Creamy Seafood Casserole Recipe: A Comforting Family Favorite

Crafting a delightful seafood casserole brings comfort and warmth to your dinner table.

Succulent ocean treasures mingle with creamy textures in this simple yet impressive dish.

Weeknight meals demand something special that doesn’t consume hours of preparation.

Minimal ingredients combine to create a crowd-pleasing masterpiece bursting with maritime flavors.

Fresh seafood becomes the star, complemented by herbs and rich, velvety sauce.

Cheese adds a golden, crispy top that makes every bite irresistible.

You’ll want to savor each mouthful of this effortless culinary journey that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Why Easy Seafood Casserole Is a Family Favorite

• Whip Up a Seafood Feast: Perfect for family dinners or special gatherings, this casserole brings restaurant-quality seafood right to your home kitchen with minimal prep work.
• Customize Your Flavor Adventure: Easily adaptable recipe allows you to swap seafood types or adjust seasonings, making it a versatile dish for different taste preferences.
• Quick and Foolproof Cooking: Requires simple mixing and baking steps that even novice cooks can master, delivering delicious results without complicated techniques.
• Packed with Protein Punch: Combines multiple seafood varieties with rice, creating a nutritious one-dish meal that satisfies hunger and provides balanced nutrition.

Ingredients Needed for Easy Seafood Casserole

• Shrimp: Fresh ocean protein that adds sweet and tender texture to the casserole.
• Scallops: Delicate sea ingredient with a mild, buttery flavor.
• Crab Meat: Rich and succulent seafood that brings depth to the dish.

• Cooked Rice: Fluffy base that helps bind the casserole ingredients together.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup, Mayonnaise: Smooth ingredients that create a rich and creamy consistency.

• Lemon Juice: Bright citrus component that adds freshness to the seafood.
• Old Bay Seasoning: Classic maritime spice blend that complements seafood perfectly.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential spices for balancing and enhancing overall flavor.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Breadcrumbs: Crispy and cheesy layer that provides golden brown crust.

• Butter: Melted ingredient that adds richness and helps create a beautiful golden surface.

How to Cook Easy Seafood Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C), getting ready for a seafood flavor explosion.

Step 2: Create Seafood Fusion

• Fresh shrimp
• Tender scallops
• Sweet crab meat
• Perfectly cooked rice

Combine these ocean treasures into a delightful mixture.

Step 3: Blend Creamy Goodness

• Creamy mushroom soup
• Rich mayonnaise
• Zesty lemon juice
• Magical Old Bay seasoning

Mix everything until beautifully blended.

Step 4: Season with Love

Sprinkle salt and pepper to awaken the flavors and make your taste buds dance.

Step 5: Prepare the Baking Vessel

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

Step 6: Add Cheesy Crunch Topping

• Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• Crispy breadcrumbs

Creating a golden, irresistible crust.

Step 7: Butter Drizzle Magic

Pour melted butter over the top, adding an extra layer of decadence.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

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

Watch for a bubbly, golden-brown masterpiece.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to settle.

Then dive into this seafood sensation!

Expert Tips for Easy Seafood Casserole

• Choose high-quality, fresh shrimp, scallops, and crab meat from a reputable seafood market to ensure the best flavor and texture.
• Pat seafood dry with paper towels before mixing to prevent excess liquid from making the casserole watery.
• Mix breadcrumbs with a little dried parsley or garlic powder for extra crunch and flavor on the golden brown surface.
• Old Bay seasoning is salty, so taste the mixture before adding extra salt to avoid over-seasoning the dish.
• Swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives and use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Variations to Try for Easy Seafood Casserole

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Replace rice with riced cauliflower for a keto-friendly version that cuts carbohydrates while maintaining the creamy seafood flavor.
• Dairy-Free Ocean Casserole: Swap cheese and cream of mushroom soup with coconut cream and nutritional yeast to create a lactose-free alternative suitable for sensitive diets.
• Mediterranean Seafood Bake: Incorporate feta cheese, chopped olives, and fresh herbs like oregano and parsley to transform the recipe with Mediterranean-inspired ingredients.
• Gluten-Free Seafood Casserole: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, making the dish safe for those with wheat sensitivities.

Serving Ideas for Easy Seafood Casserole

• Ocean's Delight Plating: Serve this seafood casserole on a white ceramic plate with fresh lemon wedges for a bright, zesty touch and extra squeeze of citrus.
• Coastal Companion Sides: Pair with crisp green salad dressed in light vinaigrette or roasted asparagus to balance the rich, creamy seafood texture.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Choose a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay to complement the delicate seafood flavors and creamy sauce, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Garnish Grace: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives on top for a pop of color, added freshness, and elegant presentation that makes the dish look professionally prepared.

Storage Guidelines for Easy Seafood Casserole

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odor transfer.
• Wrap the casserole securely in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the package with the date to track storage time.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming. Add a splash of milk to prevent dryness.

FAQs

• What seafood types work best in this casserole?

Shrimp, scallops, and crab meat are ideal. These seafood options provide a rich, delicate flavor and tender texture that blend perfectly in the casserole.

• Can I use frozen seafood for this recipe?

Yes, but thaw completely and pat dry before using. Excess moisture can make the casserole watery and affect the overall texture.

• Is Old Bay seasoning necessary?

While not mandatory, Old Bay adds a signature seafood flavor. If unavailable, you can substitute with a blend of paprika, celery salt, and black pepper.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use low-fat mayonnaise, reduced-sodium cream of mushroom soup, and whole grain breadcrumbs. You can also add more vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach to increase nutritional value.

Easy Seafood Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Savory seafood casserole blends ocean-fresh ingredients with comforting home-style cooking. Creamy layers of shrimp, scallops, and tender fish combine for a memorable meal that satisfies coastal cravings.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Seafood:

• 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 pound scallops
• 1/2 pound lump crab meat

Binding Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup

Seasoning and Topping:

• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) to prepare for baking the seafood casserole.
2. Combine seafood selections including shrimp, scallops, and crab meat with cooked rice in a spacious mixing vessel.
3. Incorporate cream of mushroom soup, tangy mayonnaise, zesty lemon juice, and robust Old Bay seasoning, blending ingredients thoroughly.
4. Adjust flavor profile with salt and pepper according to personal preference.
5. Transfer the mixed seafood medley into a generously greased baking dish, ensuring even distribution.
6. Create a crispy topping by generously sprinkling shredded cheddar cheese and crisp breadcrumbs across the surface.
7. Enhance the casserole’s richness by drizzling melted butter over the cheese and breadcrumb layer.
8. Place the prepared dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a golden-brown crust and bubbling edges.
9. Allow the casserole to settle and cool slightly for 5 minutes before serving, which helps the ingredients set and intensifies the flavors.

Notes

• Check seafood freshness before cooking to ensure the best flavor and safety.
• Swap regular rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative that keeps the dish light and nutritious.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for unique flavor profiles.
• Toast breadcrumbs beforehand to enhance their crispiness and add extra texture to the casserole’s topping.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 145 mg