Creamy Dreamy Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole
Recipe Introduction
Craving Comfort?
Fancy a bit of posh nosh? I was just thinking, are you looking for the ultimate comfort food that's also kinda fancy? This Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole is totally it! It's creamy, dreamy, and packed with flavor.
Trust me; this'll be your new favourite dish.
A Bit About This Cracking Dish
This isn't your standard, beige casserole. It's got origins in Southern comfort cooking, but with a sophisticated twist. This recipe is medium difficulty.
It takes about an hour from start to finish. You'll get about six servings, perfect for a family dinner or a cosy night in.
Why This Shrimp Casserole Recipe Is Proper Brilliant
It's packed with protein and it’s great for a dinner party. This Seafood Casserole recipe is special, honestly. I swear; that creamy sauce is just chef's kiss .
Plus, the lemon zest brightens everything up. You know? It stops it from being too heavy.
Let's get started with the ingredients, shall we? This Comfort Food Casserole is easier than it sounds. It's all about getting the flavors just right.
And that starts with good ingredients, innit?. This is the way the Crab Stuffed Shrimp Recipe usually starts. If you are looking to Stuff Shrimp With Crabmeat .
That said, I will only focus on shrimp. Let's see what all the fuss is about with this Easy Baked Shrimp .
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!
Right, so you wanna make this Creamy Dreamy Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole ? Good choice! Honestly, even I was surprised how easy and tasty it is, even the first time I tried.
Let's gather our bits and pieces, yeah?
Main Players
Here’s what you’ll need for this stuffed shrimp adventure:
- Shrimp: 1.5 lbs (680g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Tails on or off, up to you. Get the freshest you can find. If they smell a bit fishy, swerve 'em.
- Butter: A whole 1/2 cup (113g) for the stuffing. Use real butter, not margarine. Trust me, it makes a difference.
- Panko: 1/2 cup (50g) . These Japanese breadcrumbs give a lovely crunch.
- Parmesan: 1/4 cup (25g) , finely grated. The proper stuff, not the powdery kind.
- Milk: 1 cup (240ml) for the sauce. Whole or 2% milk, whatever you have.
- Flour: 1 tablespoon (7.5g) , all-purpose. Just your standard flour.
- Gruyere: 1/4 cup (28g) , shredded. This cheese makes it dead posh, but you can skip it.
Seasoning Notes: Flavour Boosters
Seasonings are key for the perfect crab stuffed shrimp recipe :
- Old Bay: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) . This stuff is amazing with seafood. Don't skip it!
- Lemon Zest: 1 teaspoon (5ml) . It brightens up the whole shrimp casserole recipe .
- Nutmeg: Just a pinch. It adds a bit of warmth to the creamy sauce.
- Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . Adds a nice tang.
Honestly, these combos? Inspired. It's how we get the best flavour for our seafood casserole .
Equipment Needed: Simple Tools
Don't need a fancy kitchen for this comfort food casserole :
- Baking Dish: A 9x13 inch (23x33cm) dish.
- Large Bowl: For mixing the stuffing .
- Small Pan: For the creamy sauce.
- Whisk: Gets rid of lumps in the sauce.
- Chef’s Knife: For chopping.
No fancy gadgets needed!
So, let's get started with this easy baked shrimp recipe!.
Creamy Dreamy Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole : A Southern Comfort Classic Reimagined
This ain't your average shrimp casserole recipe ! We're talking succulent shrimp, a creamy, dreamy sauce, and a crab stuffed shrimp recipe level of flavour! Think of it as the ultimate comfort food casserole , perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself.
Honestly, I just love love love a seafood casserole !
Prep Like a Pro
Before we dive in, let's get our ducks in a row. This is the essential mise en place. Grab your 1.
5 lbs of shrimp and get them peeled and deveined. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Get all those spices measured out! Organisation is key, trust me.
Remember to wash your hands thoroughly before handling food. Let's go!
step-by-step to Casserole Heaven
- Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . Grease that 9x13 inch baking dish!
- Season the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of olive oil , ½ teaspoon of salt , and ¼ teaspoon of pepper .
- Sauté the finely chopped onion with ½ cup of melted butter until softened. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Combine the sautéed goodness with ½ cup panko breadcrumbs , ¼ cup Parmesan cheese , ¼ cup parsley , 2 tablespoons mayonnaise , 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard , 1 teaspoon lemon zest , ½ teaspoon Old Bay , ¼ teaspoon salt , and ⅛ teaspoon pepper . Now that is what I call a stuffed shrimp .
- Stuff each shrimp generously with that delicious mixture. This is where the magic happens, really stuff shrimp with crabmeat ; this is when they will come alive.
- Make a simple sauce with 1 tablespoon butter , 1 tablespoon flour , 1 cup milk , ¼ cup cream , salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
- Assemble your masterpiece. Pour the sauce into the dish, and arrange the stuffed shrimp evenly on top.
- Bake for 25- 30 minutes , until golden brown and bubbly.
Pro Tips for a Stellar Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole
Okay, so here's where my "lessons learned" come into play! First, don't overcook those shrimp! Seriously, rubbery shrimp are a crime.
Aim for pink and opaque. For an extra touch of flavour, lightly toast the panko breadcrumbs before mixing them in.
Honestly? Makes a huge difference. You can prep the stuffing a day ahead. Keep it in the fridge, and you're golden.
I reckon that this is one of the best stuffed shrimp recipes you'll ever try. It will be an easy baked shrimp , with the perfect amount of flavours and spice! You know Baked Shrimp with Stuffing is the bomb, so get to it!
Recipe Notes for Your Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole
Right, so you've got the recipe for this Creamy Dreamy Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole . But let's chat about some extras to make it your own.
Honestly, these tips are game changers. I made this Shrimp Casserole Recipe for a dinner party once, and these little tweaks saved my bacon, so pay attention! It's a Southern Comfort Food Casserole so try to add your personal touch.
Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro
Presentation matters, innit? For a fancy vibe, serve individual portions in ramekins. Garnish with fresh parsley and a lemon wedge.
Simple, but classy. As for sides, creamy grits or roasted asparagus are divine. A crisp green salad cuts through the richness too.
Pair it with a cold Sauvignon Blanc. Or if you're not drinking, a glass of iced tea does the trick.
Storage Tips: Keeping It Fresh
If you're lucky enough to have leftovers of this Seafood Casserole , refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
To reheat, bake at 350° F ( 175° C ) until warmed through, about 15- 20 minutes. I wouldn't recommend freezing this Creamy Shrimp Casserole , though.
The sauce might separate.
Variations: Make It Your Own
Fancy a change? For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free panko. Or, swap the shrimp for lobster for an even more luxurious treat.
If you want a Crab Stuffed Shrimp Recipe , then add cooked crab meat to the stuffing. Trust me, it's lush.
Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff
This Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole packs a good punch of protein. We're talking around 35g per serving. Not bad, eh? The shrimp provide selenium and vitamin B12.
Keep in mind it's also relatively high in fat and sodium, so enjoy in moderation. This recipe is a great source of marine protein that is essential for a good diet! You can even Stuff Shrimp With Crabmeat
There you have it. All the insider tips you need to create a truly spectacular Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole . Now get in the kitchen and have some fun.
Experiment. Don't be afraid to mess up - that's how you learn! And don't forget to share your creations. Happy cooking, mates!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole ahead of time? You know, like a proper Mary Berry would prep for a bake off?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole (stuffing the shrimp and pouring the sauce) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly with cling film and store it in the fridge. When you're ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven and add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
Just like a good blue peter project - a bit of prep saves time in the long run!
Help! My shrimp are always rubbery. How do I avoid overcooking them in this Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole recipe?
Ah, the dreaded rubbery shrimp! The key is to watch them like a hawk. Shrimp cook very quickly. Bake the casserole until the shrimp are pink and opaque, and the stuffing is golden brown and bubbly. They should be cooked through. Check after 25 minutes, and if they look ready, take it out.
Better to undercook slightly than to overcook!
I'm not a big fan of Gruyere cheese. What's a good substitute I can use in this Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole?
No worries, mate! Gruyere has a lovely nutty flavor, but if it's not your cup of tea, there are plenty of alternatives. A good Swiss cheese will give you a similar flavor profile. Or, a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella works well and is usually easy to find in your local Tesco. Go for what tickles your fancy!
Can I freeze leftovers of the Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole? I'm trying to be a savvy saver like those guys on "Eat Well for Less"!
Freezing is possible, but the texture of the creamy sauce and stuffing might change a bit upon thawing. The sauce may separate a little. To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in cling film and then in foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. For best results, eat fresh!
I'm gluten-free. Can I still enjoy this Creamy Dreamy Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole?
Absolutely! This Creamy Dreamy Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole can easily be adapted to be gluten-free. Simply substitute the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free crackers. Also, ensure that the flour you use for the creamy sauce is a gluten-free blend.
With a couple of swaps, you can tuck in without any worries!
Creamy Dreamy Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 30g |
| Fiber | 1g |
