If you have a soft spot for hearty, comforting dishes brimming with rich flavors from the sea, then this New England Seafood Casserole Recipe will instantly become your new favorite. Imagine tender scallops, juicy shrimp, and flaky white fish enveloped in a creamy, velvety sauce, all topped with a crisp, buttery cracker crust that adds the perfect crunch to every bite. This casserole captures the essence of New England’s coastal charm and seafood heritage, making it a soul-satisfying meal perfect for sharing with family and friends any time of year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role, blending together simplicity and freshness to build layers of incredible taste, texture, and color. From the fragrant aromatics to the luscious creaminess and the seafood trio, these essentials bring the dish to life.
- Scallops (1/2 pound): Tender and slightly sweet, they add delicate texture and flavor.
- Shrimp, peeled and deveined (1/2 pound): Brings that plump, juicy bite synonymous with coastal cuisine.
- Firm white fish like cod or haddock (1/2 pound): Offers flaky texture and mild taste that balances the richness.
- Butter (4 tablespoons, divided): Essential for sautéing and creating a golden crust packed with buttery goodness.
- Small onion, finely chopped: Adds subtle sweetness and depth after gentle sautéing.
- Celery stalk, finely chopped: Lends a fresh, grassy note with a satisfying crunch.
- Garlic cloves, minced (2): Infuses the casserole with savory warmth.
- All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): Thickens the sauce to a creamy consistency.
- Seafood stock or clam juice (1 cup): Deepens the ocean flavor, making every spoonful taste like a seaside escape.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Enriches the sauce for that luscious, silky mouthfeel.
- Whole milk (1/2 cup): Balances richness with smooth, gentle creaminess.
- Old Bay seasoning (1 teaspoon): Classic New England spice blend that brings subtle heat and complexity.
- Fresh lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens the dish with a zesty, fresh tang.
- Salt and black pepper (1/4 teaspoon each): Simple seasoning to tie all the flavors together.
- Frozen peas (1/2 cup, optional): Adds a pop of color and gentle sweetness.
- Crushed buttery crackers (1/2 cup): Creates the irresistible crunchy topping.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (2 tablespoons): Adds a burst of vibrant green and fresh herbaceous aroma.
How to Make New England Seafood Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Sauté Aromatics
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure your casserole slides out effortlessly after baking. Next, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, celery, and minced garlic, cooking gently until they soften and become fragrant—this foundational step builds a wonderful sweet and savory base for the casserole.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the softened vegetables and cook it for about one minute, stirring constantly. This cooking process removes the raw flour taste and starts to thicken your sauce. Gradually whisk in the seafood stock, heavy cream, and whole milk, keeping the mixture smooth and lump-free as it thickens over 3 to 5 minutes. This creamy sauce is where the magic starts to happen, marrying flavors and textures beautifully.
Step 3: Add Seasonings and Seafood
Season the sauce with Old Bay seasoning, fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything so that the flavors combine perfectly. Then fold in the chunks of fish, shrimp, scallops, and peas if you’re using them. Gently coat everything in the luscious sauce to ensure every morsel of seafood gets that rich, savory bath.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Transfer your seafood mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Melt the remaining butter and toss it with the crushed buttery crackers, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole’s surface to form a golden, crunchy topping. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the seafood is cooked through and the top turns beautifully golden. This final bake perfectly melds flavors and textures into a soul-warming symphony.
How to Serve New England Seafood Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley sprinkled on top right after baking brightens the dish visually and adds a fresh, slightly peppery lift that balances the creamy richness. A wedge of lemon on the side lets everyone add an extra zing if they desire.
Side Dishes
Pair your casserole with fluffy mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or even crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast that rounds out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, serve individual portions in oven-safe ramekins topped with the buttery cracker crust and parsley. Garnish each dish with a lemon twist and a sprig of dill for a restaurant-quality presentation that feels both elegant and cozy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your New England Seafood Casserole Recipe keeps well in the fridge for up to two days. Be sure to cover it tightly to maintain moisture and prevent any outside odors from seeping in.
Freezing
This casserole freezes nicely before baking. Assemble it fully, cover it very well with foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as usual.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, usually about 15-20 minutes. To keep the crumb topping crisp, remove any plastic cover and loosely tent with foil for part of the reheating time.
FAQs
Can I use other types of seafood in this casserole?
Absolutely! The recipe is very versatile. You can swap out shrimp, scallops, or fish for lobster, crab, or mussels depending on what’s freshest or your preference. Just adjust cooking times slightly if needed.
Is it okay to omit the peas?
Yes, the peas are optional and mainly add a touch of sweetness and color. If you’re not a fan or don’t have any on hand, the casserole will still be delicious without them.
Can I prepare this recipe without dairy?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute butter with plant-based margarine and use coconut cream or oat milk instead of heavy cream and milk. The texture might be a bit different but the flavors can still shine.
How long does this casserole take to cook?
The entire cooking time is about 30 minutes in the oven with around 20 minutes prep beforehand, making it a wonderfully approachable dish when craving seafood comfort food without too much fuss.
What should I do if I don’t have seafood stock or clam juice?
If you don’t have seafood stock or clam juice, you can use vegetable or chicken broth as a substitute, though it will slightly alter the seafood depth of flavor. Adding a touch of salt and a splash of lemon juice can help mimic the ocean notes.
Final Thoughts
This New England Seafood Casserole Recipe is a true celebration of classic coastal flavors and comforting textures that will warm your heart and home. It’s deceptively simple yet elegant enough to serve for special occasions or cozy weeknight dinners alike. Give it a go and watch it become a staple in your recipe collection that you’ll want to share over and over again.
Print
New England Seafood Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American (New England)
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
This New England Seafood Casserole is a creamy, comforting dish featuring a blend of scallops, shrimp, and firm white fish in a rich, buttery sauce. Enhanced with aromatic vegetables and Old Bay seasoning, baked to golden perfection with a crispy buttery cracker topping, it’s a classic main course perfect for seafood lovers seeking a hearty and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 1/2 pound scallops
- 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 pound firm white fish (such as cod or haddock), cut into chunks
Sauce and Vegetables
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup seafood stock or clam juice
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)
Topping and Garnish
- 1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, celery, and minced garlic, sautéing until they become soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the seafood stock, heavy cream, and milk, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth and thickened, approximately 3 to 5 minutes.
- Season the Sauce: Add Old Bay seasoning, fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to the sauce, stirring well to combine all the flavors.
- Add Seafood and Peas: Gently fold in the scallops, shrimp, white fish chunks, and frozen peas if using, ensuring all are coated evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the seafood mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly for consistent baking.
- Prepare Topping: Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and mix with the crushed buttery crackers. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the seafood casserole.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a bright touch, and serve hot immediately, pairing well with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
Notes
- This casserole can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated before baking, making it perfect for meal planning.
- For variety, substitute lobster or crab for part of the seafood mix to enhance the flavor.
- Serve alongside rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread for a complete and traditional New England meal experience.
