If you’re dreaming of a cozy, comforting dish that brings the fresh flavors of the ocean right to your table, this New England Seafood Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a creamy, indulgent blend of tender scallops, succulent shrimp, and flaky haddock baked to golden perfection under a buttery, crisp topping. Every bite captures the essence of New England’s maritime cuisine, making it a true crowd-pleaser for family dinners or special occasions. Once you try this casserole, it will quickly become one of your favorite ways to enjoy seafood!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this New England Seafood Casserole Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully selected ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in layering flavors and textures, from the delicate seafood to the rich, cheesy sauce, and the crunchy golden topping that makes every forkful such a delight.
- Sea scallops (1/2 lb): Tender and sweet, they add a delicate texture that melts in your mouth.
- Shrimp (1/2 lb, peeled and deveined): Adds a juicy, slightly firm bite that complements the scallops perfectly.
- Haddock or cod (1/2 lb, cut into chunks): Offers a flaky, mild-flavored fish foundation for the casserole.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, divided): Provides richness and helps create the crispy topping you’ll love.
- Small onion (finely chopped): Brings a subtle sweetness that balances the seafood flavors.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds a warm, aromatic depth to the creamy sauce.
- Dry white wine or seafood stock (1/2 cup): Enhances the seafood essence and helps build the sauce base.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Creates a lush, velvety sauce that clings to every bite.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Adds a salty, nutty flavor and thickens the sauce slightly.
- Old Bay seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): Classic spice blend that brings that iconic coastal seasoning flair.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Adds warmth and a mild smoky note.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to brighten and balance all the flavors.
- Ritz crackers or buttery breadcrumbs (1 cup, crushed): Their buttery crunch forms the irresistible topping.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped, optional): A fresh, herbaceous garnish to finish off the dish beautifully.
How to Make New England Seafood Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Sauté Aromatics
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish—this ensures your casserole won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze. Then, melt half the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Adding the finely chopped onion, sauté it for a few minutes until it softens and sweetens, bringing an inviting base aroma. Toss in the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, which only takes about 30 seconds—don’t let it brown or burn.
Step 2: Build Your Creamy Sauce
Pour in the white wine or seafood stock to the skillet and let it simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly—this intensifies the flavor. Next, stir in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer everything gently, allowing the sauce to thicken just enough so it beautifully coats the seafood later. This luscious sauce is the heart of the New England Seafood Casserole Recipe.
Step 3: Combine Seafood with Sauce and Assemble
Gently fold the scallops, shrimp, and chunks of haddock into the sauce, ensuring every piece is coated. Pour this heavenly mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers or buttery breadcrumbs with the remaining melted butter—this will create the satisfyingly crispy topping that is a signature of this dish. Sprinkle this topping uniformly over the seafood and sauce.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the casserole in the oven, uncovered, and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the seafood is perfectly cooked through and the topping has turned a gorgeous golden brown. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking—this helps the flavors settle and makes serving easier.
How to Serve New England Seafood Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley sprinkled on top is a lovely finishing touch for the casserole. It adds a bright, herbaceous note and visually lifts the dish with a pop of green color. If you’re feeling adventurous, a squeeze of fresh lemon just before serving can also bring a zesty brightness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy richness.
Side Dishes
This casserole is rich and satisfying, so pairing it with light, complementary sides works best. A crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette or steamed seasonal vegetables like asparagus or green beans will provide refreshing balance. For a more filling meal, buttery garlic mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up every last bit of sauce are fantastic options.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special dinner, consider serving individual portions in small ramekins or casserole dishes. This personalized presentation makes the meal feel extra special and perfect for entertaining. Alternatively, layering the seafood mixture on a bed of rice or orzo in a serving dish can turn the casserole into a stunning centerpiece that dazzles both in flavor and appearance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled to room temperature, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often meld even more overnight, making the next day’s meal just as delicious. Simply reheat gently to enjoy again.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole before baking by assembling it in a freezer-safe dish, wrapping it tightly with foil and plastic wrap. Frozen, it will keep for up to 1 month. When ready to cook, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as usual. This makes the New England Seafood Casserole Recipe a great candidate for meal prepping or busy weeknight dinners.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat individual servings in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through and the topping regains its crispness, about 15 to 20 minutes. You can also reheat in the microwave, but keep in mind the topping may lose some crunch.
FAQs
Can I use different types of seafood for this casserole?
Absolutely! The recipe is quite flexible. You can swap in lobster meat for a luxury version or use any firm white fish you prefer. Just keep the overall weight in balance to maintain the perfect seafood-to-sauce ratio.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, although the creamy sauce is a hallmark of this casserole, you can use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream substitute along with non-dairy butter alternatives to accommodate dietary restrictions. The cracker topping may also need adjustment if avoiding dairy.
What wine pairs well with this seafood casserole?
A crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Chardonnay complements the creamy, delicate seafood flavors beautifully. These wines enhance the dish without overpowering it.
Can I prepare the casserole in advance and bake later?
Definitely. You can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
How can I make the topping extra crunchy?
Using crushed Ritz crackers mixed with melted butter is a classic for crunchy topping. For an even crispier texture, you can mix in some panko breadcrumbs or a sprinkle of grated sharp cheddar cheese before baking.
Final Thoughts
This New England Seafood Casserole Recipe is the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s effortless to make yet impresses with its rich, harmonious flavors and delightful textures. Whether for a casual family dinner or a special occasion, it’s sure to become one of your most treasured seafood meals. Give it a try and delight in the wonderful taste of New England’s coastal charm!
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New England Seafood Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American (New England)
Description
A rich and creamy New England Seafood Casserole featuring scallops, shrimp, and haddock baked in a savory Parmesan and Old Bay seasoned sauce, topped with buttery crackers for a golden, crispy crust. Perfect as a hearty main course showcasing classic regional seafood flavors.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 1/2 lb sea scallops
- 1/2 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1/2 lb haddock or cod (cut into chunks)
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or seafood stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Topping
- 1 cup Ritz crackers or buttery breadcrumbs (crushed)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and prepare for casserole assembly.
- Sauté aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add finely chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to develop fragrance without burning.
- Make sauce: Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly, concentrating flavor. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine seafood and sauce: Gently add the scallops, shrimp, and haddock chunks into the sauce, carefully tossing to coat the seafood evenly without breaking it apart.
- Assemble casserole: Pour the seafood mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Prepare topping: Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and combine it in a small bowl with the crushed Ritz crackers or buttery breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole for a crispy golden crust after baking.
- Bake: Place the casserole uncovered in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
- Rest and garnish: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking to let flavors set. Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- You can substitute other white fish such as cod or pollock, or add lobster meat for a more decadent version of the casserole.
- For a lighter sauce, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream to reduce fat content.
- Ensure seafood is fresh and properly prepared for best flavor and texture.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this casserole gluten-free if needed.
