Cozy Baked Shrimp Casserole Recipe: Seaside Comfort in One Dish

Seafood lovers rejoice as this mouthwatering baked shrimp casserole recipe promises a delightful culinary adventure.

Succulent shrimp nestled in a creamy, herb-infused sauce creates a perfect harmony of flavors that will dance on your palate.

The dish combines simple ingredients with stellar technique, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.

Rich, comforting, and surprisingly easy to prepare, this casserole brings restaurant-quality elegance to your dinner table.

Every forkful delivers a burst of coastal freshness and warmth that feels like a seaside escape.

The blend of tender shrimp, aromatic herbs, and golden, crispy topping ensures a memorable meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Get ready to impress with this irresistible seafood sensation that turns an ordinary evening into a gourmet celebration.

Tools to Assemble a Shrimp Casserole

• Baking Dish: Large, greased ceramic or glass dish for assembling and baking the casserole.
• Small Mixing Bowls: Three separate bowls for mixing butter and garlic, cream sauce, and breadcrumb topping.
• Whisk: Essential for blending cream sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Cheese Grater: For grating cheddar and Parmesan cheeses directly into the dish.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements for ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: For mincing garlic and prepping ingredients.
• Spatula or Spoon: For spreading and mixing ingredients evenly.

How to Bake a Creamy Shrimp Casserole

• Warm Welcome (Oven Preparation)

Cozy up your kitchen by heating the oven to a toasty 375°F, creating the perfect environment for a delightful seafood experience.

• Shrimp Sanctuary (Dish Preparation)

Lovingly coat a baking dish with a soft layer of butter or cooking spray, creating a welcoming home for your succulent shrimp.

• Flavor Foundation (Cream Mixture)

Whisk together a dreamy blend of chicken broth, rich cream, and a sprinkle of herbs that will transform your ordinary shrimp into an extraordinary meal.

• Cheese Crown (Topping)

Generously shower the shrimp with a luxurious blanket of cheddar and Parmesan, promising a golden, crispy top that will make mouths water.

• Crispy Finale (Breadcrumb Layer)

Dust the casserole with buttery breadcrumbs, creating a crunchy landscape that adds texture and excitement to every single bite.

• Culinary Magic (Baking)

Slide the casserole into the warm oven, letting the ingredients mingle and dance for 20-25 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the sauce bubbles with anticipation.

• Moment of Rest (Serving)

Allow the casserole to settle for a few moments, letting the flavors harmonize before bringing this ocean’s treasure to the table.

Shrimp Casserole Tips & Flavor Ideas

• Clever Cooking Tricks
• Replace shrimp with scallops or white fish for a delightful protein variation that keeps the dish exciting and adaptable.
• Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the cream mixture for a zesty kick that transforms the flavor profile and adds subtle heat.
• Experiment with fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or dill instead of dried thyme to introduce bright, fresh notes and enhance the overall taste.
• Toast breadcrumbs in a skillet before sprinkling on top to create an extra crispy, golden-brown topping that adds delightful texture and depth.
• Substitute breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a keto-friendly alternative that maintains the casserole's delicious crunch.

Plating Your Baked Shrimp Casserole

• Pair with Crusty Bread: Slice a warm, crusty baguette or artisan bread to soak up the rich, creamy sauce, turning each bite into a delightful experience.
• Serve with Fresh Salad: Complement the rich casserole with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the creamy, cheesy flavors.
• Add Zesty Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and a burst of fresh herb flavor that brightens the entire dish.
• Rice or Pasta Side: Plate the casserole over fluffy white rice or al dente pasta to create a complete, satisfying meal that captures every drop of the delicious sauce.

Keeping Baked Shrimp Casserole Fresh

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover baked shrimp casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container, sealing tightly to prevent freezer burn. Enjoy frozen portions within 1-2 months for best quality and taste.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated casserole in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to maintain moisture and prevent drying out. Alternatively, use the microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake directly from the cold refrigerator, adding 5-10 extra minutes to the cooking time.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 487 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Baked Shrimp Casserole

• Shrimp: Sweet ocean treasures that bring a delicate seafood flavor, select fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp with firm texture and clean ocean scent.

• Chicken Broth: Liquid foundation that adds depth and richness to the sauce, choose low-sodium versions for better flavor control.
• Heavy Cream: Luxurious binding agent that creates silky smoothness, opt for fresh cream with high butterfat content.
• Dried Thyme: Herb that introduces earthy Mediterranean undertones, select fragrant leaves with vibrant green color.
• Paprika: Spice that delivers warm color and subtle smoky notes, prefer Hungarian or Spanish varieties for authentic taste.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning duo that elevates overall taste profile, use freshly ground black pepper for maximum aroma.

• Butter: Flavor enhancer and moisture provider, select unsalted butter for precise seasoning control.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds robust depth, choose fresh cloves with firm, unblemished skin.
• Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty dairy components that create golden, crispy surface, select freshly grated varieties for best melting properties.
• Breadcrumbs: Crunchy crown that provides delightful textural contrast, use plain or panko for extra crispiness.

Succulent Baked Shrimp Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent baked shrimp casserole showcases Gulf Coast seafood magic with creamy cheese and herbed breadcrumb layers. Coastal comfort merges Mediterranean influences, promising rich flavors that welcome diners to savor each memorable bite.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• ¾ cup (85 g) grated cheddar cheese
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup (120 g) breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) butter
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) melted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
2. Aromatics: Combine melted butter with finely chopped garlic, creating a fragrant base that will infuse the entire dish with rich flavor.
3. Shrimp Placement: Spread raw shrimp in a single, uninterrupted layer across the prepared baking dish, avoiding any overlapping to guarantee even cooking.
4. Sauce Creation: Whisk chicken broth, heavy cream, thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl until the sauce reaches a smooth, consistent texture that will complement the shrimp.
5. Sauce and Cheese Layer: Pour the creamy mixture over the shrimp, completely covering each piece, then evenly sprinkle sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheese across the surface to create a luxurious, melty topping.
6. Crispy Topping: Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter, ensuring each crumb is thoroughly coated, then distribute the buttered breadcrumbs uniformly over the casserole to create a golden, crunchy exterior.
7. Baking: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 22-26 minutes, watching for a beautifully caramelized top and bubbling sauce edges that indicate perfect doneness.
8. Resting: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to settle and making serving both easier and more enjoyable.

Notes

• Prevent Shrimp Overcooking: Large or jumbo shrimp cook faster, so monitor closely to avoid rubbery texture and maintain tender, succulent meat.
• Cheese Melting Tip: Let cheese reach room temperature before sprinkling to ensure smooth, even melting across the casserole surface.
• Breadcrumb Coating Technique: Toast breadcrumbs briefly in a dry skillet before mixing with butter for extra crispiness and enhanced golden-brown color.
• Sauce Consistency Hack: If sauce appears too thin, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with cold water and whisk into the sauce before baking to create a thicker, more luxurious texture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 487
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 759 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 201 mg