Creamy Crab and Shrimp Casserole
Imagine a dish that combines the rich, delicate flavors of crab and the plump, juicy texture of shrimp, all nestled in a creamy, cheesy sauce and baked to perfection. That’s exactly what you’ll get with this Creamy Crab and Shrimp Casserole, a recipe that has become a perennial favorite among seafood lovers.
This casserole is the perfect blend of indulgence and convenience, making it an ideal choice for special occasions, family gatherings, or simply a cozy night in. With its irresistible aroma and visually stunning presentation, it’s sure to impress your guests and leave them asking for seconds.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
What sets this Crab and Shrimp Casserole apart is the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. The juxtaposition of the delicate crab and the firm, succulent shrimp creates a delightful contrast that will delight your taste buds. Additionally, the creamy, cheesy sauce binds all the ingredients together, creating a dish that is both comforting and elevated.
But the appeal of this recipe goes beyond just the flavors. It’s also incredibly accessible, as the majority of the ingredients are likely already in your pantry or freezer. And the best part? This casserole can be prepared in advance, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or when entertaining guests.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Creamy Crab and Shrimp Casserole ❓
• 1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp, tails removed
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
The beauty of this Creamy Crab and Shrimp Casserole is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of the delicate crab meat, succulent shrimp, and the flavorful Old Bay seasoning creates the classic seafood-inspired flavor profile that has made casserole recipes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Creamy Crab and Shrimp Casserole Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the crab meat, shrimp, cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, green onions, garlic, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until well incorporated.
• Step 3: Spread the crab and shrimp mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Top with the shredded cheddar cheese.
• Step 4: Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Step 5: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy the Creamy Crab and Shrimp Casserole warm, garnished with additional green onions or fresh parsley if desired.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
• Total time: 40-45 minutes
Compared to traditional seafood casseroles that can take up to an hour to prepare, this Creamy Crab and Shrimp Casserole saves you over 20% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 8 servings):
• Protein: 27g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fat: 32g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sodium: 819mg
These Creamy Crab and Shrimp Casseroles provide approximately 54% of your daily protein requirements and 36% of your daily fat needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Omit the breadcrumb topping and replace it with a mixture of grated Parmesan and almond flour or crushed pork rinds.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Substitute the cream cheese, sour cream, and cheddar cheese with dairy-free alternatives, such as cashew-based cream cheese and shredded vegan cheese.
• Added protein: Fold in additional crab meat or cooked, chopped chicken breast to boost the protein content.
• Boost vegetables: Mix in sautéed spinach, diced bell peppers, or sliced mushrooms to increase the nutrient density.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Creamy Crab and Shrimp Casserole.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair the casserole with a fresh garden salad or a crisp, cool coleslaw for a light and refreshing contrast.
• Complement the Creamy Crab and Shrimp Casserole with a crusty baguette or garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
• For a special occasion, serve the casserole as the main course alongside a glass of chilled white wine or a crisp lager.
• Create an elegant appetizer platter by serving bite-sized portions of the casserole with toasted crostini or crackers.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Using low-quality crab meat: For the best flavor and texture, be sure to use high-quality lump crab meat, either fresh or frozen. Avoid canned or imitation crab, as they can taste flat and lack the signature sweetness of fresh crab.
• Skimping on the seasoning: The Old Bay seasoning is a key component of this recipe, providing the classic seafood flavor. Don’t be afraid to be generous with the seasoning to ensure the dish is well-balanced and full of taste.
• Forgetting to grease the baking dish: A well-greased dish will prevent the casserole from sticking and make for easy serving and cleanup.
• Failing to let the casserole rest: Allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving, as this will allow the ingredients to set and the flavors to meld together.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These Creamy Crab and Shrimp Casseroles retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the casserole as directed, but do not bake. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as usual.
• Freezing baked: Allow the baked casserole to cool completely, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight and then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave or the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, taking care not to overcook the seafood.
❓ FAQs
Can I make this Creamy Crab and Shrimp Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! This casserole is an excellent make-ahead dish. You can assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. When ready to serve, simply bake the casserole as directed in the recipe.
Can I substitute the crab meat or shrimp with other seafood?
Yes, you can experiment with different seafood combinations. Lobster meat or scallops would both work well in place of the crab or shrimp, respectively. Just be sure to adjust the quantities accordingly to maintain the overall balance of the dish.
Is there a way to make this casserole more diet-friendly?
Absolutely! You can use reduced-fat or low-fat cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise to lower the overall fat and calorie content. Additionally, you can replace the cheddar cheese topping with a mixture of grated Parmesan and almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a lower-carb option.
What should I do if the casserole seems too dry?
If the casserole appears a bit dry after baking, try adding a few tablespoons of heavy cream or half-and-half to the mixture before baking. This will help keep the casserole moist and creamy. You can also cover the dish with foil for the first 20 minutes of baking to prevent excessive moisture loss.
Can I add any extra ingredients to this recipe?
Absolutely! This Creamy Crab and Shrimp Casserole is highly versatile. You can fold in sautéed spinach, diced bell peppers, or sliced mushrooms to boost the vegetable content. You can also add chopped cooked chicken or extra crab meat to increase the protein.
Conclusion
These Creamy Crab and Shrimp Casseroles represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a special occasion main course or a comforting weeknight meal, they’re sure to impress with their decadent, seafood-forward flavor profile. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these Creamy Crab and Shrimp Casseroles demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the assembly. So go ahead, indulge in this delectable seafood casserole and experience the perfect harmony of flavors and textures that will have your taste buds singing with delight.
Print
Creamy Crab and Shrimp Casserole
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Ingredients
• 1 pound lump crab meat, picked over for shells
• 1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp, tails removed
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
• Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
• Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the crab meat, shrimp, cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, green onions, garlic, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until well incorporated.
• Step 3: Spread the crab and shrimp mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Top with the shredded cheddar cheese.
• Step 4: Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Step 5: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy the Creamy Crab and Shrimp Casserole warm, garnished with additional green onions or fresh parsley if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Cuisine: Americans
