Shrimp casserole is truly a delightful dish that brings both comfort and gourmet flair to your dining table. With its creamy texture and rich flavor, this dish is loaded with perfectly cooked shrimp, cheesy goodness, and a crispy topping that creates tantalizing blends of taste. The vibrant colors from the shrimp and golden-brown breadcrumbs make it a feast for the eyes, perfect for family gatherings or special occasions like birthdays and holidays.
The sensory experience of enjoying shrimp casserole is one to remember, filling your kitchen with inviting aromas that bring everyone to the table. The contrasting textures of the tender shrimp, creamy mixture, and crunchy topping create a harmonious balance that’s simply irresistible. In this article, you’ll find everything you need to create this flavorful dish, from preparation steps to serving suggestions. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh Ingredients: Made with succulent shrimp and creamy cheese, ensuring a delicious taste.
- Ease of Preparation: Simple steps make it accessible for all skill levels, even beginners!
- Nutrition: Packed with protein from shrimp and wholesome ingredients.
- Versatility: Great for casual family dinners or festive gatherings.
- Presentation: Visually stunning with its colorful layers and crispy topping.
This casserole is sure to impress anyone you serve it to!
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total time: 35-40 minutes
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 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
How To Make Shrimp Casserole
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 2 1/2-quart casserole dish with butter. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add Old Bay seasoning. Add the shrimp and cook until opaque, about 30 seconds. Drain the shrimp and transfer to a bowl. Add mayonnaise, garlic powder, and pepper to the shrimp, stirring to coat evenly. Incorporate cheeses and mix again. Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Melt butter and mix with bread crumbs, then sprinkle over the shrimp mixture. Bake uncovered for 13-15 minutes until the center reaches 145°F. Broil for 1-2 minutes to brown the crumbs. Allow to rest for 15 minutes before serving.
How to Serve
- Presentation: Serve shrimp casserole in the baking dish for a rustic look.
- Accompaniments: Pair with a crisp salad or steamed vegetables for balance.
- Portions: Cut into squares to make serving easy and perfect for sharing.
- Beverage Pairing: Enjoy with a chilled white wine or sparkling water for a refreshing touch.
This dish is sure to be a hit at your table!
Additional Tips
- For added flavor, consider mixing in fresh herbs like parsley or chives.
- Customize with your favorite cheeses or add vegetables such as spinach or bell peppers.
- Serve with a side of garlic bread for an extra treat!
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Shrimp Casserole: Add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce for a kick.
- Mediterranean Style: Incorporate feta cheese, black olives, and sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor profile.
- Meat Lover’s Version: Mix in cooked bacon or sausage for a heartier dish.
Freezing and Storage
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: To freeze, let it cool completely, then wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It’s best used within 2-3 months.
Special Equipment
- Casserole dish (2 1/2-quart)
- Large pot
- Colander
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or spatula
FAQ’s
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, frozen shrimp works great! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
2. Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
You can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of panko.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
4. What if I want to customize the flavors?
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, spices, or add-ins like vegetables or herbs.
5. Are there alternative cooking methods?
This casserole can also be cooked in an air fryer or on the stovetop if you’re looking for quicker options.
Conclusion
In summary, shrimp casserole is an outstanding dish that brings incredible flavor and warmth to your meals. With its combination of fresh ingredients and cheesy goodness, it’s not just a tasty choice, but also a nutritious one. Whether for a family dinner or a festive celebration, this easy-to-make casserole is sure to impress. So grab your ingredients and start cooking this delightful dish today!
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Shrimp Casserole
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
- 1 tablespoon butter plus more to grease the pan
- 4 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 ounces shredded medium cheddar cheese
For the Topping
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 2 1/2-quart casserole dish with butter.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add Old Bay seasoning.
- Add the shrimp and cook until opaque, about 30 seconds.
- Drain the shrimp and transfer to a bowl.
- Add mayonnaise, garlic powder, and pepper to the shrimp, stirring to coat evenly.
- Incorporate mozzarella and cheddar cheese and mix again.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish.
Topping and Baking
- Melt butter and mix with bread crumbs, then sprinkle over the shrimp mixture.
- Bake uncovered for 13-15 minutes until the center reaches 145°F.
- Broil for 1-2 minutes to brown the crumbs.
- Allow to rest for 15 minutes before serving.
