Shrimp Casserole Creamy Coastal Comfort
Recipe Introduction: look into into Deliciousness!
Ever get that craving for something seriously comforting? Something that wraps you in a warm hug? Well, Shrimp Casserole: A Creamy, Dreamy is where it's at! This isn't just dinner; it's an experience.
A Taste of the Coast
This dish, a bit of a twist on a classic Seafood Casserole , hails from those cosy coastal kitchens. It's all about simplicity and fresh flavours.
Think Grandma's kitchen, but with a bit more pizzazz. Trust me, it's blooming gorgeous! It's a pretty easy one to make, and it takes about 50 minutes all in.
This recipe makes about 6 generous servings, perfect for a family dinner or a small gathering.
Why You'll Adore This Dish
Seafood is brilliant. Shrimp is full of protein, for one thing! It is amazing for a healthy diet. Serve this up on a chilly evening.
It makes a perfect weeknight Easy Shrimp Dinner . What makes this Baked Shrimp Dish special? The creamy sauce, the tender shrimp, and that golden, crunchy topping a proper Shrimp Casserole with Panko ! Honestly, the contrast in textures is just chef's kiss .
Time to Gather Your Treasures!
Ready to create this Creamy Shrimp Bake magic? I always find that the best dishes start with the best ingredients! Let's talk about the shrimp, the sauce, and that oh-so-tempting topping.
Get your aprons on, it’s gonna be a cracking meal!
Right, let's dive into what you'll need for this banging Shrimp Casserole: A Creamy, Dreamy dish. Honestly, the quality of your ingredients makes a massive difference.
I once tried to skimp and the casserole was just...meh. Learn from my mistakes!
Ingredients & Equipment for Coastal Shrimp Recipe
This is where the magic starts. You ready to get cracking?
Main Ingredients
Large Shrimp: 1.5 lbs (680g), peeled and deveined. Get the best you can find! If they smell fishy, ditch 'em. You want that fresh, coastal flavour.
Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15ml). Nothing fancy, just your standard cooking oil.
Onion: 1 medium , chopped (about 1 cup, 150g). Yellow or white works. I sometimes use red for a sweeter touch.
Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Jarred is fine in a pinch, but fresh is always better.
Unsalted Butter: 8 tablespoons (114g) total (4 for the sauce, 4 for the topping). Don't even think about using margarine!
All-Purpose Flour: 4 tablespoons (30g). This thickens our lovely cream sauce.
Whole Milk: 2 cups (473ml). Full fat gives it that extra richness.
Heavy Cream: ½ cup (118ml). This is what makes it dreamy. Honestly, it is the base of a great Creamy Shrimp Bake.
Salt: ½ teaspoon . Adjust to taste, yeah?
Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon . Freshly ground is boss.
Paprika: ¼ teaspoon . Adds a bit of colour and smoky flavour.
Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons , chopped. Dried is okay if you're desperate.
Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon . Brightens everything up.
Panko Breadcrumbs: 1 cup (120g). This is what makes that lovely crunch.
Parmesan Cheese: ¼ cup (28g), grated. Adds that cheesy tang.
Seasoning Notes
For this Seafood Casserole , think warm and comforting. A pinch of nutmeg in the cream sauce can be incredible.
If you're feeling adventurous, add a dash of Old Bay seasoning that's some real coastal flavour right there. For a quick sub, if you don't have paprika, a pinch of smoked paprika will do.
And for all your seasoning, don't be afraid to play around to make it your own Seafood Comfort Food !
Equipment Needed
- Large Skillet. You’ll need this to cook the shrimp and make the sauce.
- 9x13 inch Baking Dish. This is your vessel for Shrimp Gratin goodness.
- Mixing Bowls. For prepping and combining.
- Whisk. To get that sauce smooth .
- Measuring Cups and Spoons. Can't wing everything, mate!
Honestly, that's all you need. A Shrimp Casserole with Panko topping is surprisingly simple. Now, if you don't have a 9x13 inch baking dish, two smaller ones will do.
Just split the mixture evenly. Get all this ready, and you're golden! So, preheating the oven to 375° F ( 190° C) , we're on our way to Comfort Food Casserole heaven!
Right, let's dive into this Shrimp Casserole: A Creamy, Dreamy recipe! Honestly, who doesn't love a bit of comfort food? This Cheesy Shrimp Casserole is the bee's knees.
Prep Like a Pro
Getting organized is key, innit?
Essential Mise en Place
Before you even think about turning on the hob, get your act together. Chop your onion. Mince that garlic. Get the shrimp peeled and deveined.
Trust me , it saves a headache later. Having all of your ingredients prepped and measured before you start is the key to making this Easy Shrimp Dinner a breeze.
Time Saving Organization Tips
Listen up. Chop the onion and garlic while the oven preheats to 375° F ( 190° C) . That's killing two birds with one stone, see? Melt the butter for the topping while you are also melting butter for the cream sauce.
Easy peasy!
Let's Get Cooking: step-by-step
Make This Seafood Comfort Food a Reality
Right, here's how we make this magic happen.
- Cook the shrimp. In a hot skillet, cook until pink. Don't overcook it. Set aside.
- Sauté the onion and garlic. Cook until the onion is soft.
- Make the cream sauce. This is where the magic happens. Melt butter. Whisk in flour. Then slowly add milk and cream. Simmer until it thickens up. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Combine it all. Add the shrimp to the creamy sauce. Stir in parsley and lemon juice.
- Make the topping. Mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese. This is what makes it so Shrimp Casserole with Panko !
- Assemble and bake. Pour the shrimp mix into a baking dish. Sprinkle the topping. Bake until bubbly and golden brown, about 20 minutes .
- Rest. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Creamy Shrimp Bake
Fancy taking it up a notch?
Expert Techniques
Don't be shy with the seasoning. A good Coastal Shrimp Recipe hinges on it. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Common Mistakes
Overcooking the shrimp is a cardinal sin. Keep a close eye! Nobody wants rubbery shrimp. Also, use good quality shrimp for best results.
make-ahead Options
Want to get ahead? You can prep the shrimp mixture a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge.
Add the topping right before baking. This makes it an even easier Baked Shrimp Dish option!
Right, let's chat about making this Shrimp Casserole: A Creamy, Dreamy dish even better . Honestly, it's already pretty fab, but a few little tweaks never hurt, eh?
Recipe Notes: Making Your Shrimp Casserole Shine!
Serving Up Some Style
Alright, picture this: A bubbling hot Creamy Shrimp Bake presented with a flourish. Now, plating can really take this Seafood Casserole from a simple supper to something special .
Think about dolloping it into individual ramekins.
Top each one with a sprig of fresh parsley. Serve alongside a vibrant green salad. A side of crusty bread is also great for soaking up every last drop of that delicious sauce.
For drinks? A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio is bang on.
Storing Like a Pro
Right, so you've made this amazing Shrimp Casserole with Panko . What if there are leftovers? No worries!
Refrigeration: Pop it in an airtight container. It'll be grand in the fridge for up to 3 days. I wouldn't keep it longer than that. Food safety, you know?
Freezing: Yep, you can freeze it. But, the texture might change a tad. Wrap it well in freezer safe containers for up to 2 months. Defrost it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Oven is best! Reheat at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through. The microwave also works in a pinch, though.
Tweak It 'Til You Make It
Fancy a bit of a change? I've got you covered.
Dietary Adaptations: Need a gluten-free option? Easy peasy! Just use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs. dairy-free? Use almond milk and a plant based butter substitute.
Seasonal Swaps: Got some lovely seasonal veg? Chuck them in! Asparagus in spring, mushrooms in autumn get creative with your Seafood Comfort Food ! Add these into the Cheesy Shrimp Casserole and you've got a winner.
Shrimp Casserole: A Creamy, Dreamy - Nutrition lowdown
Okay, let's talk numbers. One serving clocks in around 450 calories. You're getting a hefty dose of protein (35g). Plus a good amount of fat (25g) and some carbs (20g).
Shrimp is a brilliant source of lean protein. Also, it's packed with essential minerals. This Easy Shrimp Dinner is not only delicious.
It's pretty good for you too! Remember, these are just estimates.
Honestly, this Coastal Shrimp Recipe is proper comforting food. Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Get in that kitchen and have a blast! I really hope you try this Baked Shrimp Dish !
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Shrimp Casserole: A Creamy, Dreamy recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen shrimp works perfectly well. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry with paper towels before cooking to remove any excess moisture. Nobody wants a watery casserole, right? That'd be a bit like soggy biscuits at afternoon tea a national tragedy!
What's the best way to prevent my shrimp from becoming rubbery in this casserole?
Ah, the dreaded rubbery shrimp! The key is not to overcook them. Since they will continue to cook in the oven, only cook them until they turn pink and opaque in the skillet. They should be just done. Think of it like making a proper cuppa timing is everything!
I'm gluten-free, can I still enjoy this Shrimp Casserole: A Creamy, Dreamy Seafood Delight?
Yes, you can! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping. There are some excellent gluten-free panko breadcrumbs available these days that will give you the same delightful crunch. This way, everyone can have a go at this yummy dish!
Can I prepare the Shrimp Casserole ahead of time?
You certainly can! Assemble the casserole completely, but don't bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, just pop it in the oven as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
It is like a proper make-ahead Sunday Roast - less stress!
Any suggestions for making this Shrimp Casserole a bit spicier?
Fancy a bit of a kick? Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the cream sauce. You could also use a spicy cheese like Pepper Jack in the topping. Just be careful not to overdo it you want a pleasant tingle, not a fire alarm! Add a little, taste and see!
How should I store leftover Shrimp Casserole?
Leftover Shrimp Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Please do not let the food sit out longer than 2 hours. Best eaten fresh!
Shrimp Casserole Creamy Coastal Comfort
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 0g |
