why make this recipe
Shrimp casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to prepare and brings a lot of flavors together. With tender shrimp and creamy cheese, it’s sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy seafood in a simple, family-friendly meal.
how to make Shrimp Casserole
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
Directions
- Preheat 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. Add Old Bay seasoning. Add shrimp and cook until opaque, about 30 seconds. Drain and transfer to a bowl.
- Add mayonnaise, garlic powder, and pepper to the shrimp. Stir to coat. Add cheeses and stir again. Transfer to the prepared casserole dish.
- Melt butter and stir in bread crumbs. Sprinkle over the shrimp mixture.
- 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.
how to serve Shrimp Casserole
Serve the shrimp casserole warm. It goes well with a fresh salad, some crusty bread, or even over rice. You can garnish it with fresh herbs like parsley to add a nice touch.
how to store Shrimp Casserole
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions if you prefer.
tips to make Shrimp Casserole
- Make sure the shrimp are cooked just until opaque to keep them tender.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste; you can add more Old Bay seasoning or spices if you like it spicier.
- Use fresh cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- To save time, prepare the shrimp mixture a day ahead and bake it when you’re ready to serve.
variation
Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the casserole for more nutrition and flavor. You can also substitute the cheeses based on your preference, such as using feta or parmesan.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.Can I make this dish vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, replace the shrimp with cooked vegetables or a meat alternative and keep the remaining ingredients the same.How can I make this casserole spicier?
Add some cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the shrimp mixture for extra heat. You can also use spicy cheese blends.
Shrimp Casserole
Ingredients
Shrimp Preparation
- 2 pounds large shrimp (21-24 count), peeled and deveined Ensure shrimp are cooked just until opaque to retain tenderness.
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning Plus 1 tablespoon salt for cooking water.
Casserole Mixture
- 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
Topping
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat 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. Add Old Bay seasoning.
- Add shrimp and cook until they are opaque, about 30 seconds. Drain and transfer to a bowl.
- Add mayonnaise, garlic powder, and pepper to the shrimp and stir to coat.
- Add cheeses and stir again. Transfer mixture to the prepared casserole dish.
Baking
- Melt butter and mix with bread crumbs. Sprinkle over the shrimp mixture.
- 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.