This luxurious, comforting seafood casserole combines tender shrimp, sweet crab, and a creamy, cheesy sauce under a golden, bubbly topping. Perfect for special occasions, holiday dinners, or when you’re craving something decadent yet easy to prepare.
Ingredients
For the Seafood:
· 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails removed
· 8 oz (225g) lump crab meat (fresh, canned, or imitation), picked over for shells
· 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
· 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning (or paprika + pinch of cayenne)
· Salt and pepper to taste
For the Creamy Sauce:
· 4 tbsp unsalted butter
· 1 small onion, finely diced
· 3 cloves garlic, minced
· ¼ cup all-purpose flour
· 1½ cups whole milk or half-and-half
· ½ cup seafood or chicken broth
· 1 cup shredded Gruyère or white cheddar cheese
· ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
· 2 tbsp dry white wine (optional)
· 1 tbsp lemon juice
· 1 tsp Dijon mustard
· ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
· 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill or tarragon (or 1 tsp dried)
For the Topping:
· 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
· 2 tbsp melted butter
· ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
· 2 tbsp chopped parsley
· Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Seafood
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish.
- Pat shrimp dry and toss with olive oil, Old Bay, salt, and pepper.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, sauté shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until just pink (they’ll finish baking in the oven). Remove and set aside.
- Gently fold crab meat into shrimp, being careful not to break up lumps.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft (5 minutes). Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Sprinkle flour over onions and cook, stirring, 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk and broth until smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in Gruyère and ¼ cup Parmesan until melted.
- Remove from heat. Stir in white wine (if using), lemon juice, Dijon, parsley, and dill. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Assemble the Bake
- Combine sauce with shrimp and crab. Pour into prepared baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix panko, melted butter, remaining ¼ cup Parmesan, and parsley. Sprinkle evenly over seafood mixture.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until topping is golden and sauce is bubbly.
- For extra browning, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end (watch closely!).
Step 5: Serve
- Let cool 5–10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with extra herbs and lemon wedges on the side.
Serving Suggestions:
· Serve over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
· Pair with a crisp green salad or steamed asparagus.
· Excellent as an elegant starter or main course.
Variations:
· Add scallops or lobster for an extra-indulgent version.
· Make it spicy with a dash of hot sauce or diced jalapeños in the sauce.
· Lighten it up using Greek yogurt in place of some cream and reduced-fat cheese.
Storage:
· Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
· Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) to maintain texture.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Serves: 4–6
Rich, creamy, and packed with seafood flavor—this cheesy bake is a showstopper that feels restaurant-worthy but is easy to make at home. Enjoy!