Crab and Shrimp Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you're a seafood lover, this casserole is the ultimate dish for you. It's a harmonious blend of shrimp, crab, and a creamy sauce, topped with a crispy, golden breadcrumb crust. It’s not only delicious but also easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time for a stress-free dinner. The perfect balance of flavors, paired with the versatility to tweak ingredients to your liking, makes this recipe a winner every time.

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)

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Sauté the vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
3. Make the creamy sauce: Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the milk or half-and-half, stirring until the mixture thickens (about 3-5 minutes). Add the cream cheese and stir until smooth.
4. Add seafood and seasonings: Remove the skillet from heat and gently fold in the shrimp, crabmeat, shredded cheeses, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, salt, pepper, and parsley. Stir until evenly mixed.
5. Assemble the casserole: Pour the seafood mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
6. Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole.
7. Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
8. Serve and enjoy: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with more parsley if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
• Different cheese: Swap out the cheddar and mozzarella for cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack.
• Extra spicy: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste for an added kick.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Cool completely, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, defrost in the refrigerator overnight, then bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.
• Reheating tips: Cover with foil to prevent the casserole from drying out while reheating.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked shrimp in this recipe. Just add them in Step 4 and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this casserole gluten-free by using gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.

What cheese can I substitute for cheddar and mozzarella?

You can use Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or Fontina as alternatives to cheddar and mozzarella.

Can I replace the mayonnaise with something else?

You can substitute mayonnaise with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangy flavor.

How do I avoid a watery casserole?

Make sure to drain excess water from vegetables before adding them to the casserole. Cooking the vegetables until soft will also help avoid excess moisture.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

What should I serve with this casserole?

Try pairing it with garlic bread, a side salad, or roasted vegetables like asparagus.

How should I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

How can I prevent the casserole from drying out when reheating?

Cover the casserole with foil when reheating to help retain moisture.

Can I use fresh crab instead of canned or frozen?

Yes, fresh crab is a great option. Just make sure it’s properly cleaned and shell-free.

Conclusion

This Crab and Shrimp Casserole is a rich, satisfying dish that's easy to prepare and full of flavor. Whether for a special dinner or a comforting weeknight meal, it's sure to become a favorite. Plus, it's versatile, allowing you to adjust ingredients to suit your preferences. Enjoy the blend of seafood, creamy sauce, and golden topping, and don't forget to make extra for leftovers!