New England Seafood Casserole Recipe
If you’re longing for a taste of coastal comfort, nothing satisfies quite like a hot, bubbling dish of New England Seafood Casserole. This classic recipe brings together a medley of tender scallops, plump shrimp, and flaky white fish in a velvety, Parmesan-infused sauce—all tucked under a buttery, crisp topping. It’s the kind of dish that evokes memories of breezy seaside vacations and family gatherings, with every mouthful delivering pure maritime magic. Whether you serve it for a weeknight dinner or a festive occasion, the New England Seafood Casserole is always the star of the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts about this dish is how straightforward yet thoughtful the ingredients are—each one is chosen to elevate the flavor, create luxurious texture, or add a pop of color. When they come together, you get a seafood casserole that tastes straight from the coast.
- Sea scallops (200g/7 oz): Their sweet, delicate flavor and firm texture set the foundation for that classic New England bite.
- Raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (200g/7 oz): Shrimp brings a subtle brininess and satisfying chew that perfectly complements the other seafood.
- Haddock or cod fillet, cut into chunks (200g/7 oz): Choose a firm white fish for gentle flakes that soak up the creamy sauce—even mild tilapia works in a pinch.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, divided): Butter is key for both the silky sauce and the golden breadcrumb topping—don’t skimp!
- Small onion, finely chopped: Sweated in butter, it becomes sweet and melts right into the sauce, building savory depth.
- Garlic cloves, minced (2): Just a bit of garlic infuses the casserole with aromatic warmth without overpowering the seafood.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): A classic roux thickens the sauce, so each bite clings perfectly to the seafood.
- Whole milk (1 cup): Milk delivers creaminess and body to the sauce, making it comforting but not too heavy.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): That extra richness transforms the casserole into a true indulgence.
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): For a subtle zing and depth that wakes up the other flavors.
- Old Bay seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): Quintessential for that hint of spice and iconic New England feel.
- Salt and black pepper: Always season to taste—seafood sings with the right touch of salt and freshly cracked pepper.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): A bright splash balances the richness and highlights the freshness of the seafood.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Parmesan melts into the sauce with a savory backbone and nutty fragrance.
- Breadcrumbs (1 cup): For a crunchy, golden finish that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
- Chopped fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, optional): A sprinkle for color and freshness right before serving.
How to Make New England Seafood Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and generously buttering a 9×13-inch baking dish. This little prep ensures nothing sticks and gives your casserole those buttery edges we all secretly crave! Set the dish aside as you move on to the sauce.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Base
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for about 2 to 3 minutes until softened and fragrant—don’t let the garlic brown. Sprinkle in the flour and cook for another minute, whisking constantly, to form a basic roux. Gradually pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring all the while. As the mixture thickens (in about 3 to 5 minutes), you’ll notice it turning glossy and smooth. That’s your sign it’s ready for flavor!
Step 3: Add Flavor and Cheese
To your thickened sauce, stir in the Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, and a generous squeeze of lemon juice. Season with salt and black pepper to your liking. Take it off the heat and immediately fold in the grated Parmesan cheese, letting it melt and infuse the sauce with its nutty, umami-rich notes.
Step 4: Add the Seafood
Gently nestle the scallops, shrimp, and chunks of haddock (or cod) into the creamy sauce. Stir softly just to coat everything, making sure not to break up the delicate fish too much. The seafood will finish cooking as the casserole bakes, staying juicy and tender.
Step 5: Assemble and Top
Pour the saucy seafood mixture evenly into your prepped baking dish. In a small bowl, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and toss with the breadcrumbs until every crumb is glistening. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the seafood—this is your golden, crunchy crown.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the baking dish to the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden and the casserole is bubbling at the edges. You want your seafood just cooked through and irresistibly tender. If you love a particularly crunchy topping, pop the casserole under the broiler for a minute at the end—just watch it closely!
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Finish with a shower of freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Whether you’re serving New England Seafood Casserole straight from the dish or plating it up individually, it’s sure to wow everyone at the table.
How to Serve New England Seafood Casserole
Garnishes
For that picture-perfect finish, top your hot New England Seafood Casserole with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Add a few lemon wedges on the side—guests can squeeze them as they please for extra brightness. A touch of cracked black pepper right before serving is always welcome, too!
Side Dishes
This casserole is a meal in itself but truly shines when paired with light, fresh sides. I love serving it with crisp steamed green beans, sautéed asparagus, or a peppery arugula salad. Crusty bread is a must—perfect for soaking up every drop of that decadent sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, portion the casserole into individual ramekins before baking for an elegant, restaurant-style touch. Or, for a more rustic vibe, bring the whole bubbling dish to the table family-style and let everyone help themselves. Either way, New England Seafood Casserole stands out!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover New England Seafood Casserole keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors deepen overnight, making next-day lunches downright dreamy. Just be sure to cool the casserole completely before sealing to preserve freshness.
Freezing
If you want to save your casserole for a later date, it freezes surprisingly well! After baking and cooling, wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil or transfer portions to freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to one month; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, simply place the casserole (covered loosely with foil) in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot and bubbling, usually 15 to 20 minutes. If reheating from frozen, let it thaw first. For smaller portions, a quick zap in the microwave works, but the oven keeps the breadcrumb topping nice and crisp.
FAQs
Can I use other types of seafood in this casserole?
Absolutely! New England Seafood Casserole is wonderfully flexible. Feel free to toss in lobster chunks, crab meat, or even small pieces of salmon. Just make sure any additions are cut into bite-sized pieces so everything cooks evenly.
Is it okay to use frozen seafood?
Yes! Simply thaw the seafood in the fridge overnight and pat it dry before adding to the sauce. This helps prevent excess moisture, so your casserole stays creamy and not watery.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping. The texture and flavor are still fantastic, so everyone can enjoy this classic New England Seafood Casserole regardless of dietary needs!
Can I assemble the casserole ahead of time?
Definitely! You can fully assemble the casserole (without the breadcrumb topping) a day in advance. When ready to bake, add the breadcrumbs and pop it straight into the oven—just allow a couple extra minutes of baking time.
What wine pairs best with New England Seafood Casserole?
A crisp white wine with bright acidity is ideal—think Sauvignon Blanc, unoaked Chardonnay, or a dry Riesling. These complement the creamy sauce and rich seafood without overpowering them.
Final Thoughts
New England Seafood Casserole is the very definition of coastal comfort food—simple to make, yet special enough for any occasion. I can’t recommend it enough for anyone wanting to bring a bit of East Coast charm to their own kitchen. Give it a try, and get ready for a round of happy, seafood-loving smiles!
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New England Seafood Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This New England Seafood Casserole is a rich and creamy baked dish featuring a medley of scallops, shrimp, and white fish in a flavorful sauce, topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust. Perfect for a special dinner or gathering.
Ingredients
Seafood Mixture:
- 200g (7 oz) sea scallops
- 200g (7 oz) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 200g (7 oz) haddock or cod fillet, cut into chunks
Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Topping:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the sauce: In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and sauté onion and garlic. Stir in flour, then gradually whisk in milk and cream. Season with Dijon mustard, Old Bay, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese.
- Combine seafood and sauce: Add scallops, shrimp, and fish to the sauce, then transfer the mixture to the baking dish.
- Add topping and bake: Mix remaining butter with breadcrumbs and sprinkle over the seafood. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute haddock with any firm white fish.
- For extra richness, add a splash of dry white wine to the sauce before baking.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American (New England)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
