Shrimp Casserole Recipe
This Shrimp Casserole Recipe is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of the sea right to your table. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a festive occasion, this casserole offers a quick and satisfying meal. The combination of tender shrimp, creamy sauce, and crispy breadcrumbs makes it stand out from typical seafood dishes. Serve it with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 5 minutes of prep time, you can have this dish ready in no time.
- Flavorful: The blend of Old Bay seasoning and creamy cheeses creates an irresistible taste that will keep you coming back for more.
- Versatile Serving Options: Perfect as a main course or as part of a seafood spread for special occasions.
- Easy Cleanup: Prepared in one casserole dish, making cleanup a breeze after enjoying your meal.
- Nutritious Choice: Packed with protein from shrimp and beneficial fats from mayonnaise, it’s both delicious and filling.
Tools and Preparation
To make the perfect Shrimp Casserole, you only need a few essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- A large pot
- A mixing bowl
- A 2 1/2 quart casserole dish
- Oven mitts
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for boiling the shrimp quickly and evenly.
- Mixing bowl: Helps combine ingredients without spills, making mixing easy.
- Casserole dish: Designed to hold all the ingredients while baking perfectly.
Ingredients
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
- 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). Grease a 2 1/2 quart casserole dish with butter to ensure that nothing sticks during baking.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add Old Bay seasoning to enhance the flavor. Once boiling, add the shrimp and cook until they become opaque, which takes about 30 seconds. Drain the shrimp and transfer them to a mixing bowl.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In the bowl with the shrimp, add mayonnaise, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir well to coat all the shrimp evenly. Then add mozzarella and cheddar cheese; mix again until combined. Transfer this mixture into the greased casserole dish.
Step 4: Prepare Breadcrumb Topping
Melt butter in a small pan or microwave. Stir in panko bread crumbs until they’re fully coated with butter. Evenly sprinkle this breadcrumb mixture over the shrimp mixture in the casserole dish.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
Bake uncovered for about 13-15 minutes or until the center of the casserole reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. For an extra touch, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes until breadcrumbs are golden brown. Allow it to rest for 15 minutes before serving so it’s easier to scoop out portions.
Enjoy this delicious Shrimp Casserole as part of your next meal!
How to Serve Shrimp Casserole Recipe
This Shrimp Casserole is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Here are some creative serving suggestions that will elevate your meal.
With Fresh Salad
- Green Salad: A light green salad with a citrus vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole.
- Caesar Salad: The classic Caesar adds a creamy texture and crunch that pairs well with the shrimp.
Accompanied by Bread
- Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread complements the casserole’s flavors and is perfect for scooping.
- Dinner Rolls: Soft dinner rolls offer an easy way to soak up any leftover sauce from the dish.
Paired with Vegetables
- Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus adds color and a healthy crunch next to your casserole.
- Roasted Broccoli: Roasted broccoli with a sprinkle of parmesan makes for a nutritious and tasty side.
With Rice or Quinoa
- Lemon Rice: Fluffy lemon-infused rice enhances the dish while providing a fresh contrast.
- Quinoa Salad: A chilled quinoa salad mixed with herbs and veggies can add texture and health benefits.
How to Perfect Shrimp Casserole Recipe
To make this Shrimp Casserole even better, consider these helpful tips for perfection.
- Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture in your casserole.
- Season Right: Don’t skimp on seasoning; Old Bay really enhances the shrimp’s natural taste.
- Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Cook shrimp just until opaque to ensure they remain tender in the casserole.
- Broil for Crispiness: Broiling at the end gives the breadcrumb topping an irresistible crunch.
- Rest Before Serving: Allowing the casserole to rest helps it set, making it easier to serve.
Best Side Dishes for Shrimp Casserole Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your Shrimp Casserole can enhance the overall meal experience. Here are some delightful options:
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and freshness, balancing the creamy casserole.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn is a summer favorite that complements seafood beautifully.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes create a comforting pairing with rich shrimp flavors.
- Mixed Veggies Stir-Fry: Colorful stir-fried vegetables add vibrancy and nutrition alongside your dish.
- Baked Potatoes: Fluffy baked potatoes can be topped with sour cream or cheese for extra indulgence.
- Herbed Couscous: Light and fluffy couscous seasoned with herbs offers a nice contrast in texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing your shrimp casserole recipe, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture.
- Using overcooked shrimp: Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery. Cook them just until they turn opaque, which takes about 30 seconds.
- Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season your shrimp properly can lead to bland flavors. Always add seasoning, like Old Bay, during cooking for a flavorful base.
- Not greasing the pan: If you skip greasing the casserole dish, your shrimp casserole might stick. Use butter or cooking spray to ensure easy removal.
- Ignoring resting time: Serving immediately after baking can cause the casserole to fall apart. Let it rest for 15 minutes for better slicing and serving.
- Forgetting about cheese distribution: Unevenly distributing cheese can result in some bites being cheesy and others not. Mix cheese thoroughly with shrimp for uniform flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover shrimp casserole in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Ensure it’s completely cooled before sealing the container.
Freezing Shrimp Casserole Recipe
- Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months.
- Label with the date for easy tracking.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Shrimp Casserole Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual portions on medium power for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Heat on low heat, stirring occasionally until hot, which may take around 5-7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re curious about this shrimp casserole recipe, here are some common questions and answers.
What is a Shrimp Casserole Recipe?
A shrimp casserole recipe is a dish that combines shrimp with creamy sauces and toppings, baked until bubbly. It’s perfect for any occasion!
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Shrimp Casserole Recipe?
Yes! Just ensure to thaw them properly before use. Frozen shrimp should be defrosted in the refrigerator or under cold water.
How do I make my Shrimp Casserole more spicy?
To add spice, include diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper when mixing ingredients. Adjust according to your heat preference.
What sides pair well with Shrimp Casserole?
Pair your shrimp casserole with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Rice or crusty bread also complements it well.
Final Thoughts
This shrimp casserole recipe is not only quick and easy but also versatile enough to suit different tastes. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or swapping out cheeses. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish is sure to impress everyone at the table!
Shrimp Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of the sea with this easy Shrimp Casserole Recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings, this dish combines tender shrimp with a creamy sauce and a crunchy breadcrumb topping, creating a comforting meal that everyone will love. With just 5 minutes of prep time and minimal cleanup, it’s an effortless choice for any occasion. Pair it with a fresh salad or warm crusty bread for a complete dining experience.
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 cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Butter for greasing and topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a casserole dish with butter.
- Boil salted water, add Old Bay seasoning, then cook shrimp until opaque (about 30 seconds). Drain and transfer to a bowl.
- Combine shrimp with mayonnaise, garlic powder, black pepper, mozzarella, and cheddar in the bowl; mix well.
- Transfer mixture to the greased casserole dish. Melt butter and mix with panko breadcrumbs; evenly sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 13-15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top. Let it rest for 15 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
