Description
This Shrimp Casserole recipe is a creamy, cheesy seafood dish perfect for a quick yet indulgent dinner. Featuring large, tender shrimp seasoned with Old Bay and combined with mayonnaise and cheeses, it’s topped with buttery panko breadcrumbs baked to golden perfection. Ready in just 35 minutes and serving eight, it balances rich flavors with a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Seasonings
- 2 pounds large shrimp (21-24 count), peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning, plus 1 tablespoon salt for cooking water
Mix and Topping
- 2/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter, plus more to grease the pan
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
- 4 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 ounces shredded medium cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 2 1/2 quart casserole dish generously with butter to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Cook Shrimp: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, adding 1 tablespoon of Old Bay seasoning and 1 tablespoon salt. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the boiling water and cook until they turn opaque, roughly 30 seconds. Drain the shrimp and transfer them to a mixing bowl.
- Combine Ingredients: To the shrimp in the bowl, add the mayonnaise, garlic powder, and ground black pepper. Stir thoroughly to ensure the shrimp are evenly coated. Then add shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses and stir until everything is combined well. Transfer the shrimp mixture to the prepared casserole dish.
- Make Topping: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a small pan or microwave-safe bowl. Stir in the panko bread crumbs until they are fully coated with butter. Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the shrimp and cheese filling in the casserole dish.
- Bake and Broil: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 13-15 minutes or until the center reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. For a crispy golden-brown top, switch the oven to broil and broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes. This helps the casserole set and enhances the flavors before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen shrimp that is thoroughly thawed for best texture and flavor.
- Adjust Old Bay seasoning to taste if you prefer a more or less spicy casserole.
- Ensure the shrimp are not overcooked during boiling to keep them tender.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Letting the casserole rest before serving helps it firm up for easier slicing and serving.
