Shrimp Casserole is a true crowd-pleaser and a staple for anyone who adores comfort food with a coastal twist. Think juicy, tender shrimp nestled in fluffy white rice, all brought together by a luscious, creamy blend of cheese, sour cream, and tangy mayo—with just enough zesty seasoning to make each bite pop. Topped off with a buttery, crunchy breadcrumb crust, this dish delivers the perfect texture in every forkful. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or entertaining friends, you’ll find yourself making Shrimp Casserole again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the beauties of Shrimp Casserole is how everyday pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients come together to create pure magic. Each addition brings its own flair—wonderful flavor, a pop of color, or irresistibly creamy texture.
- Shrimp: Go for peeled and deveined raw shrimp, as they cook up sweet and tender in the casserole.
- White rice: Use cooked rice—it’s the backbone of the dish, absorbing all those scrumptious flavors.
- Cheddar cheese: Shredded cheddar adds melty richness and a satisfying tang.
- Sour cream: Provides creaminess and a touch of tang; Greek yogurt works in a pinch for a lighter version.
- Mayonnaise: Rounds out the casserole’s creamy base and keeps everything luscious.
- Onion: Chopped onion brings gentle sweetness and depth to the mix.
- Green bell pepper: Adds freshness and color, balancing the creamy and cheesy flavors.
- Garlic: Only one clove needed for that savory, aromatic kick.
- Old Bay (or Cajun seasoning): The essential seafood seasoning for bold, crave-worthy flavor—just a teaspoon, but it makes all the difference!
- Salt and pepper: Adjust to your taste for seasoning perfection.
- Breadcrumbs: The crispy finishing touch—choose panko for even more crunch if you like.
- Butter: Melted and mixed with breadcrumbs for a golden, flavorful topping.
How to Make Shrimp Casserole
Step 1: Sauté Your Veggies and Shrimp
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab your favorite large skillet and set it over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic, sautéing until they soften and turn fragrant—this should take about five minutes. Next, toss in the raw shrimp and cook just until they start to blush pink, about two to three minutes. Overcooking isn’t your friend here; you want those shrimp juicy and perfect.
Step 2: Combine Everything Together
Scoop the sautéed shrimp and veggies into a big mixing bowl. In go the cooked white rice, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and Old Bay seasoning. Stir it all together until every grain of rice is coated in the creamy, cheesy mixture. Don’t forget to taste and season with salt and pepper—just the way you like it.
Step 3: Transfer to the Baking Dish
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—just enough to minimize sticking and ease up on cleanup later. Spread the shrimp and rice mixture evenly in the dish, smoothing the top with a spatula so everything bakes up uniformly.
Step 4: Make Your Crunchy Topping
In a small bowl, toss together the breadcrumbs and melted butter until every crumb is lightly coated. Sprinkle this all over the casserole, making sure you get good coverage for an even golden crust that bakes up with the perfect crunch.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
Slide that beautiful Shrimp Casserole into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for a bubbling, piping-hot filling and a crisp, golden-brown top. Once done, let the casserole rest for five minutes before slicing—it sets perfectly and serves up neatly!
How to Serve Shrimp Casserole
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a handful of sliced green onions on top right before serving takes your Shrimp Casserole from homey to downright gorgeous. Not only does it add a burst of vibrant color, but those little fresh notes balance the rich, savory flavors running through the whole dish.
Side Dishes
Shrimp Casserole is pretty much a meal in itself, but you can round it out with light, crisp sides. A simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette, extra roasted veggies, or even classic Southern sides like buttered green beans all make delightful pairings. Don’t shy away from warm rolls or crusty bread for scooping up every last bite!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, spoon individual portions into small ramekins for dinner parties, or use colorful casserole dishes to make the whole spread feel festive and inviting. Hosting brunch? Serve the casserole alongside scrambled eggs and fruit for an unexpected but happy twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once everyone’s had their fill, let any leftover Shrimp Casserole cool completely before storing. Transfer it to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen a bit overnight, making leftovers incredibly tasty!
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap cooled portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or use freezer-safe containers. Store them in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready to reclaim a bit of weeknight magic, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, pop individual servings in the microwave with a splash of water or cream to keep things moist, or heat the whole casserole in a 350°F oven (covered with foil to prevent drying) until piping hot throughout. A few extra breadcrumbs over the top can refresh that irresistible crunch!
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp in Shrimp Casserole?
Yes, you can! Just sauté the veggies as usual, then gently fold the cooked shrimp into the rice and cheese mixture right before baking. This ensures your shrimp stay plump and tender, not overcooked.
Is there a non-dairy substitute for sour cream and cheese?
Absolutely. There are great plant-based alternatives for both sour cream and cheese these days—just be sure to choose varieties that melt well and have a neutral or cheesy flavor for best results in Shrimp Casserole.
How can I make Shrimp Casserole spicier?
Turn up the heat by adding a diced jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper with your veggies, or swap in a spicier Cajun seasoning. If your crowd loves spice, offer hot sauce on the side at serving time.
Can I prepare Shrimp Casserole ahead of time?
Definitely! Assemble everything, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready, just add the breadcrumb topping and bake as directed—add a few extra minutes since it’ll be cold from the fridge.
What type Main Course
Sturdy, cooked white rice (like long-grain or jasmine) holds up best and soaks up all the flavors without getting mushy. Brown rice can also be substituted if you want a nuttier, whole-grain base.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like digging into a bubbling, golden Shrimp Casserole with loved ones at your table. This recipe brings big flavor with very little fuss, and it’s sure to earn a spot on your list of go-to favorites. Give it a try—your taste buds (and your friends and family) will thank you!
Print
Shrimp Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Shrimp Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender shrimp with creamy cheese, rice, and a blend of savory seasonings. Baked to golden perfection, it’s a satisfying meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Shrimp Mixture:
- 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or Cajun seasoning)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Casserole:
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sauté vegetables: In a skillet, sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic until softened.
- Cook shrimp: Add shrimp to the skillet and cook until just pink.
- Mix ingredients: In a bowl, combine rice, cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, shrimp mixture, and seasoning.
- Season and bake: Season mixture, transfer to baking dish, top with breadcrumb mixture, and bake until golden.
- Rest and serve: Let casserole rest before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter version.
- Add chopped parsley or green onions for freshness.
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