Indulge in the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy shrimp in this Shrimp Casserole. It’s a delicious, quick, and satisfying dish that is sure to impress your family or guests. With a combination of succulent shrimp, a creamy mayo base, and the perfect crispy breadcrumb topping, this casserole offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. It’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights or casual dinner parties.
A Flavorful, Quick Dish
Shrimp casseroles are an easy and flavorful way to enjoy seafood, and this recipe is no exception. The shrimp, seasoned with Old Bay seasoning and mixed with a creamy sauce, bake beautifully in the oven, while the breadcrumb topping adds a satisfying crunch. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that can be prepared in just 35 minutes, making it a great option for any meal.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner or just looking for a quick meal, this Shrimp Casserole hits the spot. The mix of mozzarella and cheddar cheese enhances the creamy sauce, and the Old Bay seasoning adds a familiar, zesty kick. Plus, it’s an effortless way to enjoy shrimp that feels both comforting and indulgent.
Let’s dive into the ingredients and instructions to make this mouthwatering Shrimp Casserole at home!
Ingredients for Shrimp Casserole
To create this delicious Shrimp Casserole, you’ll need a few simple, high-quality ingredients that come together to make a flavorful dish.
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Shrimp – Choose large shrimp (21-24 count), peeled and deveined. The shrimp will absorb the seasonings well and cook quickly.
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Old Bay Seasoning – This iconic seasoning adds a zesty, slightly spicy flavor to the shrimp, giving the dish a classic, bold taste.
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Mayonnaise – The creamy mayo base helps to bind the shrimp and seasonings together, giving the casserole a smooth texture.
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Garlic Powder – A pinch of garlic powder enhances the flavor, making the dish aromatic and savory.
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Ground Black Pepper – Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor to the casserole.
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Butter – Used for greasing the casserole dish and in the breadcrumb topping, butter helps achieve a golden, crispy finish.
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Panko Bread Crumbs – These breadcrumbs create a crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy shrimp mixture.
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Shredded Mozzarella Cheese – Provides a mild, gooey texture that melts perfectly in the casserole.
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Shredded Medium Cheddar Cheese – Adds sharpness and a rich, savory flavor to the dish.
How to Make Shrimp Casserole
Making this Shrimp Casserole is straightforward and quick. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a dish that looks and tastes like it took hours to prepare.
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 2 1/2-quart casserole dish with butter to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick.
Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of Old Bay seasoning to the water. Once boiling, add the shrimp and cook until they turn opaque, which should take about 30 seconds. Drain the shrimp and transfer them to a bowl.
Step 3: To the cooked shrimp, add mayonnaise, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir everything together to coat the shrimp evenly. Then, add the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses and stir again to combine.
Step 4: Transfer the shrimp mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Spread it out evenly for a smooth finish.
Step 5: In a separate bowl, melt the butter. Add the panko bread crumbs and stir to coat them in the butter. Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs over the top of the shrimp mixture, ensuring it’s evenly covered.
Step 6: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 13-15 minutes, or until the center reaches 145°F. The breadcrumbs will turn golden brown during baking.
Step 7: Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 15 minutes before serving. This will help the flavors set and ensure the casserole stays intact when serving.
How Long to Bake Shrimp Casserole
The baking time for this Shrimp Casserole is crucial for achieving that perfect balance of tender shrimp and golden, crispy topping. You want to make sure the casserole is cooked through without overcooking the shrimp. Here’s what you need to know:
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Small Shrimp – Bake for 10-12 minutes at 375°F (190°C). These smaller shrimp cook faster, so check the casserole to ensure it doesn’t overcook.
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Large Shrimp – Bake for 13-15 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Larger shrimp will need a bit more time to cook fully and reach a tender texture.
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Extra Large Shrimp – Bake for 15-18 minutes. If you’re using extra-large shrimp, you’ll need to extend the baking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through.
The key is to watch for a few telltale signs: the shrimp should be opaque and firm, the cheeses should be melted, and the breadcrumbs should be golden and crispy. The center of the casserole should reach 145°F to ensure it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.
How to Store Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, you can store them for later and still enjoy the delicious flavors of the Shrimp Casserole. Here’s how to store the leftovers properly:
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Refrigerator – Place any leftover casserole in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The shrimp will still be tasty, but they may lose a little of their crispness. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
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Freezer – While freezing shrimp casserole is possible, the texture may change slightly once thawed. Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 1 month. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Tips for Perfect Shrimp Casserole
To make sure your Shrimp Casserole turns out perfectly every time, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
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Cook the Shrimp Just Right – Overcooking shrimp will make them tough and rubbery. Be sure to cook them only until they turn opaque in the boiling water, which should take about 30 seconds.
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Use Fresh Shrimp – For the best flavor, use fresh or well-thawed shrimp. Frozen shrimp can work too, but be sure to pat them dry before adding them to the casserole.
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Adjust Seasonings – If you prefer a spicier casserole, add more Old Bay seasoning or a dash of cayenne pepper. You can also add a bit more garlic powder for a stronger flavor.
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Crisp Topping – To get the bread crumbs even crispier, broil the casserole for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. Just be careful to watch it closely to avoid burning.
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Add Veggies – If you like, add some sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the casserole mixture for extra flavor and texture.
Shrimp Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Shrimp Casserole is a quick and flavorful dish that combines succulent shrimp, creamy mayo, and melted cheese, all topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With minimal prep time and a cook time of just 15 minutes, this casserole is sure to impress!
Ingredients
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2 pounds large shrimp (21–24 count), peeled and deveined
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1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning, plus 1 tablespoon salt for cooking water
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2/3 cup mayonnaise
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
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1 tablespoon butter, plus more to grease the pan
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1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
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4 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
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4 ounces shredded medium cheddar cheese
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 2 1/2-quart casserole dish with butter.
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add Old Bay seasoning. Add shrimp and cook until opaque, about 30 seconds. Drain and transfer to a bowl.
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Add mayonnaise, garlic powder, and pepper to the shrimp. Stir to coat. Add cheeses and stir again. Transfer to the prepared casserole dish.
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Melt butter and stir in bread crumbs. Sprinkle over the shrimp mixture.
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Bake uncovered for 13-15 minutes, or until the center reaches 145°F. Broil for 1-2 minutes to brown the crumbs. Rest for 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
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For added crunch, sprinkle chopped walnuts or almonds over the pears before baking.
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These baked pears can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or enjoy cold.
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If you prefer, substitute the feta cheese with blue cheese for a stronger flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but it’s important to thaw them properly before cooking. Place the frozen shrimp in the refrigerator overnight or run cold water over them to thaw quickly. After thawing, be sure to pat them dry with paper towels before adding them to the casserole to avoid excess moisture.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. Just assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and bake according to the instructions. You may need to add an extra 5 minutes to the baking time since it will be starting cold.
3. Can I substitute the mayonnaise with something else?
If you prefer not to use mayonnaise, you can substitute it with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. Both alternatives will provide a similar creamy texture, though the flavor may vary slightly. You could also use a combination of cream cheese and a little bit of milk for a rich, creamy base.
4. How do I prevent the bread crumbs from getting soggy?
To ensure your bread crumbs stay crispy, avoid overcooking the shrimp. The breadcrumbs are mixed with melted butter, which helps them crisp up in the oven. If you’re concerned about them becoming soggy, you can broil the casserole for the last 1-2 minutes of baking to achieve a golden, crunchy topping. Additionally, make sure to use panko breadcrumbs, as they create a much crisper topping than regular breadcrumbs.