Description
This Crab and Shrimp Casserole is a rich and creamy seafood bake that combines succulent cooked shrimp and lump crab meat with cheesy, flavorful ingredients and a crispy breadcrumb topping. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or any seafood lover’s night, it’s a comforting main course that pairs wonderfully with a side salad or garlic bread.
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood and Base
- 8 oz cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- 8 oz lump crab meat, picked over for shells
- 1 cup cooked white rice
Vegetables and Aromatics
- ½ cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup chopped parsley or green onions (optional)
Dairy and Condiments
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Topping (Optional)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (for breadcrumbs)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma, then remove the skillet from heat.
- Combine Casserole Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked shrimp, lump crab meat, cooked white rice, sautéed onion and garlic mixture, shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix all ingredients thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of flavors. If using, fold in chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh herbal note.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly to create a uniform casserole layer.
- Prepare and Add Breadcrumb Topping (Optional): If using breadcrumbs, combine the ½ cup breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon melted butter, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole to add a crisp, golden crust when baked.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and bubbly.
- Broil for Crispiness (Optional): If breadcrumbs were added, switch the oven to broil and cook the casserole for an additional 1–2 minutes, watching carefully to toast the breadcrumb topping to a golden brown without burning.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving to allow the layers to set for easier portioning and enjoying.
Notes
- This casserole is ideal for holiday meals, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for a comforting seafood dish.
- Serve alongside a crisp green salad or warm garlic bread for a balanced meal.
- You can substitute brown rice or cooked pasta for the white rice if preferred.
- For a gluten-free option, skip the breadcrumbs or substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Ensure crab meat is carefully checked for shells to avoid unpleasant bites.
