Shrimp Casserole a Creamy Dreamy Seafood Delight

Shrimp Casserole Creamy Dreamy Delight My GoTo Recipe
By Laura Tide

Recipe Introduction: look into into Deliciousness!

Ever have one of those days where you just need a big hug in food form? Honestly, that's exactly what this Shrimp Casserole: A Creamy, Dreamy recipe is.

This Creamy Shrimp Casserole is more than just a meal, it is seriously a hug in a bowl.

A Classic Comfort Food Casserole Recipe

This dish has roots deep in American comfort food. It feels like something your grandma would whip up on a chilly evening.

It is a Baked Seafood Casserole which is easy enough for a weeknight, but impressive enough for company. This recipe makes about 6 servings.

Perfect for sharing, or having leftovers for lunch!

Why You'll Love This Easy Shrimp Recipes For Dinner

The best thing? It is packed with protein and a delightful creamy texture. Think of it as a luxurious twist on your regular Seafood Dinner Recipes .

Plus, it's the perfect excuse to gather your mates for a cozy Comfort Food Casserole Recipes night. This recipe, in my opinion, stands out.

Time to grab your apron and let’s make some magic. You are not going to regret this Easy Weeknight Dinner Casserole !

Ingredients & Equipment

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need for this Shrimp Casserole: A Creamy, Dreamy masterpiece. Honestly, it's not as scary as it sounds.

I've made this tons of times, and you know what? It always turns out delicious. This recipe is more accessible than most Shrimp Casserole Recipes .

So, relax, and let's gather our goodies. This Creamy Shrimp Casserole is easier than it looks!

Main Ingredients

Let's start with the stars. You will need 1 ½ pounds (680g) of large shrimp. Fresh or frozen, your call, but make sure they're peeled and deveined.

Ain't nobody got time for that! For the shrimp, you will also need 1 tablespoon (15ml) of olive oil, ½ teaspoon (2.

5ml) of salt, ¼ teaspoon (1.25ml) of black pepper, and 1 tablespoon (15ml) of lemon juice. Get that fresh squeezed lemon juice; it really makes a difference!

Then, for our creamy dreamy sauce, we're talking 4 tablespoons (57g) of unsalted butter, ¼ cup (30g) of all-purpose flour, 2 cups (475ml) of whole milk (warmed!), and ½ cup (120ml) of heavy cream.

Essential spices are ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) of salt (plus more to taste), ¼ teaspoon (1.25ml) of black pepper (ditto), and ¼ teaspoon (1.

25ml) of ground nutmeg. Don't skip the nutmeg! It adds such a lovely warmth. Oh, and optional but highly recommended is 1/4 cup of dry sherry (optional) and 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley.

These Seafood Casserole Recipes taste even better with fresh ingredients.

Finally, for that golden topping we will need 1 cup of day-old white bread (crusts removed, pulsed into crumbs or just use panko, no judgement!), 4 tablespoons (57g) of melted unsalted butter, ¼ cup (30g) of grated Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of paprika.

You're almost there! You can make this as Comfort Food Casserole Recipes .

Seasoning Notes

So, the essential spice combo here is salt, pepper, and nutmeg. But don't be afraid to experiment. Garlic powder is a good addition to this.

And if you are looking for Easy Shrimp Recipes For Dinner , the lemon juice really brightens the whole thing up.

For flavor enhancers, a dash of Worcestershire sauce in the sauce can add some umami depth. If you don't have sherry, you could use dry white wine instead, or just skip it.

Nobody is judging!

Equipment Needed

Okay, so we're not talking fancy equipment. A large skillet or sauté pan is essential. You'll need a 9x13 inch (23x33cm) baking dish for the casserole itself.

A whisk is key for making a smooth sauce. And some mixing bowls for the breadcrumb topping. A food processor is optional for making breadcrumbs, but if you're feeling lazy (like I often am), store-bought breadcrumbs are just fine.

These Baked Seafood Casserole and Seafood Dinner Recipes have never been easier!

Shrimp Casserole: A Creamy, Dreamy Delight is Calling Your Name!

Honestly, who doesn't love a good casserole? They're basically the ultimate comfort food casserole recipes . This Shrimp Casserole: A Creamy, Dreamy version takes it to the next level.

It's creamy, dreamy, and packed with flavour. Imagine succulent shrimp swimming in a rich, buttery sauce, topped with golden, crunchy breadcrumbs.

Ready to dive in? Let's go!

Prep Like a Pro: The Mise en Place Matters

Before we start throwing things in a pan, let's get organized. Think of it as your culinary warm-up! Get your 1 ½ pounds of shrimp peeled and deveined.

Chop your parsley. Measure out all your ingredients. And if you're feeling fancy, get that bread staling for the best breadcrumbs ever .

It makes a difference, trust me! This essential mise en place step avoids the mad scramble and a burnt sauce later.

step-by-step to Casserole Heaven

Alright, let's get this show on the road. Making this Creamy Shrimp Casserole is easier than you think!

  1. Shrimp Time: Toss your shrimp with 1 tablespoon olive oil, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Let them chill while you work on the sauce.
  2. Creamy Dreamy Sauce: Melt 4 tablespoons butter in a skillet. Whisk in ¼ cup flour and cook for 2 minutes. Slowly whisk in 2 cups of warmed milk and ½ cup heavy cream. Stir constantly! Bring to a simmer, stirring until thickened (about 5- 7 minutes). Stir in ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, ¼ cup sherry (if using), and ¼ cup parsley.
  3. Shrimp Meets Sauce: Add the shrimp to the sauce and cook until pink, about 3- 5 minutes. Don't overcook them, or they'll be rubbery, and nobody wants that.
  4. Topping Time: Mix 1 cup bread crumbs, 4 tablespoons melted butter, ¼ cup Parmesan, and a pinch of paprika (optional) in a bowl.
  5. Assemble and Bake!: Pour the shrimp mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with the breadcrumb topping. Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 20- 25 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly.

Pro Tips for a Perfect Shrimp Casserole

  • Warm Milk Magic: Warming the milk before adding it to the roux helps prevent lumps. No one wants a lumpy sauce!
  • Day-Old Bread is Gold: For the BEST topping, use day-old bread. It soaks up the butter without getting soggy. Honestly, this simple trick transforms this Classic Shrimp Dishes .
  • Don't Overcook! This is the BIG ONE. Overcooked shrimp is a culinary crime. Cook just until pink and opaque, they'll cook more in the oven.

You know, back in the day, my grandma used to make this. It wasn't fancy, but it was always a hit.

This Shrimp Casserole Recipes brings back those memories. So, give it a go. It's the ultimate in Seafood Dinner Recipes .

I bet you will love this Easy Shrimp Recipes For Dinner . This recipe makes the perfect Easy Weeknight Dinner Casserole !

Recipe Notes for Your Shrimp Casserole: A Creamy, Dreamy Masterpiece

Right then, let's chat about a few extra bits and bobs to make your Shrimp Casserole Recipes even more fab.

Honestly, this Creamy Shrimp Casserole is pretty straightforward, but a few tweaks can make all the difference. Plus, I want to share some tips I've picked up along the way.

Serving It Up Right

Okay, so you've got your Baked Seafood Casserole fresh out of the oven. What next? Presentation is key, innit? I like to serve each portion with a sprig of fresh parsley.

Makes it look proper fancy. A side of steamed asparagus or some green beans is ideal. It cuts through the richness beautifully.

And don't forget some crusty bread. You'll want to mop up every last bit of that amazing sauce. A crisp white wine, like a Pinot Grigio, would be smashing with this Seafood Dinner Recipes , too.

Storage Savvy

Right, so you've got leftovers of your Comfort Food Casserole Recipes . First off, lucky you. Let it cool completely. Then, pop it in an airtight container and into the fridge.

It'll keep for 3 days . If you want to freeze it, I'd recommend doing so before baking. Wrap it well in cling film and then foil.

It can stay in the freezer for up to 2 months . When reheating, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then bake at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through and bubbly.

Twists and Turns

Fancy a bit of a change? Why not try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes? It gives a lovely little kick.

You could call it Shrimp and Grits Casserole 's cheeky cousin. Or, if you're feeling veggie inclined, saute some diced mushrooms or bell peppers before making the sauce.

For a gluten-free version, just use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs. Easy peasy! Want a substitute for the shrimp? Scallops or crabmeat are lush options.

These adaptations can help to create more Easy Shrimp Recipes For Dinner .

Nutrition Nitty Gritty

Alright, let's break down what this Shrimp Casserole brings to the table. Each serving clocks in at roughly 450 calories.

You're getting a whopping 35g of protein. That's fantastic for muscle building. There's 28g of fat, mainly from the butter and cream.

But hey, everything in moderation, right? You'll also find about 15g of carbs and a gram of fibre. Shrimp is a great source of selenium and vitamin B12.

So this Classic Shrimp Dishes isn't just tasty, it's doing you some good too. Remember this is just an estimate, eh?

Right then, there you have it. Everything you need to make this Easy Weeknight Dinner Casserole a roaring success. So go on, get in the kitchen and have a go! Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own.

You've got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp for this Shrimp Casserole: A Creamy, Dreamy recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. Gently pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture no one likes a watery casserole, eh? This will help them brown nicely and prevent the sauce from becoming too thin.

What can I substitute for the sherry in the creamy sauce? I don't fancy buying a whole bottle just for this.

No worries, sherry is optional! If you don't have any on hand, you can simply omit it. A good substitute would be a dry white wine, like a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. Just a splash (about 1/4 cup) will do the trick, adding a touch of acidity and depth to the sauce.

Or, for a non-alcoholic version, a squeeze of lemon juice works nicely.

My breadcrumb topping always seems to get soggy. How can I prevent that in this Shrimp Casserole?

Ah, the dreaded soggy topping! There are a couple of tricks. First, use slightly stale bread for your breadcrumbs, or even panko breadcrumbs, as they absorb less moisture. Toasting the breadcrumbs lightly in a dry pan before mixing them with the melted butter and Parmesan can also help.

Finally, make sure the shrimp mixture isn't overly liquid before adding the topping.

How long can I store leftover Shrimp Casserole: A Creamy, Dreamy, and how do I reheat it?

Leftover shrimp casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions, but the topping may lose some of its crispness. For best results, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

You might want to loosely tent it with foil to prevent the topping from browning too much.

Can I make this Shrimp Casserole ahead of time?

You sure can! Assemble the casserole completely, but don't bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if needed, until the casserole is heated through and the topping is golden brown.

Just ensure the casserole isn't fridge cold when you bake it to avoid baking unevenly.

Is this Shrimp Casserole healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?

While this Shrimp Casserole: A Creamy, Dreamy is definitely a treat, it does offer a good source of protein from the shrimp. To make it a bit healthier, you could use light cream cheese or a lower fat milk alternative in the sauce.

Watch your portion sizes and consider serving it with a generous side of vegetables to balance out the richness. Check the recipe's nutrition estimates above!

Shrimp Casserole A Creamy Dreamy Seafood Delight

Shrimp Casserole Creamy Dreamy Delight My GoTo Recipe Recipe Card
0.0 / 5 (0 Review)
Preparation time:25 Mins
Cooking time:35 Mins
Servings:6 servings

Ingredients:

Instructions:

Nutrition Facts:

Calories450 calories
Fat28g
Fiber1g

Recipe Info:

CategoryMain Course
CuisineAmerican

Share, Rating and Comments: