Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The combination of crab and shrimp creates an irresistible seafood base, while the creamy sauce made with cheeses, mayonnaise, and seasonings adds a rich, savory flavor. The panko breadcrumb topping ensures a crisp, golden finish that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior. It’s a comforting yet indulgent dish, and its simplicity makes it perfect for both casual meals and special occasions.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.) For the Casserole:
- 1 lb shrimp (peeled, deveined, and chopped)
- 1 lb lump crabmeat (picked over for shells)
- 4 tablespoon butter
- 1 medium onion (finely diced)
- 1 medium bell pepper (finely diced)
- 2 stalks celery (finely diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups whole milk or half-and-half
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Topping:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoon melted butter
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Sprinkle flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the milk or half-and-half, stirring until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Add the softened cream cheese and continue to stir until smooth.
- Remove from heat and gently fold in shrimp, crabmeat, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the seafood mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
- For the topping, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and melted butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly around the edges and golden brown on top.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional parsley if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for the regular ones to make this casserole gluten-free.
- Different Cheeses: Swap out cheddar and mozzarella for other cheeses like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or Fontina for a unique twist.
- Add Heat: Spice things up by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the seafood mixture.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for this casserole?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked shrimp. Just add it to the mixture in Step 4 and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this casserole gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and panko breadcrumbs.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! You can substitute the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses with other cheeses like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or Fontina.
Can I replace the mayonnaise with something else?
Yes, you can use sour cream or Greek yogurt as a substitute for mayonnaise for a tangier flavor.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it before baking.
How do I prevent the casserole from being watery?
Ensure that the vegetables are well-cooked and not too watery before mixing them with the seafood. Also, be sure to drain any excess liquid from the seafood before adding it to the casserole.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to two months.
What can I serve with this casserole?
Serve this casserole with a side of garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted asparagus for a complete meal.
How do I reheat the casserole without drying it out?
Cover the casserole with foil when reheating in the oven to prevent it from drying out.
Can I make this without Worcestershire sauce?
Yes, if you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, you can omit it or substitute with a splash of soy sauce for a similar umami flavor.
Conclusion
This Crab and Shrimp Casserole is the ultimate seafood dish, combining the richness of crab and shrimp with a creamy, cheesy sauce. It's perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion. Easy to make, yet indulgent, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.
Crab and Shrimp Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 Servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Crab and Shrimp Casserole is a seafood lover's dream! Packed with succulent shrimp and lump crabmeat, this creamy, cheesy casserole is full of flavor. A crisp, golden panko breadcrumb topping adds the perfect contrast to the rich and savory interior. It’s a delicious and easy dish ideal for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb shrimp (peeled, deveined, and chopped)
- 1 lb lump crabmeat (picked over for shells)
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 medium onion (finely diced)
- 1 medium bell pepper (finely diced)
- 2 stalks celery (finely diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups whole milk or half-and-half
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Topping:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- 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 cream cheese and stir until smooth.
- Remove from heat. Gently fold in shrimp, crabmeat, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the seafood mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
- For the topping, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and melted butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional parsley if desired.
Notes
- For gluten-free: Substitute gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
- Cheese variations: Try Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or Fontina for a different flavor.
- For added heat: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the seafood mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30minutes
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
