Shrimp Casserole Recipe

This Shrimp Casserole Recipe is the ultimate comfort dish for seafood lovers! Imagine plump, perfectly seasoned shrimp baked with a luscious, creamy cheese sauce and topped with a golden, crunchy breadcrumb topping. It’s incredibly easy to put together, yet impressive enough for company – and best of all, bursting with flavor in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You truly don’t need a long list to create a show-stopping Shrimp Casserole Recipe—just a few pantry staples that work together to layer on flavor and texture. Each ingredient has a part to play, whether it’s keeping things creamy, adding that signature warmth, or giving you a craveable, golden crunch.

• Large shrimp (2 lbs, 21-24 count, peeled and deveined): The star of the dish! Use fresh or thawed frozen shrimp and make sure they’re not overcooked for the juiciest results.
• Old Bay Seasoning (1 Tbsp) & salt (1 Tbsp for water): Gives a classic, subtly spicy coastal kick in every bite.
• Mayonnaise (2/3 cup): Makes the casserole perfectly creamy without feeling heavy, and brings all the flavors together.
• Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): Provides gentle, savory background flavor that complements the shrimp beautifully.
• Ground black pepper (1/2 tsp): Lends just enough warmth and bite to balance the creamy goodness.
• Butter (1 Tbsp + more for greasing): Adds rich flavor and helps those breadcrumbs toast up beautifully.
• Panko bread crumbs (1/2 cup): The secret to that irresistible, crisp topping—don’t skip it!
• Shredded mozzarella (4 oz) & medium cheddar cheese (4 oz): This dreamy duo melts into a gooey, stringy, flavor-packed sauce.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Shrimp Casserole Recipe is how easily you can make it your own. Whether you’re catering to dietary needs or want to play with new flavors, here are some creative ways to switch things up.

• Add Veggies: Fold in a handful of chopped spinach, diced bell pepper, or sliced mushrooms for color, nutrition, and extra flavor.
• Use Different Cheeses: Swap the mozzarella or cheddar for Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or even pepper jack for spicy flair.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute regular panko for your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs or skip the crumb topping entirely for a naturally gluten-free dish.
• Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.

How to Make Shrimp Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F and generously grease a 2 1/2 quart casserole dish (or your favorite deep skillet, pie pan, or 9×9 baking dish) with butter. This step ensures the casserole releases beautifully and absorbs extra buttery flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Bring a big pot of water to a rolling boil and season generously with 1 tablespoon salt and 1 tablespoon Old Bay. Drop in the shrimp and cook for just 30 seconds—don’t walk away! Once the shrimp turn opaque, immediately scoop them out and let them cool in a large mixing bowl to avoid overcooking.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Filling

Once the shrimp have cooled slightly, drain away any pooled liquid. Stir in the mayo, garlic powder, and black pepper to coat the shrimp thoroughly, then add both cheeses and give everything another mix for maximum cheesiness.

Step 4: Assemble and Top

Evenly spread the shrimp and cheese mixture into your prepared casserole dish. In a small bowl, melt 1 tablespoon butter and stir in the panko breadcrumbs until every crumb is coated, then scatter the mixture evenly over the top for the ultimate crunch factor.

Step 5: Bake and Broil

Bake uncovered for 13–15 minutes, or until the center registers 145°F. For a beautiful, golden-brown crust, switch the oven to broil for 1–2 minutes, but keep a close eye! Let it rest for 15 minutes so everything sets and flavors meld before serving.

How to Serve Shrimp Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

Give your Shrimp Casserole Recipe a finishing touch with a shower of fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten every bite. If you want a little kick, scatter finely chopped chives or a dash of smoked paprika—it makes the casserole look as inviting as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This creamy, cheesy bake pairs beautifully with simple sides. Try a crisp green salad tossed in vinaigrette, buttery steamed asparagus, or fluffy rice to soak up all that savory sauce. Crusty bread is always a win for mopping up the goodness!

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the casserole family-style straight from the baking dish for casual dinners, or scoop portions into individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation. For parties, let guests help themselves from a buffet—you can even nestle the baked shrimp mixture in mini phyllo cups for a fun, bite-sized appetizer spin!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Shrimp Casserole Recipe tasting fresh, cover leftovers tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors only deepen after resting, and the dish reheats well for quick lunches or another cozy dinner.

Freezing

You can freeze this casserole before baking (without the breadcrumb topping) for up to 2 months. Simply assemble, wrap well, and freeze; when ready to serve, thaw in the fridge, add buttered breadcrumbs, and bake as directed for a stress-free meal.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 325°F oven until heated through, usually about 20 minutes. For smaller portions, the microwave or air fryer also works—just be careful not to overcook, as shrimp can toughen quickly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a meal that’s both easy and restaurant-worthy, this Shrimp Casserole Recipe is guaranteed to become a new favorite in your kitchen. With its creamy sauce, tender shrimp, and golden crumb topping, every bite is a warm hug. Give it a try—you’ll be swooning from the very first forkful!

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