Crab and Shrimp Casserole

If you’re in the mood for a seafood dish that’s both decadent and comforting, then this Crab and Shrimp Casserole is exactly what you need. Imagine tender shrimp and sweet crab meat baked together in a rich, creamy sauce, all topped with a crispy, golden breadcrumb topping. It’s like a cozy seafood hug in every bite. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just craving something extra special, this casserole will quickly become a favorite. Let’s dive into this delicious, indulgent dish!

Why You’ll Love Crab and Shrimp Casserole

Here’s why this casserole is about to become your go-to recipe:

• Seafood Delight: This casserole combines the best of both worlds with succulent shrimp and sweet, flaky crab, creating a perfectly balanced seafood dish.
• Creamy Comfort: The rich, creamy sauce gives each bite a luxurious feel, making it feel like a special treat without much effort.
• Perfect for Entertaining: Serving this casserole at a dinner party or family gathering will definitely impress your guests. It’s a showstopper that looks as amazing as it tastes.
• Easy to Make: Despite how fancy it sounds, this casserole is surprisingly easy to put together. You won’t need any fancy skills—just simple ingredients and a little love!
• Great Leftovers: It stores well and makes for amazing leftovers the next day. You’ll be eagerly waiting to enjoy it all over again!

Ingredients

Let’s look at what you’ll need to make this creamy, seafood-filled casserole:

Shrimp

The star of the dish! Tender shrimp are a perfect match for the creamy sauce and provide a satisfying bite in every forkful.

Crab Meat

Sweet and flaky crab meat adds a rich flavor that takes this casserole to the next level. You can use fresh, frozen, or even canned crab meat, depending on what’s available to you.

Cream of Mushroom Soup

The base of this casserole’s creamy sauce. It gives a rich, comforting texture that perfectly complements the seafood.

Mayonnaise

Mayonnaise adds a smooth richness to the sauce, creating the perfect creamy base for the shrimp and crab to shine.

Cheddar Cheese

Sharp cheddar cheese melts into the sauce, adding a cheesy depth that brings everything together.

Bread Crumbs

Bread crumbs create a lovely golden, crispy topping that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy filling underneath.

Garlic Powder & Onion Powder

These seasonings bring a savory, aromatic base that enhances the overall flavor of the casserole.

Lemon Juice

A little squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens up the richness and adds a refreshing touch to balance the flavors.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make this delicious casserole:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure the casserole bakes evenly and becomes nice and golden.

Prepare the Seafood

If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess water. Chop the shrimp into bite-sized pieces. If using canned crab, drain and flake it lightly with a fork.

Make the Creamy Sauce

In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Mix well until everything is smooth and combined.

Combine the Seafood and Sauce

Gently fold the shrimp and crab meat into the creamy sauce, making sure all the seafood is coated evenly. Be careful not to break up the crab too much!

Transfer to a Baking Dish

Transfer the seafood and sauce mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly, ensuring it’s all nicely layered.

Top with Cheese and Bread Crumbs

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole, then top with a generous layer of breadcrumbs.

Bake to Perfection

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy and the casserole is bubbling around the edges. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is melted and the breadcrumbs are perfectly browned.

Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. Serve it warm, and enjoy every bite of this indulgent, comforting dish!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 330

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes

How to Serve Crab and Shrimp Casserole

This seafood casserole pairs perfectly with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to enhance your meal:

• Garlic Bread: Serve this casserole with a warm loaf of garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
• Green Salad: Pair it with a crisp, fresh salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the dish.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans are excellent side dishes to serve with this casserole.
• Rice or Pasta: If you want to make it a heartier meal, serve the casserole over a bed of rice or alongside some buttery pasta.

Additional Tips

• Make it Ahead: You can prep this casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it right before serving for a no-stress dinner.
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the casserole for extra flavor and color.
• Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some hot sauce to the creamy mixture for a zesty kick.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for added freshness and a pop of color.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen crab meat?
A1: Yes, frozen crab meat works just fine! Just make sure it’s thawed and drained before using.

Q2: Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup with something else?
A2: Absolutely! You can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of celery or even a homemade cream sauce if you prefer.

Q3: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A3: Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day before and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

Q4: Can I freeze the casserole?
A4: Yes, this casserole freezes really well. After assembling, cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Q6: Can I use a different type of seafood?
A6: Yes! Feel free to swap out the crab and shrimp for lobster, scallops, or a mix of different seafood. Just make sure the seafood is cooked and cut into bite-sized pieces.

Q7: Can I make this casserole without mayonnaise?
A7: Yes, you can substitute the mayonnaise with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a slightly tangy twist.

Q8: Can I add cheese to the filling?
A8: Absolutely! Adding some cheese to the creamy mixture can make the casserole even more decadent. Try a bit of mozzarella or fontina for a different cheesy flavor.

Q9: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A9: To make this casserole gluten-free, simply swap the breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.

Q10: Can I make this recipe spicier?
A10: Yes! Add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture to add some heat and spice.

Conclusion

Crab and Shrimp Casserole is the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and seafood goodness. Whether you’re entertaining or just treating yourself to something special, this dish is sure to impress. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and comfort in a casserole dish. Give it a try, and you’ll see why it’s a recipe that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Print