Shrimp Casserole Recipe
This Shrimp Casserole Recipe is a delightful dish that brings together tender shrimp and a creamy sauce, all topped with a crispy breadcrumb layer. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this recipe stands out due to its quick preparation time and rich flavors. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this casserole is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With only 5 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious casserole ready in no time.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of Old Bay seasoning and cheeses creates a mouthwatering flavor that everyone will love.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect as a main course for dinner or as a side dish at gatherings, this recipe fits any occasion.
- Easy Cleanup: One casserole dish means fewer dishes to wash after enjoying your meal!
- Crowd-Pleaser: With its creamy texture and crispy topping, this Shrimp Casserole is sure to satisfy both seafood lovers and newcomers alike.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools. Having everything at hand makes the cooking experience seamless.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Casserole dish (2 1/2 quart)
- Large pot
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Casserole dish: Ideal for baking and presenting the shrimp casserole beautifully.
- Large pot: Essential for boiling shrimp quickly and effectively without overcrowding.
- Mixing bowl: Helps in easily combining all the ingredients without making a mess.
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 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). Grease your 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.
Add shrimp to the boiling water.
Cook until shrimp are opaque, about 30 seconds.
Drain shrimp and transfer them to a mixing bowl.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In the mixing bowl with the shrimp:
Add mayonnaise, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Stir until all shrimp are coated evenly.
Add shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Stir again until combined.
Transfer the mixture into your prepared casserole dish.
Step 4: Prepare Breadcrumb Topping
Melt butter in a small saucepan.
Stir in panko bread crumbs until well mixed.
Top the shrimp mixture evenly with the breadcrumb mixture.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Bake uncovered in preheated oven for 13-15 minutes or until center reaches 145°F.
For an extra crispy topping:
Broil for an additional 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
Let it rest for about 15 minutes before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Shrimp Casserole that is sure to be a hit!
How to Serve Shrimp Casserole Recipe
Serving your Shrimp Casserole can elevate the dining experience. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance this delicious dish.
Pair with a Fresh Salad
- Caesar Salad – A classic Caesar salad adds crispness and a burst of flavor that complements the creamy shrimp casserole.
- Garden Salad – Mixed greens with a light vinaigrette provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
Accompany with Bread
- Garlic Bread – Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for scooping up the casserole’s creamy goodness.
- Dinner Rolls – Soft dinner rolls can be served on the side, allowing guests to enjoy an easy, comforting addition.
Include a Side of Vegetables
- Steamed Asparagus – Lightly steamed asparagus offers a vibrant color and a crunchy texture that pairs well with shrimp.
- Roasted Broccoli – Roasted broccoli brings out natural flavors and provides a healthy option alongside your casserole.
Serve with Rice or Quinoa
- Couscous – Fluffy couscous adds a nice base for serving your shrimp casserole while soaking up the sauce.
- Brown Rice – A nutritious option, brown rice complements the dish without overpowering it.
How to Perfect Shrimp Casserole Recipe
To make your Shrimp Casserole truly exceptional, consider these tips for perfection.
- Use Fresh Shrimp – Fresh shrimp enhances flavor and texture compared to frozen options. If using frozen, ensure they are thoroughly thawed.
- Customize Seasonings – Feel free to adjust the Old Bay seasoning or add more spices according to your taste preferences.
- Experiment with Cheeses – Try different cheese blends like pepper jack or gouda for added depth of flavor in your casserole.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp – Cooking shrimp just until opaque prevents them from becoming tough and rubbery in the oven.
- Let it Rest Before Serving – Allowing the casserole to rest for 15 minutes helps set it, making it easier to serve.
- Garnish for Presentation – Add fresh herbs like parsley or chives before serving for an appealing look and fresh taste.
Best Side Dishes for Shrimp Casserole Recipe
Complementing your Shrimp Casserole with side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options:
- Coleslaw – This crunchy side dish adds a tangy flavor that balances out the richness of the casserole.
- Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn pairs nicely and can be grilled or boiled for easy preparation.
- Baked Potatoes – A simple baked potato is filling and allows guests to customize toppings as they like.
- Sautéed Spinach – Quick sautéed spinach adds nutrition and vibrant color while being quick to prepare.
- Potato Wedges – Crispy potato wedges offer a satisfying crunch that complements creamy dishes well.
- Cucumber Salad – A light cucumber salad provides freshness and is easy to prepare ahead of time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making this Shrimp Casserole Recipe, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are common mistakes to avoid for a perfect dish.
- Skipping the seasoning: Not using Old Bay seasoning can lead to bland flavors. Make sure you incorporate it into the cooking water for the shrimp.
- Overcooking the shrimp: Cooking shrimp for too long makes them tough. Cook until just opaque, about 30 seconds, then drain immediately.
- Not greasing the dish: Forgetting to grease your casserole dish can cause sticking. Always butter the pan before adding the shrimp mixture.
- Neglecting to rest the casserole: Cutting into your casserole right away can result in a runny texture. Allow it to rest for 15 minutes before serving.
- Using low-quality cheese: Cheap cheese may not melt well and can alter flavor. Opt for good quality mozzarella and cheddar for better results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- The casserole can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Shrimp Casserole Recipe
- Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for best results.
- It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Shrimp Casserole Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until hot. This method is quick but may not keep the topping crispy.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding this Shrimp Casserole Recipe.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just ensure they are thawed and drained well before cooking.
What type of cheese works best in a shrimp casserole?
A mix of mozzarella and cheddar works great. You can also try other cheeses like gouda or pepper jack for different flavors.
How do I make this Shrimp Casserole Recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, substitute panko bread crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
Can I add vegetables to my Shrimp Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add sautéed bell peppers, onions, or even spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp Casserole Recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. It’s perfect as a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion dish. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the seasonings. Give it a try; you’ll love how simple yet satisfying it is!
Shrimp Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Indulge in this delightful Shrimp Casserole, where tender shrimp meet a creamy, flavorful sauce topped with a crispy breadcrumb layer. This dish is ideal for busy weeknights or special gatherings, thanks to its quick preparation and satisfying flavor.
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 the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 2 1/2 quart casserole dish with butter.
- Boil salted water with Old Bay seasoning and add shrimp. Cook until opaque (about 30 seconds). Drain and place in a mixing bowl.
- Stir in mayonnaise, garlic powder, black pepper, mozzarella, and cheddar cheese until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish.
- Melt butter and mix with panko breadcrumbs; sprinkle over the shrimp mixture.
- Bake uncovered for 13-15 minutes until heated through. For extra crispiness, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Let rest for 15 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 240mg
