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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Warm the kitchen oven to a moderate temperature of 350°F (175°C), ensuring precise heat distribution for optimal cooking.
- 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.
- Initiate sauce preparation by melting rich butter in a saucepan over medium thermal intensity, creating a smooth liquid base.
- 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.
- Remove sauce from heat source and incorporate creamy mayonnaise and sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until achieving a uniform, glossy texture.
- Season the sauce with refined salt and freshly cracked pepper, adjusting flavors to personal preference.
- Tenderly fold the seafood medley into the prepared sauce, ensuring each morsel is generously coated with the creamy mixture.
- Transfer the maritime ensemble into a thoroughly greased baking receptacle, spreading evenly to create a uniform layer.
- Elegantly dust the top with a delicate layer of breadcrumbs, providing a crisp, golden crown to the casserole.
- 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.
- Carefully extract the casserole from the oven, allowing brief resting time to settle flavors.
- Conclude by scattering freshly chopped parsley across the surface, adding a vibrant green garnish that enhances both visual appeal and herbal essence.
- 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