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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by warming it to 350°F (175°C), creating the ideal environment for baking the seafood casserole.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Gently fold the seafood mixture into the creamy sauce, ensuring each morsel is generously enrobed with the decadent mixture.
- Transfer the maritime medley to a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a uniform layer of oceanic deliciousness.
- Sprinkle a crisp breadcrumb topping across the surface, providing a crunchy contrast to the tender seafood beneath.
- 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.
- 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