Description
A hearty and comforting casserole loaded with a variety of seafood, creamy sauce, and a crunchy topping. This dish is an easy, all-in-one meal that combines the best of the ocean with rich, satisfying flavors.
Ingredients
For the Seafood Casserole:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 lb scallops (fresh or frozen)
- 1 lb crab meat (fresh or pasteurized)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (optional, for added flavor)
Instructions
Begin by preparing the seafood. If using frozen scallops, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. Peel and devein the shrimp, ensuring all shells and tails are removed. If using fresh crab meat, ensure there are no shell fragments. If you’re using pasteurized crab meat, simply drain it well.
Once the seafood is prepared, chop the shrimp into bite-sized pieces and break the crab meat into smaller chunks if necessary. Set the seafood aside while you work on the sauce.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
The onions and garlic will create a savory base for the casserole, adding depth and flavor to the dish.
Once the onion and garlic are softened, pour in the heavy cream. Stir the mixture gently to combine the cream with the sautéed vegetables. Add the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and allow the sauce to simmer for 5-7 minutes, letting the flavors meld together and the sauce thicken slightly.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or pepper as needed. If you prefer a little more tang, you can add more lemon juice or Dijon mustard to taste.
Add the prepared shrimp, scallops, and crab meat into the creamy sauce. Stir gently to coat the seafood with the sauce. Let the seafood cook in the sauce for 5-7 minutes, just until the shrimp turns pink and the scallops become opaque. Be careful not to overcook the seafood at this stage, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
Once the seafood is fully cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the mixture into a large casserole dish.
In a small bowl, mix together the grated cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs. This mixture will create the crispy, golden topping that makes the casserole irresistible. Sprinkle the cheese and breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the seafood and sauce.
You can add a bit more paprika on top of the breadcrumbs for extra color and flavor, or sprinkle some fresh thyme for an additional aromatic touch.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the oven is ready, place the casserole dish in the center of the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden and crispy, and the casserole is bubbling around the edges. If you want an extra crispy topping, you can broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end of the baking time, but keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and thyme if desired for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
Scoop generous portions of the casserole onto plates and serve immediately. The creamy sauce and rich seafood flavors will make every bite a delight.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 400-450 kcal
- Fat: 25-28g
- Carbohydrates: 15-18g
- Protein: 25-28g