Try This Cozy Baked Shrimp Casserole Recipe Tonight

Baked shrimp casserole brings warmth and comfort to dinner tables with its delightful blend of seafood and creamy textures.

Seafood enthusiasts appreciate this dish for its rich, satisfying flavors that enhance simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Coastal kitchens have long celebrated the magic of combining succulent shellfish with hearty ingredients.

Tender shrimp nestled among velvety sauces create a Mediterranean-inspired experience that feels both elegant and homey.

Each bite promises a delectable journey through layers of complex yet harmonious tastes.

Families and friends gather around this casserole, drawn by its inviting aroma and promise of a memorable meal.

Cooking Tips for a Great Shrimp Casserole

• Choose Fresh Shrimp: Select plump, firm shrimp with a clean sea smell to ensure the best flavor and texture in your casserole.
• Prevent Overcooking: Watch the baking time carefully, as shrimp can quickly become tough and rubbery if left in the oven too long.
• Layer Ingredients Strategically: Arrange shrimp in a single layer to guarantee even cooking and consistent seasoning throughout the dish.
• Customize Cheese Blend: Experiment with different cheese combinations like gruyère or monterey jack for a unique flavor profile.
• Enhance Breadcrumb Topping: Toast breadcrumbs briefly before adding to create a crispier, more golden-brown crust that adds delightful crunch to the casserole.

How to Store Baked Shrimp Casserole Properly

• Refrigeration: Transfer leftover shrimp casserole to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping the dish sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odors from spreading.
• Freezing: Wrap the casserole securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Frozen shrimp casserole can be stored for up to 1 month. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
• Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving to ensure food safety.

Great Matches for Shrimp Casserole

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc to complement the creamy, rich flavors of the shrimp casserole while cutting through its richness.
• Serve with Herbed Garlic Bread: Create a perfect side that echoes the garlic notes in the dish and provides a crunchy texture contrast to the creamy shrimp.
• Match with Fresh Citrus Salad: Prepare a light salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the heavy casserole and add a refreshing zest that brightens the entire meal.
• Complement with Roasted Asparagus: Roast asparagus spears with olive oil and sea salt to provide a green vegetable side that enhances the seafood's delicate flavor profile.

Add-On Ideas for Baked Shrimp Casserole

• Spicy Cajun Seafood Casserole: Replace paprika with Cajun seasoning, add diced bell peppers and cayenne pepper for extra heat. Incorporate andouille sausage for a Louisiana-style flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Shrimp Bake: Swap thyme for oregano and basil, use feta cheese instead of cheddar. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired variation.
• Coconut Curry Shrimp Casserole: Substitute chicken broth with coconut milk, add curry powder and ginger. Top with toasted coconut flakes and chopped cilantro for an Asian-inspired twist.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Shrimp Gratin: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour, use cauliflower rice as a base. Incorporate cream cheese for extra richness and top with crispy bacon bits.

Why Baked Shrimp Casserole Is a Comfort Favorite

• Quick Seafood Comfort: Dive into a creamy, cheesy shrimp casserole that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish in just 25 minutes.
• Flavor-Packed Texture Explosion: Crispy breadcrumb topping provides delightful crunch against tender, succulent shrimp swimming in a rich, velvety sauce that guarantees mouthwatering satisfaction.
• Effortless Gourmet Dinner: Minimal preparation steps and common kitchen ingredients make this recipe perfect for busy weeknights or impressive weekend entertaining, delivering maximum flavor with minimal cooking skills required.

What You Need for Baked Shrimp Casserole

• Shrimp: Fresh, wild-caught shrimp provide the best flavor and tender texture for this creamy casserole.

• Butter, Heavy Cream, Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Rich dairy ingredients that create a luxurious, creamy sauce and add depth to the casserole.

• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds aromatic warmth and depth to the dish.
• Chicken Broth: Provides additional savory liquid base and enhances overall flavor profile.
• Dried Thyme, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that complement seafood and create a well-balanced taste.

• Breadcrumbs: Crunchy topping that adds textural contrast and golden-brown finish to the casserole.

How to Assemble This Shrimp Bake

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Create Garlic Butter

• Melted butter
• Minced garlic

Step 3: Arrange the Shrimp

Place shrimp in the greased baking dish in a single, even layer.

Step 4: Prepare Cream Sauce

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Dried thyme
• Paprika
• Salt
• Pepper

Step 5: Cover Shrimp with Sauce

Pour the cream mixture over the shrimp, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 6: Add Cheese Topping

• Grated cheddar cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Step 7: Make Crispy Breadcrumb Topping

• Breadcrumbs
• Melted butter

Ensure breadcrumbs are fully coated.

Step 8: Add Breadcrumb Layer

Spread the buttered breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the casserole.

Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the sauce bubbles.

Step 10: Rest and Serve

Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Baked Shrimp Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired Baked Shrimp Casserole delivers ocean-fresh flavors with Mediterranean herbs and garlic-infused goodness. Creamy textures and succulent shrimp invite diners to savor coastal comfort in one irresistible dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined

Dairy and Cheese:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) butter
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• ¾ cup (85 grams) grated cheddar cheese
• ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Other Ingredients:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Topping:

• 1 cup (120 grams) breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) melted butter

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish with a light coating of unsalted butter or nonstick cooking spray.
2. Melt butter in a small microwave-safe bowl and blend with finely chopped fresh garlic, creating an aromatic base.
3. Arrange raw shrimp in a single, uniform layer across the prepared baking dish, ensuring no overlapping.
4. Create a rich sauce by whisking together low-sodium chicken broth, full-fat heavy cream, dried thyme leaves, sweet paprika, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a separate mixing bowl.
5. Generously pour the creamy sauce over the shrimp, completely covering each piece to ensure even flavor distribution.
6. Distribute freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese and aged Parmesan cheese evenly across the surface of the shrimp and sauce.
7. Prepare the crispy topping by combining plain breadcrumbs with melted butter, stirring until each crumb is thoroughly coated with the rich butter.
8. Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumb mixture uniformly over the entire casserole, creating a golden, crunchy layer.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 22-26 minutes, watching for a beautiful golden-brown crust and bubbling sauce edges.
10. Allow the casserole to rest for 3-4 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps the sauce settle and makes serving easier.

Notes

• Creamy seafood dish perfect for impressing dinner guests with minimal cooking skills.
• Opt for fresh, high-quality shrimp to elevate the overall flavor and texture of the casserole.
• Cheese and breadcrumb topping creates a delightful crispy golden crust that adds incredible crunch.
• Cooking time is crucial – watch carefully to prevent overcooking the delicate shrimp and drying out the sauce.
• Serve immediately after baking to enjoy the rich, bubbling sauce and maximum flavor intensity.
• Pair with light side dishes like green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the casserole.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 492 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 23 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 295 mg