Description
This Shrimp Casserole is a rich, creamy, and comforting seafood dish that brings the coast straight to your kitchen table. Succulent shrimp are seasoned with Old Bay, coated in a creamy garlic dressing, and baked under a blanket of melted cheese and crispy buttery breadcrumbs. With its savory flavor and golden crunchy topping, this casserole is an impressive main course that is surprisingly easy to throw together for a weeknight meal or special gathering.
Ingredients
The Seafood Base
- 2 lbs large shrimp (21–24 count), peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning (for the cooking water)
- 1 tablespoon salt (for the cooking water)
The Creamy Filling
- 2/3 cup mayonnaise
- 4 oz shredded Mozzarella cheese
- 4 oz shredded medium Cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
The Topping
- 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- Extra butter for greasing the pan
Instructions
Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 2 1/2-quart casserole dish (or large oven-safe skillet) with butter.
Boil Shrimp
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the salt and Old Bay Seasoning. Add the shrimp and cook for exactly 30 seconds, or just until opaque. Do not overcook.
Drain & Cool
Immediately remove the shrimp with a strainer and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Let them cool for a few minutes.
Dry Shrimp
Drain off any liquid that accumulates at the bottom of the bowl as the shrimp cool, or pat them dry with a paper towel. This step is crucial to prevent a watery casserole.
Mix Filling
Add the mayonnaise, garlic powder, and black pepper to the shrimp. Stir to coat evenly. Sprinkle in the shredded Mozzarella and Cheddar cheeses and stir again to combine.
Assemble
Transfer the shrimp mixture to the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out into an even layer.
Make Topping
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and Panko breadcrumbs. Stir until the crumbs are moistened. Sprinkle the crumbs evenly over the shrimp mixture.
Bake
Bake uncovered for 13–15 minutes, or until the center reaches 145°F on an instant-read thermometer.
Broil
Turn on the broiler for 1–2 minutes to brown the breadcrumbs. Watch closely to prevent burning.
Serve
Let the casserole rest for 15 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.
Notes
The 30-Second Rule: The initial boil is essentially a blanching step to cook the shrimp halfway. They will finish cooking in the oven. If you boil them fully on the stove, they will turn rubbery after baking.
Drain Well: Shrimp release moisture as they cool. Make sure you drain the bowl well before adding the mayonnaise, otherwise, your sauce will be soupy rather than creamy.
Grate Your Own: For the best texture, grate your own block cheese. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
Keto Option: To make this low-carb, simply omit the Panko topping or substitute it with crushed pork rinds mixed with a little Parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner / Main Course
- Method: Boiling / Baking
- Cuisine: American Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving (approx. 1/6 of dish)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 215mg
Keywords: creamy shrimp casserole, seafood bake, old bay shrimp recipe, baked shrimp, easy seafood dinner, cheesy shrimp recipe, weeknight casserole