Description
This Shrimp Casserole recipe offers a creamy, cheesy seafood dish perfect for a comforting dinner. Large shrimp are quickly boiled with Old Bay seasoning, then mixed with mayonnaise, garlic powder, and shredded cheeses, topped with buttery panko crumbs, and baked until golden and bubbly. It’s an easy yet flavorful dish that serves eight and can be prepared in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 2 pounds large shrimp (21-24 count), peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning, plus 1 tablespoon salt for cooking water
Mix-in Ingredients
- 2/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 ounces shredded medium cheddar cheese
Topping
- 1 tablespoon butter, plus more to grease the pan
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
Instructions
- Preheat and prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 2 1/2 quart casserole dish well with butter to prevent sticking and to add flavor.
- Cook shrimp: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, adding 1 tablespoon salt and 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp and cook just until they turn opaque, about 30 seconds. Immediately drain and transfer shrimp to a mixing bowl.
- Combine ingredients: To the cooked shrimp, add 2/3 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper. Stir gently to coat all the shrimp evenly. Then add 4 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese and 4 ounces shredded medium cheddar cheese, stirring again until well combined. Pour this mixture into your prepared casserole dish.
- Make topping: In a small pan, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Stir in 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs until they are evenly coated with butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the shrimp casserole.
- Bake and broil: Place the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 13-15 minutes, or until the center temperature reaches 145°F and bubbling. For a golden brown crust, broil the casserole for an additional 1-2 minutes carefully watching to prevent burning.
- Rest and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to settle and the casserole to thicken slightly before serving.
Notes
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp during boiling since they cook quickly and will also cook further in the oven.
- The resting time after baking helps the casserole hold its shape better when serving.
- You can substitute the medium cheddar with sharp cheddar for a more pronounced cheese flavor.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free bread crumbs instead of panko.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
