Seafood casseroles are the ultimate comfort food—creamy, hearty, and packed with flavor. This Easy Seafood Casserole Recipe will take your taste buds on a journey filled with the savory essence of the ocean and the comforting warmth of a homemade dish. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just a cozy family dinner, this dish is sure to impress.
In this article, we’ll walk you through a detailed, step-by-step process to create this delightful casserole. Along the way, we’ll share helpful tips, serving suggestions, and answers to common questions about the recipe. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Seafood Casserole Recipe
There are countless reasons why this seafood casserole is a winner:
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep work is required, and it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile: You can mix and match seafood to suit your preferences.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Creamy, cheesy, and absolutely delicious—it’s a dish everyone will enjoy.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for meal prep or hosting a dinner party.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Easy Seafood Casserole, gather the following ingredients:
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 lb lump crab meat
- 1 cup scallops
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or wild rice works great)
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional, for added color and nutrition)
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Seafood
Start by cleaning and prepping your seafood:
- Peel and devein the shrimp.
- Rinse the scallops and pat them dry.
- Check the crab meat for any shells or cartilage.
2. Cook the Aromatics
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions and celery, cooking until they become soft and translucent. This adds a rich base of flavor to your casserole.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce
- Sprinkle flour over the cooked onions and celery. Stir well to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the heavy cream, ensuring a smooth texture.
- Add garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer until the sauce thickens.
4. Combine the Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, shrimp, crab meat, scallops, and frozen peas.
- Pour the creamy sauce over the mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Mix in Parmesan and mozzarella cheese for extra creaminess.
5. Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread the seafood mixture into a greased casserole dish.
- In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, melted butter, and parsley. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole.
6. Bake to Perfection
Bake the casserole uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dish is bubbling around the edges.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this casserole with:
- A fresh garden salad for a burst of freshness.
- Crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To Store:
- Let the casserole cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To Reheat:
- Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
To Freeze:
- You can freeze this casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Helpful Notes and Tips
- Seafood Variations: Feel free to swap in lobster, clams, or even canned tuna for a budget-friendly option.
- Add Vegetables: Boost the nutrition by adding diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
- Make It Spicy: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make this dish gluten-free.
- Cheese Choices: Swap mozzarella for Gruyère or cheddar for a unique twist.
Tips from Renowned Chefs
- Chef’s Tip: Always use fresh seafood for the best flavor. If fresh isn’t available, opt for high-quality frozen seafood.
- Presentation Tip: Garnish the casserole with fresh parsley or lemon slices for an elegant finish.
- Flavor Tip: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the casserole before serving to brighten the flavors.
FAQs About Seafood Casseroles
1. Can I use pre-cooked seafood?
Yes, but reduce the cooking time slightly to avoid overcooking the seafood.
2. What’s the best way to thaw frozen seafood?
Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or place it in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water.
3. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
4. What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream cheese.
5. How can I prevent the casserole from being watery?
Ensure you pat the seafood dry before adding it to the mixture.
6. Is it okay to omit the cheese?
Yes, but the cheese adds creaminess and richness to the dish.
7. Can I add pasta instead of rice?
Definitely! Cooked pasta like penne or fusilli works wonderfully.
8. How can I make it dairy-free?
Use plant-based cream and dairy-free cheese substitutes.
9. Can I make individual portions?
Yes, divide the mixture into ramekins and adjust the baking time to 15-20 minutes.
10. What’s the best wine pairing for this dish?
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complements the flavors beautifully.
Conclusion
This Easy Seafood Casserole Recipe is a true showstopper, combining the best flavors of the ocean with a creamy, cheesy base. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish delivers comfort, elegance, and satisfaction in every bite. With its versatility, make-ahead convenience, and customizable options, it’s destined to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. So roll up your sleeves and give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Bon appétit!
Easy Seafood Casserole Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide to a Delicious Meal
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 lb lump crab meat
- 1 cup scallops
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Prepare the Seafood
- Peel and devein the shrimp. Rinse scallops and pat them dry. Check crab meat for shells.
- Cook the Aromatics
- In a skillet, melt butter and sauté onions and celery until softened.
- Make the Sauce
- Stir in flour to form a roux, then whisk in heavy cream. Add garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer until thickened.
- Combine Ingredients
- In a large bowl, mix cooked rice, seafood, frozen peas, and the creamy sauce. Stir in Parmesan and mozzarella.
- Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish.
- Add the Topping
- Mix panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, melted butter, and parsley. Sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
Notes
- Use Fresh Seafood: Fresh shrimp, crab, and scallops yield the best flavor.
- Prevent Watery Casserole: Pat seafood dry before using.
- Add Veggies: Include spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute with plant-based cream and dairy-free cheese.
- Make Ahead: Prepare up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Prep Time: 20minutes
- Cook Time: 30minutes