Shrimp and Crab Seafood Casserole

Introduction

Few dishes rival the indulgence and comfort of a Shrimp and Crab Seafood Casserole. This dish brings together tender shrimp and sweet crab in a rich, creamy sauce, all baked to bubbly perfection under a golden topping. It’s a show-stopping entrée perfect for upscale family dinners, Sunday gatherings, or anytime you want to treat your guests to something special without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why This Shrimp and Crab Seafood Casserole Shines

What makes this casserole truly unforgettable is the harmony of flavors: succulent seafood, a creamy yet tangy sauce, and a satisfying crunchy topping. Each bite is a crowd-pleaser, making it a reliable centerpiece for both weeknight meals and special occasions. Best of all, it’s simple to assemble, making impressive seafood easy enough for any home cook.

Crafting the Creamy Seafood Layer

The heart of this casserole is a blend of fresh shrimp and lump crabmeat folded into a rich sauce made from sautéed aromatics, cream cheese, and a splash of lemon. A hint of Old Bay seasoning provides the classic seafood flavor, while a dash of Dijon mustard lifts the richness without overpowering. Let the mixture rest a few minutes before baking for the flavors to marry beautifully.

Assembling and Baking the Casserole

Layer the creamy seafood mixture into a casserole dish, then sprinkle buttery breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan over the top. This topping turns golden and crisp in the oven, locking in moisture and adding contrast. Bake until bubbly and beautifully browned, then let it cool slightly to set for easier serving.

Serving Suggestions for Maximum Enjoyment

Serve the Shrimp and Crab Seafood Casserole with lemon wedges, a light green salad, and toasted baguette slices. For a sit-down dinner, add steamed asparagus or roasted potatoes to round out the meal. It also pairs effortlessly with crisp white wine for a simple yet elegant presentation.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This casserole serves 6 hungry diners or up to 8 as part of a larger meal. Each serving contains approximately 350 to 400 calories, offering ample protein and a modest amount of healthy fats. For a lighter version, swap out full-fat cream cheese for a reduced-fat alternative.

Shrimp and Crab Seafood Casserole (Recap)

When you crave a comforting yet refined dish, this seafood casserole stands out with its creamy base, generous seafood, and signature golden topping. It’s a table centerpiece you’ll come back to for both special occasions and easy weeknight comfort.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 2-quart casserole dish.
2. Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion, celery, and bell pepper until soft, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
3. Add shrimp and cook, stirring, just until pink, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. In a large bowl, mix softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Old Bay, and black pepper until smooth.
5. Fold in the cooked shrimp mixture and crabmeat. Stir in 1/4 cup Parmesan. Spread evenly in the prepared casserole dish.
6. In a small bowl, toss panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
7. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until topping is golden and casserole is bubbling at the edges. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon wedges.

Weekly Meal Planning

This shrimp and crab casserole makes an excellent addition to your weekly meal rotation—prepare it ahead and reheat tiles as needed. Save and schedule this recipe to seamlessly generate shopping lists and map your dinners for the week.

Planning Benefits:

• Automatically calculates total ingredient quantities across all your selected recipes
• Sorts your grocery list by store section for streamlined shopping
• Eliminates duplicate purchases and forgotten items
• Keeps weekly meal prep organized and stress-free

Pro tip: When planning this casserole alongside other meals, schedule your recipes to quickly see ingredient overlaps—saving you money, time, and reducing waste.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes