Shrimp Casserole Recipe
This Shrimp Casserole Recipe is an effortless dish that promises to delight your taste buds and impress guests. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a quick weeknight meal, this casserole is your go-to. With tender shrimp baked in a creamy sauce and topped with crispy breadcrumbs, it’s both comforting and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This dish comes together in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
- Deliciously Creamy: The combination of mayonnaise and cheese creates a rich flavor that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap out the cheeses or add vegetables to suit your taste.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner or a holiday gathering, this casserole shines at any table.
- Kid-Friendly: The mild flavors make it appealing to both kids and adults alike.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delightful dish, gather your tools. Having everything ready will ensure a smooth cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Casserole dish (2 1/2 quart)
- Large pot
- Strainer
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Casserole dish: Provides the perfect vessel for even cooking and easy serving.
- Large pot: Essential for boiling the shrimp quickly without overcrowding.
- Strainer: Helps drain the shrimp effortlessly after cooking.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp Mixture
- 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
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 oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 2 1/2 quart casserole dish with butter.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add Old Bay seasoning.
Add shrimp and cook until opaque, about 30 seconds.
Drain and transfer shrimp to a mixing bowl.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Add mayonnaise, garlic powder, and pepper to the shrimp. Stir well to coat all shrimp evenly.
Then, add cheeses and mix again before transferring everything into the prepared casserole dish.
Step 4: Prepare the Topping
Melt butter in a small pan or microwave. Stir in panko bread crumbs until fully combined.
Sprinkle this mixture over the shrimp mixture in the casserole dish.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
Bake uncovered for 13-15 minutes or until the center reaches 145°F.
Broil for an additional 1-2 minutes to brown the breadcrumbs lightly. Let it rest for 15 minutes before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Shrimp Casserole Recipe, perfect for any occasion!
How to Serve Shrimp Casserole Recipe
Serving your Shrimp Casserole can elevate the dining experience, making it feel special for any occasion. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to complement your dish.
Pair with a Fresh Salad
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with creamy dressing adds a refreshing crunch.
- Garden Salad: A mix of seasonal greens and veggies brings color and health to your meal.
Accompany with Bread
- Garlic Bread: Toasted bread with garlic butter is perfect for scooping up the casserole.
- Dinner Rolls: Soft rolls are great for sopping up the creamy sauce of the casserole.
Add a Zesty Sauce
- Cocktail Sauce: A tangy dip enhances the seafood flavor, adding zest to each bite.
- Hot Sauce: For spice lovers, a few drops of hot sauce can kick up the flavor.
Offer Wine Pairings
- White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc complements the shrimp beautifully.
- Sparkling Wine: Bubbles add a festive touch and balance the richness of the casserole.
How to Perfect Shrimp Casserole Recipe
For an even more delicious Shrimp Casserole, follow these handy tips.
- Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp will provide the best texture and flavor. Frozen can work, but ensure it’s thawed properly.
- Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Cook just until opaque. This keeps them tender in the final bake.
- Experiment with Cheese: Mix different kinds of cheese for added depth; try gouda or pepper jack for a twist.
- Add Veggies: Incorporate cooked spinach or bell peppers to enhance nutrition and color.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning before baking; everyone’s palate differs!
- Let it Rest: Allowing the casserole to rest before serving helps set it for easier serving.
Best Side Dishes for Shrimp Casserole Recipe
To round out your meal, consider these complementary side dishes that pair well with your Shrimp Casserole.
- Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli or asparagus adds nutrients and balances flavors.
- Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice mixed with herbs serves as a hearty base under the casserole.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and contrasts nicely with the creamy dish.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad offers protein and complements seafood well.
- Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes provide a satisfying texture alongside the casserole.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn is a classic side that enhances any seafood meal.
- Baked Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness pairs beautifully with savory shrimp flavors.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds brightness and is perfect as a light side option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making a Shrimp Casserole Recipe, it’s easy to overlook some important steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Skipping the seasoning: Not adding enough seasoning can lead to bland flavors. Make sure to use Old Bay and additional salt in the cooking water for maximum taste.
- Overcooking the shrimp: Cooking shrimp too long can make them tough. Remember, shrimp only need about 30 seconds in boiling water until they turn opaque.
- Not greasing the dish: Failing to grease your casserole dish can result in sticking. Use butter generously to ensure easy serving.
- Ignoring cheese variety: Sticking to just one type of cheese can limit flavor. Combining mozzarella and cheddar enhances richness and depth.
- Rushing the resting time: Serving immediately after baking can lead to a messy presentation. Let the casserole rest for 15 minutes to set properly.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Enjoy the casserole within 3-4 days for the best quality.
Freezing Shrimp Casserole Recipe
- Freeze in a tightly sealed container or freezer bag.
- Consume within 2-3 months for optimal freshness.
Reheating Shrimp Casserole Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake until heated through, about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals at medium power, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re curious about the Shrimp Casserole Recipe, here are some common questions and their answers.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Shrimp Casserole Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
How can I customize my Shrimp Casserole Recipe?
You can add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor. Experiment with different cheeses as well!
Is this Shrimp Casserole Recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish stores well and makes for a great meal prep option throughout the week.
What sides go well with Shrimp Casserole?
Pair this casserole with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp Casserole Recipe is not only quick and easy but also incredibly satisfying. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it allows for plenty of customization based on your tastes. Try adding your favorite ingredients and enjoy a delightful dish that everyone will love!
Shrimp Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
This Shrimp Casserole Recipe is a crowd-pleaser that combines tender shrimp with a creamy, cheesy sauce, all topped with crispy breadcrumbs for a comforting meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings, this dish effortlessly brings flavor and satisfaction to your table. With just 35 minutes of preparation and cooking time, you can whip up a delightful seafood casserole that’s sure to impress family and friends alike. Customize it with your favorite cheeses or add vegetables for an extra nutritional boost.
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 bread crumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 2 1/2 quart casserole dish.
- Boil salted water in a large pot, adding Old Bay seasoning. Cook shrimp until opaque, about 30 seconds; drain.
- In a mixing bowl, combine shrimp with mayonnaise, garlic powder, and pepper. Mix in mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
- Transfer the mixture to the greased casserole dish.
- Melt butter and mix it with panko bread crumbs; sprinkle over the shrimp mixture.
- Bake uncovered for 13-15 minutes until the center reaches 145°F, then broil for an additional minute to brown the breadcrumbs lightly. Allow to rest for 15 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
