If you are craving a comforting seafood dish that bursts with flavor, this Crab and Shrimp Casserole Recipe will quickly become one of your go-to favorites. Imagine tender lump crabmeat and juicy shrimp mingling with a creamy, savory sauce enriched by the aromatic trio of onion, bell pepper, and celery, all baked to bubbly, golden perfection under a crispy cheesy breadcrumb topping. This dish brings a wonderful mix of textures and a delightful depth of taste that feels both luxurious and homey, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Crab and Shrimp Casserole Recipe relies on a handful of simple yet highly complementary ingredients that create a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. Each item plays an essential role, from the fresh seafood delivering rich, briny notes to the vegetables adding savory sweetness, making every bite a delight.
- 1 pound lump crabmeat: Use fresh or high-quality canned lump crab for a clean, delicate flavor that shines in the casserole.
- 1 pound large shrimp: Peeled and deveined, these contribute a sweet and firm bite alongside the crab.
- 1 cup chopped onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the base of the sauce.
- 1 cup chopped bell pepper: Brings a vibrant color and mild crunch that brightens the dish.
- 1 cup chopped celery: Offers a pleasant crispness and an earthy undertone to the creamy filling.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the casserole with a fragrant, savory warmth.
- 1/4 cup butter: Essential for sautéing the vegetables and enriching the sauce for a velvety texture.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: The thickening agent that transforms the broth and milk into a luscious sauce.
- 2 cups milk: Provides creaminess and balance to mellow the spices and seafood.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Adds depth and a subtle savoriness to the sauce without overpowering the seafood.
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning: The classic seafood seasoning that ties the flavors of crab and shrimp perfectly together.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings to enhance all the other fresh flavors.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into a rich topping with a hint of sharpness that complements the seafood.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs: Creates a satisfying golden crust that adds texture and keeps the casserole from getting mushy.
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish: Adds a fresh herbal burst of color and flavor when serving.
How to Make Crab and Shrimp Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Get the Oven Ready and Prep Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot when your casserole is ready to go in. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously to prevent sticking and to help the crust brown beautifully.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and add your chopped onion, bell pepper, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until these vegetables are tender and fragrant, about 5 to 7 minutes. This soft vegetable base is crucial as it builds layers of savory flavor for the sauce.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Sprinkle the flour evenly over the sautéed vegetables and stir constantly to form a roux, cooking for about 1 to 2 minutes without letting it brown. Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, making sure to remove any lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens to a creamy sauce that will hold your seafood together perfectly.
Step 4: Season and Add Seafood
Add the Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper to the sauce, adjusting to your taste. Then fold in the lump crabmeat and the shrimp gently, ensuring the seafood remains in large chunks and doesn’t break apart. This step is key to maintaining that luscious texture everyone loves in this Crab and Shrimp Casserole Recipe.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the creamy seafood mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, then cover with a layer of breadcrumbs for that irresistible crunch once it’s baked.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is bubbly and turns a beautiful golden brown. The enticing aroma will have everyone eagerly waiting at the table.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, scatter freshly chopped parsley over the surface to add color and a fresh herbal note that brightens the whole dish. This final touch makes the casserole feel truly special and inviting.
How to Serve Crab and Shrimp Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley is classic, but feel free to add a few lemon wedges on the side. A light squeeze of lemon can elevate the seafood flavors beautifully, cutting through the richness and bringing a fresh zing to each bite.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad, roasted asparagus, or buttery garlic bread. These mild and fresh sides balance the creamy, rich casserole and round out a perfect meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive presentation, consider serving this casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets. You can also add a sprinkle of extra Old Bay on top right before serving for a pop of color and spice. It’s a sure way to wow your guests or make a cozy dinner feel festive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Crab and Shrimp Casserole Recipe should be cooled to room temperature, covered tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerated. It will keep well for 2 to 3 days without losing its creamy texture or flavors.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole either before baking or after it has cooled down. Wrap it securely in freezer-safe wrap and foil to protect against freezer burn. For best quality, consume within 1 to 2 months. Thaw slowly overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best result.
Reheating
To reheat, place the casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through—about 20 to 30 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent the topping from burning and reveal it during the last 5 minutes if you want to crisp it up again. Microwave reheating is possible but may soften the crumb topping.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp and crabmeat for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before adding to the casserole. This prevents extra moisture from making the dish watery and helps maintain a perfect consistency.
Is this casserole very spicy?
The Old Bay seasoning adds a warm, mildly spicy flavor but it’s not overwhelmingly hot. If you prefer less spice, you can reduce the amount slightly or omit it altogether and substitute with a touch of paprika or smoked paprika for flavor without heat.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
While the Crab and Shrimp Casserole Recipe is seafood-based, you could substitute the crab and shrimp with hearty vegetables like mushrooms and artichoke hearts and use vegetable broth. The flavor profile will naturally change, but it can still be delicious with a creamy, cheesy sauce.
What type of cheese works best?
Cheddar cheese is recommended for its sharpness and meltability, but you could experiment with Monterey Jack or a blend of cheeses for a milder or creamier finish. Just make sure the cheese melts well and creates a golden crust on top.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes! Just keep the same ingredient ratios and bake in a larger dish or multiple smaller dishes. You may need to increase the baking time slightly—just watch for bubbling and a golden crust as your baking indicator.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the comforting layers of this Crab and Shrimp Casserole Recipe that always feels like a heartfelt hug in food form. It’s easy to prepare, full of inviting flavors, and perfect for sharing with those you love. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a special addition to your favorite meals!
Print
Crab and Shrimp Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crab and Shrimp Casserole is a creamy, savory seafood dish combining lump crabmeat and large shrimp with sautéed vegetables in a rich sauce. Topped with cheddar cheese and crispy breadcrumbs, it bakes to a golden perfection, making it a comforting and elegant meal perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 1 pound lump crabmeat
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Vegetables
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup chopped bell pepper
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Toppings
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare for baking.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a skillet, melt butter and sauté the chopped onion, bell pepper, celery, and minced garlic until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Make Sauce: Stir in all-purpose flour to the sautéed vegetables to create a roux. Gradually whisk in milk and chicken broth to the mixture, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Season and Add Seafood: Season the sauce with Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Gently fold in the lump crabmeat and peeled shrimp ensuring they are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the seafood mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs over the top to create a delicious crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly, and the topping is golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving to add a fresh, vibrant touch.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the sauce while cooking.
- You can use panko breadcrumbs for a crispier topping.
- Adjust Old Bay seasoning to your taste for desired spiciness.
- Ensure shrimp are peeled and deveined to avoid any gritty texture.
- This dish can be prepared a day ahead and baked before serving for convenience.
