There’s something undeniably special about gathering around the table with a bubbling Shrimp Casserole straight from the oven. This classic comfort dish brings together succulent shrimp, creamy sauce, tender rice, and a gorgeously golden breadcrumb topping that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re hosting a weeknight family dinner or inviting friends over for a meal, Shrimp Casserole is always a crowd-pleaser. Each wholesome bite delivers a perfect balance of rich flavors, cozy textures, and just the right note of Cajun-inspired spice!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe proves you don’t need complicated ingredients to create a dish that tastes like a true labor of love. Every component here plays an important role, amplifying the comfort, heartiness, and flavor that make Shrimp Casserole unforgettable.
- Shrimp (1 pound, raw, peeled, and deveined): Fresh or thawed raw shrimp bring juicy texture and seafood sweetness that’s the star of this casserole.
- Cooked white rice (2 cups): Provides a tender, satisfying base that soaks up all those creamy, cheesy flavors.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melty and sharp, cheddar gives each bite a stretchy, golden richness.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Adds a tangy, creamy note for the sauce, making everything wonderfully velvety.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Blends with sour cream for even more luscious texture and flavor depth.
- Chopped onion (1/2 cup): Sautéed until soft, onion adds sweet, aromatic complexity.
- Chopped green bell pepper (1/2 cup): Peppers brighten the casserole, offering a gentle crunch and color.
- Garlic, minced (1 clove): Because everything is better with a touch of garlic, infusing the dish with savory warmth.
- Old Bay or Cajun seasoning (1 teaspoon): The seasoning lifts the casserole with just the right touch of spice and coastal flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple but essential, ensuring each layer is perfectly seasoned.
- Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): Form the signature crispy, golden topping.
- Butter, melted (2 tablespoons): Combines with breadcrumbs for deeply flavorful crunch on top.
How to Make Shrimp Casserole
Step 1: Prep and Sauté Veggies
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and garlic for about 5 minutes, until everything turns tender and fragrant. This first step sets the tone, layering your Shrimp Casserole with loads of flavor right from the beginning.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Add the raw shrimp to the sautéed vegetables. Stir and cook just until the shrimp start to turn pink, about 2 to 3 minutes. Don’t overcook them—the oven will finish the job, and you want each shrimp to stay juicy and tender.
Step 3: Combine Everything
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the cooked rice, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and the shrimp-veggie mixture from your skillet. Sprinkle in that Old Bay (or Cajun) seasoning and mix it all up until everything is coated and irresistibly creamy. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. This is where the real Shrimp Casserole magic comes together!
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then spoon in your mixture, smoothing it out with a spatula. In a small bowl, blend the breadcrumbs with melted butter until every crumb is kissed with buttery goodness. Sprinkle the mixture over the top of your Shrimp Casserole for that signature “can’t-wait-to-dig-in” crunch.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the casserole into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for a hot, bubbly center and a topping that’s perfectly golden brown. Don’t forget to let it rest for five minutes before serving—this brief pause makes it easier to slice and enhances all those flavors.
How to Serve Shrimp Casserole
Garnishes
Top your Shrimp Casserole with a handful of fresh chopped parsley or sliced green onions for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. For a little zesty kick, try a squeeze of lemon over each serving just before digging in.
Side Dishes
This dish shines alongside simple, crisp salads or gently roasted vegetables. A bright tomato cucumber salad or lightly sautéed green beans make for perfect partners, balancing the creaminess with something fresh and vibrant.
Creative Ways to Present
Make individual portions by baking your Shrimp Casserole in ramekins, or spoon the filling into bell pepper halves for a colorful, fun twist. Serving at a brunch buffet? Offer it in mini muffin tins for bite-sized, party-ready treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Shrimp Casserole tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. It keeps its flavor and texture beautifully, making next-day lunches something to look forward to.
Freezing
You can freeze Shrimp Casserole before or after baking. Just let it cool completely, wrap tightly, and store in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole loosely with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. If reheating single servings, the microwave works well—just zap in 30-second intervals until hot.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for Shrimp Casserole?
You can, but for the juiciest, most flavorful result, raw shrimp are best. If you only have pre-cooked shrimp, gently fold them in with the rice and sauce instead of sautéing to avoid overcooking.
Is there a substitute for mayonnaise in this recipe?
Yes! You can swap in plain Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a lighter version, or even use extra sour cream if that’s what you have on hand.
What if I want to add more vegetables?
Shrimp Casserole loves a little customization. Feel free to add thawed frozen peas, diced celery, or even baby spinach. Just make sure veggies are tender before baking.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs (or crushed gluten-free crackers) for the topping, and double-check that your seasonings are gluten-free to make this casserole safe for everyone.
Is it possible to assemble Shrimp Casserole ahead of time?
Definitely! Assemble everything except the breadcrumb topping, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add the buttered crumbs just before baking so they stay crisp.
Final Thoughts
Nothing says comfort quite like sharing a bubbling, cheesy Shrimp Casserole with the people you love. Whether it’s your first time making this classic or your hundredth, I hope this version becomes an instant favorite at your table. Don’t be surprised when everyone asks for the recipe!
Print
Cheesy Shrimp Casserole Delight
- 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
Indulge in a comforting and flavorful Shrimp Casserole that brings together tender shrimp, creamy cheese, and fragrant rice, all baked to perfection. This easy-to-make dish is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 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
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sauté vegetables and shrimp: In a skillet, sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic until softened. Add shrimp and cook until slightly pink.
- Combine ingredients: Mix cooked rice, cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, shrimp mixture, and seasoning in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
- Assemble and bake: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Top with breadcrumb mixture. Bake until golden and bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Let the casserole rest before serving.
Notes
- You can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter option.
- Enhance with chopped parsley or green onions for added freshness.
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