Easy Seafood Casserole Recipe

Zesty Seafood Casserole Recipe That’ll Wow Everyone

Weeknight dinners demand quick, delectable solutions that satisfy hunger and delight taste buds.

This easy seafood casserole recipe brings coastal flavors straight to your kitchen with minimal effort.

Packed with succulent shrimp, tender fish, and a creamy sauce, the dish promises comfort in every bite.

Seafood enthusiasts will appreciate the harmonious blend of fresh ingredients and simple preparation techniques.

The casserole combines zesty seasonings with premium seafood for a meal that feels both elegant and approachable.

Families and friends will gather around the table, eager to savor each delicious spoonful.

Dive into this mouthwatering seafood experience that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dinner.

What’s Great About Easy Seafood Casserole

  • Whip Up a Seafood Feast: This casserole brings gourmet restaurant flavors right to your home kitchen with minimal cooking skills required.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings, this dish combines luxurious seafood with familiar, creamy textures that everyone will love.
  • Quick and Versatile Meal: Ready in under an hour, this one-pan wonder offers a delicious solution for busy weeknights while delivering impressive flavors that seem like you spent hours preparing.
  • Customize Your Culinary Creation: Easily adaptable with optional breadcrumb topping and ability to swap seafood types, making it a flexible recipe for different taste preferences and dietary needs.

Easy Seafood Casserole Ingredient List

Main Seafood Ingredients:
  • Shrimp: Tender and sweet seafood that adds protein and delicate flavor to the casserole.
  • Scallops: Soft, buttery shellfish that brings a rich marine taste to the dish.
  • Crab Meat: Delicate and sweet seafood that provides a luxurious texture to the casserole.
Base Ingredient:
  • Cooked Rice: Provides a hearty foundation and helps bind the seafood mixture together.
Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Mayonnaise, Sour Cream: Creamy base that creates a rich and smooth sauce for the casserole.
  • Green Onions: Fresh and mild onion flavor that adds brightness to the dish.
  • Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Seasonings that enhance and balance the seafood's natural flavors.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Shredded Cheese: Adds a melty, savory layer that creates a golden crust on top of the casserole.
  • Breadcrumbs, Melted Butter: Optional crispy topping that provides a crunchy texture to the dish.

Cooking Steps for a Creamy Seafood Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F, preparing it for a mouthwatering seafood adventure.

Step 2: Create Seafood Symphony

In a spacious mixing bowl, gently combine:
  • Fresh shrimp
  • Tender scallops
  • Sweet crab meat
  • Fluffy cooked rice

Blend these ocean treasures until they’re perfectly mingled.

Step 3: Craft Creamy Flavor Explosion

Grab another bowl and whisk together:
  • Silky mayonnaise
  • Tangy sour cream
  • Chopped green onions
  • Zesty garlic powder
  • Warm paprika
  • Pinch of salt
  • Dash of pepper

Stir until the mixture transforms into a luscious, creamy sauce.

Step 4: Merge Seafood And Sauce

Pour the creamy sauce over your seafood mixture, then sprinkle generously with shredded cheese.

Fold everything together until each morsel is gloriously coated.

Step 5: Prepare Baking Vessel

Transfer the decadent mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 6: Add Crispy Crown (Optional)

Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter, then shower this golden topping across the casserole.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Watch for a bubbly, golden-brown surface signaling it’s ready to devour.

Pro Tips for Making Seafood Casserole

  • Select high-quality, fresh seafood from a reputable fishmonger to ensure the best flavor and texture in your casserole.
  • Pat seafood dry with paper towels before mixing to prevent excess liquid that could make the casserole watery.
  • Use a mix of sharp cheddar and mild mozzarella for a more complex, creamy cheese profile that complements the seafood.
  • Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or dill on top just before serving to add brightness and a fresh aromatic touch.
  • Substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or almond flour crumbs for a celiac-friendly version.

Variations and Add-Ins for Seafood Bakes

  • Gluten-Free Seafood Delight: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour for celiac-friendly option.
  • Low-Carb Ocean Casserole: Swap rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content and maintain creamy texture.
  • Dairy-Free Seafood Bake: Use coconut cream instead of sour cream and dairy-free cheese alternative for lactose-intolerant individuals.
  • Mediterranean Seafood Casserole: Incorporate feta cheese, oregano, and add chopped olives for a Greek-inspired variation with bright Mediterranean flavors.

Serving Suggestions for Seafood Casserole Dishes

  • Coastal Dinner Party Delight: Serve this casserole as the star attraction at an elegant seafood-themed gathering with close friends and family.
  • Nutritious Lunch Companion: Pair with a crisp green salad and light citrus vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy seafood flavors and add freshness.
  • Wine and Dine Pairing: Choose a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay to complement the delicate seafood and creamy sauce, enhancing the overall dining experience.
  • Brunch Brilliance: Transform leftovers into a delightful breakfast by topping with a poached egg and fresh herbs, creating a luxurious morning meal that impresses everyone at the table.

Storing Seafood Casserole the Right Way

  • Seal leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the casserole covered to maintain moisture and prevent absorption of other food odors.
  • Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
  • Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Stop when the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen seafood for this casserole?

Yes, you can use frozen seafood. Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat dry before mixing with other ingredients to prevent excess moisture.

  • What type of rice works best in this recipe?

Long-grain white rice is ideal, but you can also use brown rice or even leftover cooked rice for added convenience.

  • Is this seafood casserole healthy?

While delicious, the dish is moderately high in calories due to cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream. For a lighter version, use low-fat dairy products and add extra vegetables.

  • Can I substitute different seafood?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap seafood based on availability or preference. Cod, tilapia, or imitation crab can work well in place of the original seafood mix.

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Easy Seafood Casserole Recipe

Easy Seafood Casserole Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Coastal comfort meets culinary magic in this classic Seafood Casserole, blending tender shrimp, flaky fish, and creamy sauce. Rich flavors and simple ingredients create a hearty meal perfect for family dinners that welcome you to savor ocean-inspired comfort.


Ingredients

Scale

Seafood:

  • 1/2 pound (226 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 pound (226 grams) scallops
  • 1/2 pound (226 grams) lump crab meat

Dairy and Binding Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream

Seasonings and Toppings:

  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional topping)

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 350°F, preparing a welcoming environment for the seafood casserole.
  2. Gently blend the ocean’s treasures – shrimp, scallops, and crab meat – with the soft, cooked rice in a spacious mixing vessel.
  3. Craft a velvety sauce by whisking together mayonnaise, sour cream, chopped green onions, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl.
  4. Fold the creamy sauce into the seafood and rice mixture, ensuring every morsel is generously coated.
  5. Sprinkle a lavish layer of shredded cheese throughout the mixture, creating pockets of melty goodness.
  6. Transfer the luxurious blend into a thoroughly greased baking dish, spreading evenly.
  7. For an extra crispy topping, combine breadcrumbs with melted butter and delicately scatter across the surface.
  8. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a golden, bubbling finish that signals culinary perfection.

Notes

  • Toast breadcrumbs beforehand for extra crunch and nutty flavor in the casserole topping.
  • Substitute regular rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb, keto-friendly version that maintains delicious texture.
  • Choose fresh seafood from reliable sources to guarantee the best flavor and prevent potential food safety issues.
  • Consider using lighter mayonnaise and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to reduce overall calorie content while keeping the creamy consistency.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 924
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 1032 mg
  • Fat: 59 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 48 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 70 g
  • Cholesterol: 385 mg
Natalie Brooks

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.

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