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
Scale
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.
