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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Aromatics: Combine melted butter with finely chopped garlic, creating a fragrant base that will infuse the entire dish with rich flavor.
- Shrimp Placement: Spread raw shrimp in a single, uninterrupted layer across the prepared baking dish, avoiding any overlapping to guarantee even cooking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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