Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole Recipe
If you are craving a dish that marries elegance and comfort in one delicious package, the Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine jumbo shrimp butterflied and nestled under a savory, buttery breadcrumb topping that bakes to golden perfection. This casserole is not only stunning on the table but also bursting with flavors that make every bite a celebration. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping holiday centerpiece, a sophisticated dinner party dish, or a special treat to elevate your weeknight meals, this recipe delivers with ease and impressive results.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole Recipe lies in its simple ingredients, each chosen to enhance the natural sweetness of shrimp while adding layers of flavor, texture, and color. Every component plays a vital role in creating that irresistible, buttery, crunchy topping balanced by juicy, tender seafood beneath.
- 1½ pounds large or jumbo shrimp: Fresh, peeled, and deveined with tails on, these shrimp provide the succulent base for the casserole.
- 1½ cups buttery crackers or seasoned breadcrumbs: Choose Ritz or panko to add a delightfully crisp topping that seals in moisture.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Butter enriches the stuffing with creaminess and helps achieve a golden crust.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity note and assists in browning the breadcrumb topping beautifully.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic offers a fragrant punch that complements the seafood flavor perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Fresh parsley brightens the dish visually and adds a mild herbaceous note.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Lemon juice brings a fresh acidity that cuts through the richness of the butter.
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning: This classic blend adds depth with its blend of spices, ideal for seafood dishes.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Paprika provides a mild smoky warmth and enhances the casserole’s color.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to balance all flavors perfectly.
- Lemon wedges, for serving: A finishing touch to brighten the dish just before indulging.
How to Make Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring it’s hot and ready for baking. Next, butterfly the shrimp by slicing along the back without cutting all the way through, then gently flatten each one. This technique allows the shrimp to hold the flavorful stuffing on top instead of curling up during baking. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer, tails pointing upwards, inside a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish to create a neat and even base for your casserole.
Step 2: Make the Stuffing
In a medium-sized bowl, mingle your buttery crackers or seasoned breadcrumbs with the melted butter and olive oil. Then, fold in the minced garlic, fresh parsley, zesty lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. The mixture should resemble moist sand — not too dry but not soggy — so that it forms a perfect topping that crisps up while baking and infuses the shrimp with savory richness.
Step 3: Stuff the Shrimp
Generously spoon the breadcrumb stuffing over each butterflied shrimp, pressing lightly with the back of your spoon to secure it in place. For extra indulgence and a beautiful golden finish, lightly drizzle melted butter or olive oil across the top of the entire casserole. This little touch ensures the crust browns nicely and develops a mouthwatering texture.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop your prepared shrimp casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the shrimp have turned pink and opaque, and the breadcrumb topping has achieved a gorgeous golden brown. The aroma will fill your kitchen with tempting hints of buttery garlic and herbs, making it impossible not to dive in.
How to Serve Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and add a bright contrast to the rich casserole, a few fresh lemon wedges on the side are ideal. Squeezing fresh lemon juice over each serving right before eating enhances the flavors and adds a lively freshness. A sprinkle of additional chopped parsley also adds a lovely pop of green and a fresh herbal aroma that complements the seafood beautifully.
Side Dishes
The Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple, complementary sides that let the shrimp shine. Think garlic butter sautéed green beans or tender asparagus for a vibrant veggie option. Creamy mashed potatoes or a light rice pilaf work perfectly to soak up every bit of those buttery juices. For an even heartier meal, a crisp garden salad with a lemon vinaigrette keeps things refreshing between bites.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, serve this casserole family-style straight from the baking dish, letting everyone help themselves. Alternatively, use large scallop shells or small individual ramekins to create elegant personal portions perfect for intimate dinners or celebrations. Presentation matters, and adding a chive or microgreen garnish on top adds a gourmet touch that makes the meal even more inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to two days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the shrimp from drying out. When ready to enjoy again, the flavors meld even more, making your next meal just as delightful.
Freezing
This casserole freezes well if you want to prepare in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to two months for the best quality. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to ensure the shrimp retain their tenderness and the stuffing stays crisp.
Reheating
For perfectly reheated Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole Recipe, heat it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 15 minutes. This method helps the breadcrumb topping regain some of its crispness while warming the shrimp evenly. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the breadcrumbs soggy and shrimp rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before butterflying. Removing excess moisture helps the stuffing adhere better and prevents the casserole from becoming watery.
What can I add to the stuffing for extra flavor?
For a luxurious twist, mix in some chopped cooked crab meat or minced scallops. These additions enhance the seafood flavors and make your casserole even more indulgent.
Is there a substitute for Old Bay seasoning?
Yes, if you do not have Old Bay, you can create a simple spice blend with paprika, celery salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of dry mustard. This homemade mix will still lend that classic seafood seasoning vibe.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the shrimp and stuffing in the baking dish, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight. Bake it just before serving for the freshest results.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole Recipe yields approximately four generous servings, making it perfect for a small family dinner or a cozy gathering.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have the secrets to crafting a truly scrumptious Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole Recipe, I encourage you to bring this dish to your kitchen table soon. It’s a winning combination of ease, flavor, and elegance that’s sure to impress yourself and anyone lucky enough to share it with you. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a treasured classic in your culinary repertoire.
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Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole is an elegant and easy seafood dish featuring jumbo shrimp butterflied and topped with a savory, buttery breadcrumb stuffing. Baked until golden and tender, this casserole-style recipe is perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or a special weeknight treat with its flavorful combination of herbs, spices, and lemon.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1½ pounds large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails on (about 16–20 count)
Breadcrumb Stuffing
- 1½ cups buttery crackers or seasoned breadcrumbs (such as Ritz or panko)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature for baking.
- Prepare Shrimp: Butterfly the shrimp by slicing along the back without cutting all the way through, then flatten slightly. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer, tails up, in a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Make Stuffing: In a medium bowl, combine the buttery crackers or seasoned breadcrumbs, melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until the texture resembles moist sand.
- Top Shrimp: Spoon a generous amount of the breadcrumb stuffing over each butterflied shrimp in the baking dish. For extra browning and flavor, lightly drizzle the tops with additional olive oil or melted butter.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque and the stuffing is golden and crisp on top.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve hot with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the casserole.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, add chopped cooked crab or minced scallops to the stuffing mixture.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving for convenience.
- Leftovers reheat well in the oven to maintain crispiness and flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
