The Crab And Shrimp Casserole is a seafood lover’s dream if there ever was one. It is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful concoction of beautiful shrimp and succulent crabmeat, all the while being some special seasoning to spice things up a bit. This serves well during special occasions, in family dinner, or when you feel like having something very soothing and classy for dinner. Oh, yes, this dish is very simple to make and can be made in advance for fuss-free entertaining. So lets’ begin this incredible seafood casserole that will definitely be an instant hit!
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Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- Shrimp (1 lb, peeled, deveined, and chopped)
- Lump crabmeat (1 lb, picked over for shells)
- Butter (4 tbsp)
- Onion (1 medium, finely diced)
- Bell pepper (1 medium, finely diced)
- Celery (2 stalks, finely diced)
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
- All-purpose flour (¼ cup)
- Whole milk or half-and-half (1 ½ cups)
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened)
- Cheddar cheese (1 cup, shredded)
- Mozzarella cheese (½ cup, shredded)
- Mayonnaise (½ cup)
- Lemon juice (2 tbsp)
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tbsp)
- Old Bay seasoning (1 tsp)
- Paprika (1 tsp)
- Fresh parsley (2 tbsp, chopped)
- Salt (½ tsp)
- Black pepper (½ tsp)
For the Topping:
- Panko breadcrumbs (1 cup)
- Parmesan cheese (¼ cup, grated)
- Butter (2 tbsp, melted)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar-sized casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and celery, and sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the milk or half-and-half, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Add the softened cream cheese and continue to stir until melted and smooth.
Step 4: Add the Seafood and Seasonings
Remove the skillet from heat and gently fold in the chopped shrimp, lump crabmeat, shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, salt, black pepper, and fresh parsley. Mix until all the ingredients are evenly combined.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the seafood mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Step 6: Prepare the Topping
In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and melted butter. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated with butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
Step 7: Bake the Casserole
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the top is golden brown and crispy.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy the rich and delicious flavors of this Crab and Shrimp Casserole!
Serving and Storage Tips
Serve with a side of steamed vegetables, a lovely green salad, or a sliver of crusty French bread, and you have a meal in itself.
Keep the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
To freeze, allow to cool completely before wrapping casserole tightly with plastic wrap and covering it with aluminum foil. You can freeze it for up to two months. Begin the defrosting process with an overnight stint in the refrigerator and then the reheating regime.
Helpful Notes
For a curdier flavor, add ground cayenne pepper to taste, or a little more hot sauce to the seafood mix.
If it is non-fat that you require, select Light mayo and some reduced-fat cream cheese.
In this recipe, you have the option of picking your crab from fresh, frozen, or canned varieties. Ensure that what you get is clean, devoid of shells.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
Most often than not, a splash of white wine can heighten the flavors of the creamy sauces one offers.
Chef Emeril Lagasse recommends this killer added depth of flavor to your final result.
Crab cakes should be made with the two ingredients racket. A large number of amazing chefs like Ina Garten suggest using the lump crabmeat.
For all the extra cheesiness, Rachel Ray suggests throwing in just a little top cheese over the cheesiness of the crust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it all right to use pre-cooked shrimp in this recipe?
Yes, as suggested, put pre-cooked shrimp in with the mixture in Step 4 and adjust the cooking time.
How can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Prepare this casserole as a gluten-free recipe by using gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
Can I alter the cheese with something else?
Certainly! If you wish to change the cheese, use any sort of cheese that provides a different cheese experience like Gruyère, Monterey Jack or Fontina.
What about the mayonnaise? Can I use anything else other than mayonnaise?
Sour cream or Greek yogurt may be substituted, negating the fat of mayonnaise and the tangier taste.
Usually, a lot of similar questions are asked. Please comment on the possibilities, if you will allow such a conjecture.
It could be noted any more joyfully from your side by adding salt to taste with larger chunks of garlic cosmetically—just tickling my humor. What might there be of danger regarding someone doing something for somewhat humor? Seems there is no serious answer to this.
How do I avoid watery casserole?
Be sure to drain any water and put it away along with the vegetable; make them soft on the stove—they should not be beneficial.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it can be baked up to 24 hours in advance, covered and refrigerated.
What might go along with the casserole?
Try some garlic bread, a side salad, or roasted asparagus for a fantastic feast.
How would the casserole be reheated without drying?
Just place the foil on the top, as that may help in reheating and retaining moisture. It would be so dry again. Keep sending acorns to those pesky squirrels; you are a dear. Godspeed and good luck.
Can I use imitation crab?
Sure! You can sub with imitation crab, but it won’t be the same as real crab.
Enjoy your Crab and Shrimp Casserole; a creamy seafood recipe that’s good for any occasion!
