Shrimp Casserole Recipe
- For longer storage, freeze the casserole before baking.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil; it will keep for up to 2 months.
Reheating Shrimp Casserole Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely. Heat in short intervals until hot, stirring occasionally.
- Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet over low heat, stirring gently until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about this Shrimp Casserole Recipe.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just ensure they are thawed completely before cooking.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is done when its center reaches 145°F (63°C). You should also see a golden-brown topping.
Can I customize the Shrimp Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or spices to suit your taste preferences.
What side dishes go well with Shrimp Casserole?
Pair it with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that complements the shrimp beautifully.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare it beforehand and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp Casserole Recipe is both comforting and versatile, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With its creamy filling and crispy topping, it’s sure to impress your family and friends. Don’t hesitate to customize it by adding vegetables or different cheeses!
Shrimp Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of our Shrimp Casserole Recipe, a perfect blend of tender shrimp enveloped in a creamy sauce and topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust. This casserole is not only quick to prepare—ready in just 35 minutes—but also versatile enough for both casual weeknight dinners and special occasions. The rich taste, enhanced by Old Bay seasoning and melted cheeses, makes it a crowd-pleaser for family and friends alike. Enjoy this comforting dish that promises to impress while keeping cleanup to a minimum with just one baking dish required.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
- 2/3 cup mayonnaise
- 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 cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 2 1/2 quart casserole dish with butter.
- Boil salted water in a large pot, add Old Bay seasoning, and cook shrimp until opaque (about 30 seconds). Drain and transfer to a mixing bowl.
- Combine shrimp with mayonnaise, garlic powder, and pepper. Mix in cheeses and transfer to the prepared dish.
- In a small saucepan, melt butter with panko breadcrumbs until evenly coated; sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 13-15 minutes or until the center reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. Broil for an additional minute if desired. Let sit for 15 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
