Shrimp Casserole Recipe
This Shrimp Casserole Recipe is a delightful dish that combines tender shrimp with a creamy sauce, all topped with a crispy breadcrumb layer. Ideal for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this casserole offers a burst of flavor that will please everyone at the table. Its simplicity and deliciousness make it a standout choice for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With only 35 minutes from start to finish, this dish is perfect for busy nights.
- Flavorful Combination: The blend of shrimp, cheese, and Old Bay seasoning creates a mouthwatering experience.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This casserole serves eight, making it great for family gatherings or potlucks.
- Easy Cleanup: One baking dish makes for simpler preparation and cleanup.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize the recipe with your favorite cheeses or spices.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process and enhance your cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Casserole dish
- Large pot
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Baking sheet
Importance of Each Tool
- Casserole dish: Provides an even cooking surface for the shrimp casserole, ensuring thorough baking.
- Large pot: Necessary for boiling the shrimp quickly and efficiently.
- Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining ingredients without mess.
- Whisk: Helps to evenly mix sauces and ingredients that need to be blended together.
Ingredients
To prepare this Shrimp Casserole Recipe, you will need the following 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 your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, grease a 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 boiling water.
Carefully add the shrimp and cook until opaque, about 30 seconds.
Drain the shrimp and transfer them to a mixing bowl.
Step 3: Prepare the Mixture
In the bowl with shrimp:
Add mayonnaise, garlic powder, and pepper.
Stir well to coat all shrimp evenly.
Incorporate mozzarella and cheddar cheeses into the mixture.
Transfer this tasty mixture into your greased casserole dish.
Step 4: Create the Topping
Melt butter in a small pan.
Stir in panko bread crumbs until fully coated.
Sprinkle this breadcrumb mixture over the shrimp layer in your casserole dish.
Step 5: Bake It Up
Place your casserole in the preheated oven.
Bake uncovered for about 13-15 minutes or until the 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.
Now you have a delicious Shrimp Casserole ready to impress your family and friends! Enjoy every savory bite!
How to Serve Shrimp Casserole Recipe
This Shrimp Casserole is delicious and versatile, making it perfect for various occasions. Here are some great serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.
Pair with Fresh Salad
- Mixed Greens Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the casserole.
- Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons of a Caesar salad provide a nice contrast to the shrimp.
Serve with Crusty Bread
- Garlic Bread: This buttery treat adds flavor and texture, perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce of the casserole.
- Baguette Slices: Crispy baguette slices can be served on the side for dipping or enjoying alongside.
Complement with Vegetables
- Steamed Broccoli: Fresh steamed broccoli adds a pop of color and nutrients, balancing the richness of the dish.
- Roasted Asparagus: Slightly charred asparagus offers a delightful crunch that pairs well with shrimp.
Add a Touch of Citrus
- Lemon Wedges: Serving lemon wedges on the side allows guests to brighten their portions with fresh citrus juice.
- Lime Zest: A sprinkle of lime zest over each serving adds a refreshing twist to the overall flavor.
How to Perfect Shrimp Casserole Recipe
To elevate your Shrimp Casserole, consider these helpful tips for achieving perfection.
- Choose Fresh Shrimp: Selecting fresh shrimp ensures better flavor and texture in your casserole. Opt for wild-caught when possible.
- Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Cook shrimp just until opaque; overcooking can make them rubbery. Follow cooking times carefully.
- Use Quality Cheese: High-quality mozzarella and cheddar provide a richer taste and melt beautifully in the dish.
- Experiment with Seasoning: Feel free to adjust spices according to your preference. Adding a dash of cayenne can give it an extra kick!
- Let it Rest: Allowing the casserole to rest for 15 minutes after baking helps flavors meld together before serving.
- Top Smartly: Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy topping that contrasts nicely with the creamy filling.
Best Side Dishes for Shrimp Casserole Recipe
Enhance your dining experience by pairing this Shrimp Casserole with complementary side dishes. Here are some great options:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and flavorful, mashed potatoes provide comfort alongside your casserole.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with veggies offers a healthy option that balances out the richness of the main dish.
- Coleslaw: Crunchy coleslaw adds freshness and acidity that cuts through the creaminess of the casserole.
- Rice Pilaf: Aromatic rice pilaf brings additional flavor and can soak up any leftover sauce from the casserole.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet grilled corn adds a seasonal touch and pairs well with seafood dishes.
- Roasted Root Vegetables: Carrots, potatoes, and parsnips roasted until caramelized create a hearty side that complements shrimp beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making a Shrimp Casserole Recipe, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.
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Using Frozen Shrimp: While frozen shrimp is convenient, thawing it improperly can lead to a watery casserole. Always thaw shrimp in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water before cooking.
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Overcooking the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly and can become rubbery if overcooked. Cook shrimp only until they turn opaque, about 30 seconds, then remove them from heat.
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Skipping Seasoning: Neglecting to season your shrimp can result in a bland casserole. Use Old Bay seasoning and other spices to enhance the flavor.
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Not Greasing the Dish: If you forget to grease your casserole dish, the casserole may stick and be hard to serve. Always use butter or cooking spray for easy removal.
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Ignoring Rest Time: Cutting into the casserole immediately after baking can ruin its structure. Let it rest for 15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and set.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover shrimp casserole in an airtight container.
- It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Shrimp Casserole Recipe
- Freeze the casserole in a freezer-safe container.
- It will maintain quality for up to 2 months.
Reheating Shrimp Casserole Recipe
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish and cover. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Reheat gently over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re curious about this Shrimp Casserole Recipe, here are some common questions answered.
Can I use different cheese in my Shrimp Casserole Recipe?
Yes! Feel free to mix cheeses like gouda or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
How can I make my Shrimp Casserole Recipe healthier?
You can reduce calories by using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise and opting for low-fat cheese options.
What sides pair well with Shrimp Casserole?
This dish goes well with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The center should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) when fully cooked.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp Casserole Recipe is not only quick and easy but also full of delicious flavors that cater to both casual dinners and special occasions. You can customize it further by adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Shrimp Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves eight
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Shrimp Casserole Recipe, where tender shrimp meet a rich, creamy sauce and a crispy breadcrumb topping. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this comforting dish is sure to impress family and friends alike.
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 black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter (plus more for greasing)
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 4 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 ounces shredded medium cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a casserole dish with butter.
- Boil salted water with Old Bay seasoning; add shrimp and cook until opaque (about 30 seconds). Drain and transfer to a mixing bowl.
- In the same bowl, mix shrimp with mayonnaise, garlic powder, black pepper, mozzarella, and cheddar.
- Transfer the mixture to the greased casserole dish.
- Melt butter in a pan; mix with panko breadcrumbs and sprinkle over the shrimp mixture.
- Bake uncovered for 13-15 minutes until center reaches 145°F. For extra crispiness, broil for an additional minute or two. Let rest for 15 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (approximately 210g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
