Savory Crustacean Delight Casserole Recipe for Seafood Lovers

Succulent crustacean delight casserole promises a culinary adventure that tantalizes seafood lovers’ taste buds.

Imagine a dish brimming with rich, oceanic flavors and tender morsels of marine treasure.

Coastal ingredients merge in a harmonious blend of comfort and elegance.

Delicate textures and nuanced seasonings create a memorable dining experience that feels both luxurious and inviting.

Soft, perfectly cooked marine proteins mingle with aromatic herbs and creamy elements.

Each forkful tells a story of maritime inspiration and home cooking passion.

This recipe beckons you to embark on a gastronomic journey that celebrates the bounty of the sea.

Crustacean Delight Casserole FAQs

• Can I use frozen seafood for this casserole?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp and crabmeat. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before mixing to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.

• How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Replace regular flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free certified.

• What side dishes pair well with this casserole?

Green salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed rice complement this seafood casserole perfectly. A light, crisp white wine also makes an excellent accompaniment.

• How long can I store leftovers?

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for best texture and flavor.

Why Crustacean Delight Casserole Is a Crowd Favorite

• This casserole bursts with succulent shrimp and sweet crabmeat, delivering a luxurious seafood experience that transports you straight to the coast.
• The recipe transforms complex seafood preparation into an easy one-bowl method, allowing home cooks to create restaurant-quality dishes without advanced culinary skills.
• Creamy cheese sauce and crunchy breadcrumb topping elevate this casserole from basic to extraordinary, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special gatherings.
• With just 45 minutes from start to finish, this casserole provides a delicious meal that's faster than takeout and packed with more nutrition and love.

What Goes into Crustacean Delight Casserole

• Shrimp: Sweet and tender crustacean, best when fresh and deveined for clean flavor.
• Crabmeat: Soft and delicate protein that adds richness to the casserole, fresh or canned works well.

• Celery, Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor base that provides depth and subtle background notes to seafood, finely diced for even distribution.

• Butter: Creates rich foundation for the roux, unsalted preferred for better salt control.
• Flour: Thickening agent that helps create smooth sauce consistency.
• Milk: Provides creamy liquid base for sauce, whole milk recommended for fuller flavor.
• Mayonnaise: Adds extra creaminess and subtle tang to the sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese that brings robust flavor to the casserole.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for balanced taste.
• Breadcrumbs: Crispy topping that adds textural contrast and golden brown finish.

Step-by-Step Guide for Crustacean Delight Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C). This warm welcome sets the stage for our seafood masterpiece.

Step 2: Gather Seafood Treasures

• Plump shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• Sweet crabmeat (fresh or canned)
• Crisp celery
• Zesty onion
• Aromatic garlic

Toss these marine gems into a spacious mixing bowl and give them a loving mix.

Step 3: Craft the Creamy Sauce

• Butter (melted with love)
• Flour (for silky thickness)
• Milk (creamy and smooth)
• Mayonnaise
• Sharp cheddar cheese
• Salt
• Pepper

Melt the butter, dance in the flour until golden, then slowly waltz in the milk. Whisk with passion until the sauce transforms into a luxurious blend. Remove from heat and stir in remaining ingredients until velvety smooth.

Step 4: Marry the Seafood and Sauce

Pour your dreamy sauce over the seafood mixture. Stir until every morsel is beautifully coated in creamy goodness.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and gently transfer your seafood mixture. Sprinkle breadcrumbs across the top like a delicate blanket.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the waiting oven. Bake for 30 minutes until the top turns golden brown and bubbly – a true culinary symphony.

Tips for Crustacean Delight Casserole Perfection

• Master Seafood Selection: Choose fresh, high-quality shrimp and crabmeat from a reputable seafood market to elevate the casserole's flavor and texture.
• Prevent Sauce Lumps: Whisk the flour and butter continuously to create a smooth roux, ensuring no clumps form when adding milk for a silky, creamy base.
• Enhance Breadcrumb Crunch: Toast breadcrumbs lightly in a skillet before sprinkling on top to create an extra crispy, golden-brown crust with deeper flavor.
• Balance Seasoning Carefully: Taste the sauce before adding salt and pepper, as cheese and seafood already contain natural saltiness to avoid over-seasoning.
• Control Moisture Perfectly: Pat seafood dry with paper towels before mixing to prevent excess liquid from making the casserole watery and losing its rich, creamy consistency.

Storage Tips for Crustacean Delight Casserole

• Refrigerate: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, it will keep fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
• Reheat: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Warm in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. For individual portions, microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

Serving Suggestions for Crustacean Delight Casserole

• Sip a Crisp White Wine: Pair this rich, creamy crustacean casserole with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. The wine's bright acidity cuts through the dish's richness and complements the delicate seafood flavors.
• Serve with Fresh Herb Salad: Prepare a light, zesty green salad with mixed herbs like parsley, dill, and chives. The fresh, crisp greens provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, cheesy casserole.
• Add Crusty Sourdough Bread: Slice a rustic sourdough loaf to serve alongside the dish. Its tangy flavor and crunchy texture will perfectly soak up the creamy sauce and add a delightful textural element to the meal.
• Pour Sparkling Citrus Spritzer: Create a homemade non-alcoholic drink with sparkling water, fresh lemon juice, and a touch of honey. This light, effervescent beverage will cleanse the palate between bites of the rich seafood casserole.

How to Remix Crustacean Delight Casserole

• Coastal Comfort Casserole: Replace shrimp and crab with white fish like cod or halibut, adding a light, flaky texture and mild seafood flavor.
• Spicy Gulf Stream Bake: Incorporate diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, and andouille sausage for a zesty New Orleans-style seafood experience with extra heat.
• Mediterranean Seafood Fusion: Swap cheddar cheese with feta, add chopped kalamata olives, sundried tomatoes, and fresh herbs like oregano and parsley for a Greek-inspired coastal dish.
• Creamy Cajun Seafood Pot: Mix in Cajun seasoning, swap milk with heavy cream, and top with crispy panko breadcrumbs for a richer, more intensely flavored version of the original recipe.

Crustacean Delight Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Seafood enthusiasts will fall in love with this Crustacean Delight Casserole recipe that combines succulent shellfish with creamy textures and rich seasonings. Marine flavors mingle perfectly, promising a luxurious dining experience that brings coastal comfort directly to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (454 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 lb (454 g) crabmeat, fresh or canned

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 cup (150 g) celery, diced
• ½ cup (75 g) onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce and Topping Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (28 g) butter
• 2 tablespoons (16 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240 ml) milk
• ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
• 1 cup (100 g) sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• ½ cup (60 g) breadcrumbs
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 pinch pepper
• 1 tablespoon (4 g) fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by warming it to 350°F (175°C), creating the ideal environment for baking the seafood casserole.
2. In a spacious mixing vessel, gently combine succulent shrimp, delicate crabmeat, crisp celery, aromatic onion, and pungent garlic, ensuring a harmonious blend of oceanic ingredients.
3. Craft a velvety sauce by melting butter in a saucepan, whisking in flour until it develops a golden, frothy texture. Slowly incorporate milk, stirring consistently to create a smooth, creamy base.
4. Remove the sauce from heat and fold in mayonnaise, sharp cheddar, salt, and pepper, creating a rich and luxurious coating that will elevate the seafood’s natural flavors.
5. Gently fold the seafood mixture into the creamy sauce, ensuring each morsel is generously enrobed with the decadent mixture.
6. Transfer the maritime medley to a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a uniform layer of oceanic deliciousness.
7. Sprinkle a crisp breadcrumb topping across the surface, providing a crunchy contrast to the tender seafood beneath.
8. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, allowing it to bake until the top transforms into a golden-brown, bubbling masterpiece, typically around 30 minutes.
9. Once done, remove from the oven and let the casserole rest briefly, allowing the flavors to meld and settle before serving this coastal-inspired creation.

Notes

• Carefully select fresh or high-quality canned seafood for the best flavor and texture in this luxurious casserole.
• Properly clean and devein shrimp to remove any gritty or unpleasant textures that might affect the dish’s overall enjoyment.
• Create a smooth, creamy sauce by whisking continuously and gradually adding milk to prevent lumps from forming.
• Use a sharp cheese like extra-sharp cheddar to add depth and richness to the casserole’s flavor profile.
• Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier.
• Check the seafood’s doneness by ensuring shrimp are opaque and slightly curled, indicating they’re perfectly cooked.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg