Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy Texture: The blend of butter, mayonnaise, and sharp cheddar cheese forms a luscious sauce that perfectly complements the seafood.
- Satisfying Crunch: A golden breadcrumb topping adds a delightful contrast to the creamy interior.
- Versatile and Customizable: Easily adaptable with additional spices, herbs, or extra seafood to suit your taste preferences.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for gatherings, pairing well with salads, steamed vegetables, or warm rolls.
Ingredients
- 1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp
- 1 pound crabmeat (fresh or canned)
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Seafood Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, crabmeat, celery, onion, and garlic. Mix well.
- Make the Creamy Sauce:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Stir in the flour to form a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in the mayonnaise and cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and Assemble:
- Fold the seafood mixture into the creamy sauce, ensuring all ingredients are well coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Add the Topping: Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Cajun-Style: Add a teaspoon of Cajun seasoning or Old Bay to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Mushroom Addition: Incorporate 1/2 cup of sliced mushrooms sautéed with the onions and garlic for extra flavor.
- Broccoli Infusion: Add 1 cup of steamed broccoli florets to the seafood mixture for added nutrition and color.
- Lemon Herb Twist: Stir in a tablespoon of lemon zest and a teaspoon of chopped fresh thyme to the sauce for a fresh, citrusy flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: To freeze, assemble the casserole but do not bake. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
- Reheating: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. For quicker reheating, individual portions can be microwaved, though the topping may lose some crispness.
FAQs
What type of shrimp is best for this casserole?
Peeled and deveined shrimp are recommended for convenience. Both fresh and frozen shrimp work well; if using frozen, ensure they are fully thawed and drained to prevent excess moisture.
Can I use imitation crabmeat instead of real crab?
Yes, imitation crabmeat can be used as a substitute; however, the flavor and texture will differ from that of real crabmeat.
How can I make the topping extra crispy?
Using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs can provide an even crispier texture. Additionally, you can broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate it, then bake just before serving. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.
Crab and Shrimp Casserole
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Crab and Shrimp Casserole is a creamy, flavorful seafood dish featuring shrimp, crabmeat, and a cheesy sauce topped with golden breadcrumbs. Perfect for special occasions or family dinners, this comforting casserole is sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp
- 1 pound crabmeat (fresh or canned)
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Seafood Mixture: In a large bowl, combine shrimp, crabmeat, celery, onion, and garlic. Mix thoroughly.
- Make Sauce:
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir in flour to make a roux, cooking until golden and bubbly.
- Gradually whisk in milk until thickened.
- Remove from heat and mix in mayonnaise and cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine & Assemble:
- Fold seafood mixture into the sauce.
- Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
- Topping: Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
- Bake: Bake for 30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish: Cool slightly, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- Substitute imitation crabmeat if needed, but note the difference in flavor and texture.
- For extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs or broil for the last 2-3 minutes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
