If you have a craving for a truly comforting yet elegant seafood dish, this Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine succulent shrimp nestled in a buttery, garlicky crab and breadcrumb stuffing, all baked to golden perfection. It combines fresh, vibrant flavors with a satisfyingly crisp top and tender interior. Whether it’s a special occasion or a weeknight treat, this casserole delivers big on taste and warmth, making every bite a celebration of seafood done right.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this casserole lies in its simple but thoughtful ingredients that come together to create a symphony of textures and flavors. Each component contributes to the overall balance: seafood richness, herbaceous freshness, and that irresistible buttery crunch.
- 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp: Peeled and deveined with tails on for texture and presentation.
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs: Adds the perfect crispy topping and a subtle herbiness.
- 1/2 cup crabmeat: Preferably lump or claw, shell-free, for sweet and tender stuffing.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Gives a sharp, savory depth to the casserole.
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion: Brings a mild aromatic base flavor.
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped celery: Adds gentle crunch and freshness.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Brightens the dish with color and herbal notes.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses savory warmth into every bite.
- 1/4 cup melted butter: Essential for richness and helping bind the stuffing.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: A drizzle on top to aid golden browning.
- Juice of 1 lemon: Elevates the seafood flavors with a zingy brightness.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Adds a subtle smoky undertone and gorgeous color.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings to enhance all flavors.
- Nonstick spray or butter: For greasing the baking dish to prevent sticking.
How to Make Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating the oven to 375°F. This sets the perfect temperature to cook your shrimp evenly while allowing the stuffing to brown beautifully. Lightly grease a medium baking dish with nonstick spray or butter, ensuring the shrimp won’t stick and cleanup will be a breeze.
Step 2: Combine the Stuffing Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, blend together the seasoned breadcrumbs, crabmeat, Parmesan, onion, celery, parsley, garlic, melted butter, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper. The goal is a moist, well-mixed stuffing that’s bursting with complementary flavors. This mixture brings together that lovely balance of creamy, crunchy, and zesty notes.
Step 3: Arrange the Shrimp
Place the shrimp snugly in the prepared baking dish. Try to arrange them curled with tails up against the dish edges when possible—this not only looks inviting but helps the stuffing to cling better.
Step 4: Stuff and Drizzle
Spoon the crab breadcrumb stuffing generously over and around each shrimp, pressing slightly so it holds together during baking. Then, drizzle the olive oil over the casserole to promote that irresistible golden crispiness on top.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered in your preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque and the stuffing is golden brown. This combination of baked seafood and crusty topping creates a visually stunning dish with layers of inviting flavor and texture.
How to Serve Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish of fresh lemon wedges not only adds a bright pop of color but also lets everyone squeeze a touch of fresh citrus to enhance that wonderful seafood taste. Sprinkle a few extra chopped parsley leaves on top right before serving for a fresh herbal note.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with fluffy white rice or a light pilaf, which soaks up the buttery juices perfectly. A crisp green salad with a vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast that balances the richness of the seafood bake. For something heartier, try roasted seasonal vegetables tossed with olive oil and garlic.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole Recipe family-style right from the baking dish for a rustic, cozy vibe. Alternatively, portion it onto individual shallow ramekins for an elegant touch when entertaining guests. You can also serve it atop buttered toast points or crispy crackers for a delightful appetizer option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The casserole holds up well and flavors deepen slightly after a day, making for an excellent next-day meal.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole Recipe, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It’s best consumed within 1 month to maintain the best texture and flavor. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and bake at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep that crispy topping intact and the shrimp tender.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp works perfectly, but make sure to thaw it completely and pat dry to avoid excess moisture that could make the stuffing soggy.
What can I substitute for crabmeat?
If crabmeat isn’t available, you can use finely chopped cooked lobster or even more shrimp for a similar texture and flavor profile.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap the seasoned breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs, and double-check any seasoning blends to ensure they are gluten-free as well.
Can I prepare the casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a few hours before baking. Keep it covered in the fridge and bake it fresh when ready for the best results.
How spicy is this casserole?
The recipe uses paprika for mild smoky flavor without heat. If you prefer a little kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne or smoked chipotle powder to the stuffing mixture.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole Recipe is truly a treasure to have in your cooking repertoire. It’s the kind of dish that feels special yet comes together with straightforward ingredients and steps. The combination of tender shrimp, flavorful crab stuffing, and golden crust is guaranteed to impress anyone lucky enough to share a plate. So go ahead and give it a try—you’re going to love how it brings warmth and joy to your table with every delicious bite.
Print
Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
This Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole is a delicious seafood dish featuring large shrimp generously stuffed with a savory mixture of seasoned breadcrumbs, crabmeat, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs. Baked to perfection until golden and bubbly, it makes a perfect main course for family dinners or holiday gatherings. Serve it hot with lemon wedges or over rice for a satisfying meal that highlights the fresh flavors of the sea.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Stuffing
- 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails on
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup crabmeat (lump or claw, picked over for shells)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped celery
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- salt and pepper to taste
For Baking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- nonstick spray or additional butter for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a medium baking dish with nonstick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Make the Stuffing: In a mixing bowl, combine the seasoned breadcrumbs, crabmeat, grated Parmesan, finely chopped onion, celery, parsley, minced garlic, melted butter, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the ingredients are evenly distributed and the mixture is slightly moist.
- Arrange the Shrimp: Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in the prepared baking dish, arranging them curled with tails up against the sides of the dish if possible for an attractive presentation.
- Stuff the Shrimp: Generously spoon the breadcrumb and crab stuffing mixture over and around the shrimp, lightly pressing it down to adhere well.
- Add Olive Oil: Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the stuffed shrimp to enhance browning and flavor during baking.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes until the shrimp turn pink, are opaque throughout, and the stuffing turns golden brown on top.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve the casserole hot, accompanied by lemon wedges or over a bed of rice for a full meal.
Notes
- For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular seasoned breadcrumbs.
- Adding a splash of white wine to the baking dish before baking adds a depth of flavor.
- If using frozen shrimp, thaw completely and pat dry thoroughly to avoid excess moisture diluting the stuffing.
