Best Seafood Delight Casserole Recipe for a Cozy Family Dinner
Seafood delight casserole brings together ocean-inspired flavors that dance across your palate with unexpected harmony.
Imagine a dish that captures maritime magic in every single bite.
Mediterranean coastal influences weave complexity through tender protein selections and delicate seasonings.
Succulent ingredients meld into a comforting masterpiece that celebrates marine culinary traditions.
Textures ranging from silky to crisp create sensational layers of gustatory pleasure.
Rich, elegant preparations convert simple components into an extraordinary dining experience.
You can adore how this recipe effortlessly impresses dinner companions with its sophisticated yet approachable charm.
Explore this culinary adventure and savor each delectable spoonful.
FAQs on Seafood Delight Casserole
Yes, you can easily swap shrimp, scallops, or crabmeat with other seafood like cod, salmon, or even imitation crab. Just ensure the replacement seafood has similar cooking times.
Store the casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for best results, avoiding microwave to maintain texture.
No, the recipe uses flour to thicken the sauce. For a gluten-free version, replace wheat flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the final baking stage, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to cooking time.
Why Seafood Delight Casserole Is a Crowd Favorite
What’s Inside the Seafood Delight Casserole
Seafood Base:Sauce Components:Seasoning and Finishing:Seafood Delight Casserole: Easy Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Kickstart the Seafood Sauté
Grab a large skillet and warm it up over medium-high heat. Melt butter or drizzle olive oil into the pan. Toss in:Quickly sear the seafood until they turn a gorgeous golden color. Splash in some white wine to add depth, then stir in:Cook for another minute, then gently remove the seafood and set aside.
Step 2: Craft the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, combine butter pre-mixed with flour to create a roux. Let it simmer on low heat until the sauce thickens beautifully. Fold in:Ensure every morsel gets coated in the luscious sauce.
Step 3: Prepare the Flounder Base
Fire up the oven to 350°F. Spread flounder fillets in a casserole dish. Sprinkle Old Bay seasoning and add a touch of water. Bake for 10 minutes, then drain any excess liquid.
Step 4: Build the Seafood Layers
Spread the seafood mixture over the pre-baked flounder. Dust with additional Old Bay seasoning for an extra flavor punch. Return to the oven and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes until the top turns golden and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve with Celebration
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking. Scoop out generous portions and watch as your dinner guests dive into this oceanic delight. Bon appétit!
Tips for Nailing Your Seafood Delight Casserole
How to Store and Reheat Seafood Delight Casserole
What to Serve Alongside Seafood Delight Casserole
Ways to Customize Your Seafood Delight Casserole
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Seafood Delight Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Seafood lovers rejoice with this creamy Seafood Delight Casserole, blending ocean-fresh ingredients into a comforting Mediterranean-inspired dish. Layers of tender shrimp, flaky fish, and rich cheese melt together, inviting you to savor each luxurious bite.
Ingredients
Seafood:
- 4 ounces (113 grams) flounder fillets, divided into two parts
- 6 extra-large shrimp
- 6 large scallops
- 4 ounces (113 grams) lump crabmeat
Dairy and Liquids:
- 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) butter, divided
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
- ¾ cup (180 milliliters) chicken stock
Seasonings and Herbs:
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (optional)
- ½ teaspoon chopped Italian parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Ignite the seafood’s flavor profile by gently caramelizing shrimp and scallops in a sizzling skillet with melted butter, creating a golden exterior. Deglaze the pan with a splash of crisp white wine, then introduce heavy cream, chicken broth, dijon mustard, and a medley of seasonings to develop a luxurious sauce.
- Extract the perfectly seared seafood and set aside, preserving their delicate texture. Transform the remaining pan drippings by whisking in flour-infused butter, allowing the mixture to gently simmer and thicken into a velvety consistency.
- Carefully fold in the reserved seafood and tender crabmeat, ensuring each morsel is generously coated with the rich sauce. Allow the mixture to rest while preparing the foundation of the dish.
- Preheat the oven to a steady 350°F. Arrange delicate flounder fillets in a casserole dish, seasoning with a light dusting of Old Bay and a modest splash of water. Bake briefly to partially cook the fish and release any excess moisture.
- Lovingly cascade the creamy seafood mixture over the partially cooked flounder, creating an enticing layered landscape. Sprinkle an additional whisper of Old Bay seasoning across the surface for an extra flavor dimension.
- Return the casserole to the oven, allowing it to bake until the top transforms into a golden, effervescent crust and the interior reaches a luxurious, bubbling perfection.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest momentarily, allowing the flavors to harmonize. Serve immediately, revealing a sublime seafood experience that celebrates ocean-fresh ingredients and culinary craftsmanship.
Notes
- This luxurious seafood casserole combines multiple ocean treasures like shrimp, scallops, crabmeat, and flounder into one decadent dish.
- Precise sautéing and layering techniques ensure each seafood element remains tender, succulent, and perfectly cooked without becoming rubbery.
- White wine and heavy cream create a rich, velvety sauce that elevates the delicate seafood flavors and provides a stunning silky texture.
- Old Bay seasoning acts as a signature flavor enhancer, infusing the entire casserole with a classic maritime taste profile that complements the seafood.
- Gradual baking process helps develop deep, complex flavors while maintaining the seafood’s delicate texture and preventing overcooking.
- Versatile recipe allows for potential ingredient substitutions based on personal preference or seasonal seafood availability.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 486
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 673 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 179 mg
Isabella Rossi
Founder & Culinary Content Creator
Expertise
Recipe Development, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education
Education
Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology
Ballymaloe Cookery School
Liam is the voice behind many of Craft Meats’ most flavorful features. With roots in Dublin’s smoky barbecue scene and a culinary degree from the Dublin Institute of Technology, he brings time-tested cooking techniques to life.
His training at Ballymaloe Cookery School sharpened his farm-to-table approach, giving him a deep respect for every ingredient he writes about.
He’s not about overcomplicating the process, just helping you cook meat that’s worth talking about. When he’s not writing or grilling, he’s out foraging or nerding out on regional spice blends to add to his next recipe.