If you’re looking for a comforting dish that brings the delicious flavors of shrimp right to your dinner table, this Shrimp Casserole Recipe is the perfect choice. With tender shrimp enveloped in a creamy sauce, topped with a golden crust of cheese and breadcrumbs, it’s a meal that the whole family will adore. Not only is it easy to make, but it also lends itself to wonderful variations, making it a versatile addition to your recipe repertoire.
The Upside of Shrimp Casserole Recipe
Casseroles are the ultimate weeknight meal—easy to prepare, hearty, and satisfying. This Shrimp Casserole Recipe highlights the sweetness of shrimp, complemented by a rich, creamy sauce. The Old Bay seasoning adds a delightful flavor reminiscent of coastal cuisine, while the crispy topping provides a perfect contrast to the tender shrimp. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner, this dish is sure to impress.
Ingredient Checklist
- 2 lbs large shrimp (21-24 count), peeled and deveined
- 1 Tbsp Old Bay Seasoning, plus 1 Tbsp salt for the cooking water
- 2/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 Tbsp butter, plus more to grease the pan
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
- 4 oz shredded mozzarella
- 4 oz shredded medium cheddar cheese
Before You Start: Equipment
- Large pot for boiling the shrimp
- Mixing bowl for combining the ingredients
- Baking dish (around 2-quart capacity) for the casserole
- Oven for baking the casserole
- Cooking spatula for mixing and serving
Step-by-Step: Shrimp Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water (with 1 Tbsp salt and Old Bay seasoning) to a boil. Once boiling, add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, garlic powder, and ground black pepper. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Add the cooked shrimp to the mayonnaise mixture. Gently fold the shrimp into the sauce until they are well coated.
Step 4: Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 2-quart baking dish with butter to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the shrimp mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top.
Step 6: Add the Crunchy Topping
In a small bowl, mix the panko bread crumbs with a little melted butter (about 1 Tbsp) to help them brown nicely. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cheese layer.
Step 7: Bake the Casserole
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This Shrimp Casserole Recipe is delicious on its own or served with a side salad or crusty bread.
Vegan & Vegetarian Swaps
- Replace shrimp with cooked chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Use a vegan mayonnaise alternative to make the casserole plant-based.
- Consider using nutritional yeast in place of cheese for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
- Switch the butter for a vegan butter substitute.
Troubles You Can Avoid
To make sure your Shrimp Casserole Recipe comes out perfectly, here are a few tips:
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp when boiling; they should be just cooked through.
- Ensure that the baking dish is greased well to avoid sticking.
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your liking; taste the mixture before baking.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking to allow it to set before serving.
Shelf Life & Storage
If you have leftovers (which is a rarity!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole before baking it. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge overnight before baking as usual.
Shrimp Casserole Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this casserole?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before using them in the recipe.
What can I serve with Shrimp Casserole?
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread. You could also serve it over a bed of rice or pasta to make it a complete meal.
How can I make the casserole spicier?
If you love heat, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mayonnaise mixture for an extra kick. You could also top it with crushed red pepper flakes.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature before placing it in the oven.
Ready to Cook?
With this Shrimp Casserole Recipe, you’re just a few steps away from a deliciously satisfying meal. Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and prepare to enjoy a dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your home. Happy cooking!
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Shrimp Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water (with 1 Tbsp salt and Old Bay seasoning) to a boil. Once boiling, add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Drain and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, garlic powder, and ground black pepper. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.
- Add the cooked shrimp to the mayonnaise mixture. Gently fold the shrimp into the sauce until they are well coated.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 2-quart baking dish with butter to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick.
- Pour the shrimp mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top.
- In a small bowl, mix the panko bread crumbs with a little melted butter (about 1 Tbsp) to help them brown nicely. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cheese layer.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This Shrimp Casserole Recipe is delicious on its own or served with a side salad or crusty bread.
Notes
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp when boiling; they should be just cooked through.
- Ensure that the baking dish is greased well to avoid sticking.
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your liking; taste the mixture before baking.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking to allow it to set before serving.
