Golden Crab and Shrimp Casserole Recipe: Cozy Seafood Magic

My weekend seafood experiments led me to this incredible crab and shrimp casserole that completely surprised my dinner guests.

Unexpected combinations often create magic in kitchen adventures.

Delicate ocean flavors merge beautifully with creamy textures in this delightful dish.

Coastal ingredients shine through each savory bite, promising a memorable meal.

Skilled home cooks can master this recipe with simple techniques and fresh components.

Rich, comforting layers of seafood and seasonings make this casserole irresistible.

Dive into a culinary journey that celebrates marine delicacies in one spectacular plate.

Crab and Shrimp Casserole That’s Creamy and Rich

• Quick Family Feast: Dive into a seafood sensation that brings everyone to the table with minimal effort.
• Time-Saving Magic: Whip up this luxurious casserole in under an hour, transforming simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing meal.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Equally impressive for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe adapts to any dining scenario with ease.

Crab and Shrimp Casserole Ingredient Breakdown

• Shrimp: Sweet and tender seafood that adds protein and delicate ocean flavor. Fresh or frozen works well.
• Crabmeat: Rich, delicate seafood that provides a luxurious texture. Lump or backfin crab recommended.

• Celery: Adds crisp texture and subtle herbal notes. Fresh and crunchy celery preferred.
• Onion: Provides depth and sweetness to the overall dish. Yellow or white onions work best.
• Garlic: Delivers a robust and savory undertone. Fresh garlic cloves recommended.

• Butter: Creates a rich and smooth base for the sauce. Unsalted butter preferred for better flavor control.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth consistency. All-purpose flour works perfectly.
• Milk: Provides creamy texture and helps blend sauce ingredients. Whole milk recommended.
• Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and subtle tanginess to the sauce. Full-fat version preferred.
• Cheddar Cheese: Delivers sharp, melty flavor throughout the casserole. Sharp or medium cheddar suggested.
• Salt, Pepper: Enhance and balance overall dish flavors.
• Breadcrumbs: Creates a golden, crispy topping. Panko or traditional breadcrumbs acceptable.
• Parsley: Fresh herb for bright, final garnish. Adds color and light herbal note.

Crab & Shrimp Casserole Oven Instructions

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C) to get ready for some seafood magic.

Step 2: Mix Seafood Goodness

• Succulent shrimp
• Delicate crabmeat
• Crisp diced celery
• Chopped onion
• Minced garlic

Blend everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Create Creamy Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat until it’s smooth and golden.

Sprinkle in flour and whisk to create a silky roux.

Slowly pour in milk, stirring constantly until the sauce transforms into a thick, luxurious mixture.

• Creamy mayonnaise
• Sharp cheddar cheese

Season with salt and pepper to make the flavors pop.

Step 4: Combine And Transfer

Gently fold the seafood mixture into the dreamy sauce.

Pour the entire blend into a greased baking dish.

Step 5: Add Crunchy Topping

Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly across the top of the casserole.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 30 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and starts bubbling.

Step 7: Finish And Serve

Pull the casserole out of the oven.

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Serve piping hot and watch everyone dive in!

Seafood Casserole Tips with Rich Crab & Shrimp Layers

• Select high-quality, fresh crab and shrimp for the most delicious flavor and best texture in your casserole.
• Whisk the roux slowly to prevent lumps and create a smooth, creamy sauce that perfectly coats the seafood.
• Lightly toast breadcrumbs before sprinkling to ensure a golden, crispy topping without burning during baking.
• Swap cheddar with gruyère or monterey jack for a different flavor profile that complements the seafood beautifully.
• Replace some seafood with diced chicken or use a mix of different seafood to accommodate dietary preferences or availability.

Store Crab and Shrimp Casserole

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Prevent freezer burn by removing excess air from the container.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Heat individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and prevent uneven warming.

Crab and Shrimp Casserole Flavor Ideas

• Pair Zesty White Wine: Opt for a crisp sauvignon blanc or chardonnay with bright acidity that complements the seafood's rich, creamy texture and cuts through the casserole's buttery profile.
• Crusty Bread Companion: Serve warm, crusty sourdough or French bread to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a delightful textural contrast to the soft, creamy seafood casserole.
• Fresh Citrus Salad Side: Create a light, tangy mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's richness and add a refreshing element that enhances the seafood's delicate flavors.
• Chilled Herb-Infused Water: Prepare a pitcher of water infused with cucumber, mint, and lemon slices to cleanse the palate and provide a light, hydrating accompaniment that won't overpower the casserole's subtle seafood notes.

Crab & Shrimp Casserole in Creamy Versions

• Dairy-Free Seafood Bake: Replace milk and cheese with coconut milk and nutritional yeast for a creamy, lactose-free version that maintains rich flavor.
• Gluten-Free Ocean Casserole: Swap wheat flour with cornstarch or rice flour, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs to create a celiac-friendly meal.
• Low-Carb Seafood Gratin: Eliminate breadcrumbs and use crushed pork rinds or almond flour as a crunchy topping, reducing carbohydrate content while keeping the dish satisfying.
• Spicy Cajun Seafood Casserole: Add Cajun seasoning, diced bell peppers, and a splash of hot sauce to transform the recipe with bold, zesty Louisiana-style flavors.

FAQs

• What type of seafood works best in this casserole?

Shrimp and crab are the perfect combination, offering a rich, sweet flavor. You can use fresh or high-quality canned seafood for the best results.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s cold from the refrigerator.

• Is this dish gluten-free?

No, the recipe contains flour in the roux and breadcrumbs. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.

• How can I add more flavor to the casserole?

Consider adding a splash of white wine to the sauce, incorporating fresh herbs like dill or chives, or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.

Crab And Shrimp Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Coastal Carolina’s cherished crab and shrimp casserole blends succulent seafood with creamy, herb-infused textures. Hearty ingredients merge in a comforting dish that delivers pure maritime deliciousness with each memorable bite.

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Ingredients

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Seafood Ingredients:

• 1 lb (0.45 kg) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 lb (0.45 kg) crabmeat (fresh or canned)

Vegetable and Aromatic Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 ml) celery, diced
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce and Topping Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) butter
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240 ml) milk
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
• 1 cup (240 ml) sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Warm the kitchen oven to a moderate temperature of 350°F (175°C), ensuring precise heat distribution for optimal cooking.
2. Gather seafood elements in a spacious mixing vessel, gently combining succulent shrimp, delicate crabmeat, crisp celery fragments, aromatic onion pieces, and finely chopped garlic into a harmonious blend.
3. Initiate sauce preparation by melting rich butter in a saucepan over medium thermal intensity, creating a smooth liquid base.
4. Introduce flour to the melted butter, whisking diligently to construct a silky roux, then methodically stream milk into the mixture, stirring continuously until the sauce transforms into a luxurious, velvety consistency.
5. Remove sauce from heat source and incorporate creamy mayonnaise and sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until achieving a uniform, glossy texture.
6. Season the sauce with refined salt and freshly cracked pepper, adjusting flavors to personal preference.
7. Tenderly fold the seafood medley into the prepared sauce, ensuring each morsel is generously coated with the creamy mixture.
8. Transfer the maritime ensemble into a thoroughly greased baking receptacle, spreading evenly to create a uniform layer.
9. Elegantly dust the top with a delicate layer of breadcrumbs, providing a crisp, golden crown to the casserole.
10. Position the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, monitoring until the surface achieves a tempting golden-brown hue and edges bubble enticingly.
11. Carefully extract the casserole from the oven, allowing brief resting time to settle flavors.
12. Conclude by scattering freshly chopped parsley across the surface, adding a vibrant green garnish that enhances both visual appeal and herbal essence.
13. Serve immediately while piping hot, presenting a decadent seafood experience.

Notes

• Opt for fresh seafood to enhance the casserole’s delicate flavors and ensure a rich, succulent texture.
• Consider using gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour for a low-carb alternative that maintains the dish’s crispy topping.
• Swap regular milk with coconut milk or almond milk for a dairy-free version that adds a subtle nutty undertone.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like Gruyère or pepper jack to create unique flavor profiles and add depth to the creamy sauce.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg