There’s something about a cozy shrimp casserole that just feels like home. This creamy, cheesy dish brings together juicy shrimp and a delightful crunch on top, making it a hit for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Perfect for any occasion, this shrimp casserole stands out because it strikes a beautiful balance between comfort food and a touch of elegance, elevating a simple gathering into something special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This shrimp casserole is not only quick and easy to prepare, but it also offers a warm and comforting vibe with every bite. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, yet special enough for celebrations. The combination of seasoned shrimp and creamy cheese creates a wonderful flavor that kids and adults alike can enjoy, making it a truly family-friendly option.
“This casserole is the perfect blend of creamy goodness and crunch! Everyone loved it at the dinner party!” – A satisfied home cook
How to Make Shrimp Casserole Recipe
Creating this delightful dish is as straightforward as can be! The process involves cooking the shrimp, mixing it with creamy ingredients, and baking everything to golden perfection. Below, you’ll find a list of ingredients to get you started on this delicious shrimp casserole.
Ingredients
Gather these items for a scrumptious shrimp casserole:
- 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
- 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
Quick substitution tips: You can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter dish, or swap the mozzarella with quick-melting cheese for a different texture.
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 2.5-quart casserole dish with butter.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and add Old Bay seasoning.
- Add the shrimp and cook until they turn opaque, which only takes about 30 seconds. Drain and transfer to a bowl.
- Mix in the mayonnaise, garlic powder, and black pepper with the shrimp until thoroughly coated. Gently fold in the mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
- Transfer the shrimp mixture into the greased casserole dish.
- In a small pan, melt some butter and stir in the panko bread crumbs. Sprinkle this topping over the shrimp mixture.
- Bake uncovered for 13-15 minutes, or until the center of the casserole reaches 145°F. Broil for an additional 1-2 minutes to get a nice golden brown on the crumbs.
- Allow it to rest for 15 minutes before digging in.
Serving Suggestions
This shrimp casserole shines on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread to soak up all that creamy goodness. A light vinaigrette tossed with fresh arugula or spinach complements the richness of the dish. You could even serve it alongside sautéed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Storage & Reheating
To keep leftovers fresh, store any uneaten casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, you can freeze the casserole for an even longer shelf-life. When reheating, simply thaw if frozen, then bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or use the microwave for a quicker option.
Pro Tips
For the best flavor, don’t skip the Old Bay seasoning; it adds a unique taste that is synonymous with shrimp dishes. You can also prepare the shrimp mixture a few hours in advance, then assemble it in the casserole dish just before baking. This helps deepen the flavors and makes for even easier entertaining.
Variations
Want to switch things up? You can spice up the recipe by adding diced jalapeños or swapping in different types of cheese, like pepper jack for a kick. If you’re looking for a lighter dish, cut down on the mayonnaise and replace it with a bit of sour cream or more Greek yogurt.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before use.
2. What can I serve instead of bread crumbs to make it gluten-free?
You can use crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour for a delicious gluten-free alternative.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and then just pop it in the oven before serving. Just remember to adjust cooking time as needed.
- Creamy Shrimp Pasta
- Cozy Casserole Ideas
Cozy Shrimp Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Seafood
Description
A creamy and cheesy shrimp casserole that strikes a perfect balance between comfort food and elegance, making it ideal for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 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
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 2.5-quart casserole dish with butter.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and add Old Bay seasoning.
- Add the shrimp and cook until they turn opaque, about 30 seconds. Drain and transfer to a bowl.
- Mix in the mayonnaise, garlic powder, and black pepper with the shrimp until thoroughly coated. Gently fold in the mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
- Transfer the shrimp mixture into the greased casserole dish.
- In a small pan, melt some butter and stir in the panko bread crumbs. Sprinkle this topping over the shrimp mixture.
- Bake uncovered for 13-15 minutes, or until the center of the casserole reaches 145°F. Broil for an additional 1-2 minutes to get a nice golden brown on the crumbs.
- Allow it to rest for 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a lighter dish, you can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise. To add a bit of spice, consider including diced jalapeños or using pepper jack cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 220mg