If you’ve been on the hunt for a comforting, crowd-pleasing seafood dish that combines the sweet flavors of the ocean with a creamy, cheesy texture, then this Crab and Shrimp Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. This recipe brings together tender lump crab meat and juicy shrimp in a rich, savory blend loaded with rice and crisp vegetables, all baked under a golden, buttery breadcrumb crust. Perfect for family dinners or special gatherings, every bite bursts with delightful layers of flavor and texture that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Crab and Shrimp Casserole Recipe is brilliantly simple in its ingredients list, yet each element plays a vital role in the final dish. You’ll find that the freshness of the seafood, the creamy base, and the crisp crumb topping come together beautifully to create a dish full of depth and personality.
- 1 pound cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined: Provides sweet, succulent seafood flavor and a tender bite.
- 1 pound lump crab meat: Adds delicate texture and rich, briny notes essential for authentic taste.
- 1 cup cooked white rice: Acts as a hearty base that absorbs all the creamy goodness.
- 1 cup chopped celery: Brings a subtle crunch and freshness to balance the richness.
- 1/2 cup chopped onion: Infuses a mild sweetness and savory depth.
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper: Adds color vibrancy and a touch of earthiness.
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup: The creamy binder that holds everything together with smooth umami.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Adds a luscious, silky richness to the casserole.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Gives a sharp, tangy flavor that melts beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning: Imparts classic seafood spices that make this dish unmistakably coastal.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances overall savoriness with gentle warmth.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild kick for balanced seasoning.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Provides nutty, salty notes in the crispy topping.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Creates the deliciously crunchy crust that crowns the dish.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter: Binds the topping and adds a golden richness when baked.
How to Make Crab and Shrimp Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Mix Seafood Mixture
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures a perfectly even bake for your casserole. In a large bowl, gently combine the cooked shrimp, lump crab meat, cooked rice, celery, onion, and green bell pepper. This mix is the hearty foundation of the dish, balancing tender seafood with crunchy vegetables and that soft, comforting rice.
Step 2: Add Creamy and Seasoning Ingredients
Next, stir in the cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, shredded cheddar cheese, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper. These ingredients create the luscious, flavorful base that ties all the components together, giving every bite a creamy, tangy, and slightly spiced punch.
Step 3: Assemble in Baking Dish
Transfer your delicious seafood mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. This sets the stage for even cooking and ensures each portion will have that amazing crab and shrimp goodness.
Step 4: Prepare and Add Topping
In a small bowl, mix together the Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and melted butter. Sprinkle this golden mixture evenly over the casserole. This topping is what transforms the dish into a masterpiece, offering a crispy, savory crust that contrasts perfectly with the creamy filling.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the topping is beautifully golden and the casserole is heated through. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle and the casserole to firm up slightly.
How to Serve Crab and Shrimp Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of green freshness that brightens the rich casserole. A wedge of lemon on the side also helps to cut through the creaminess and amplify the seafood flavors wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with simple steamed vegetables like asparagus or green beans, or perhaps a crisp garden salad to add a refreshing contrast. For a heartier meal, buttery garlic bread makes a perfect accompaniment to soak up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Instead of serving the casserole straight from the baking dish, try plating individual portions in ramekins for an elegant touch. Alternatively, bake the casserole in smaller muffin tins for charming seafood “cups” that are perfect for parties or potlucks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Crab and Shrimp Casserole Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It keeps well and the flavors tend to deepen overnight, making for even tastier leftovers.
Freezing
If you want to prepare in advance, assemble the casserole completely but do not bake. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, bake straight from frozen adding additional time as needed until hot and bubbly.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until warmed through and crust is crisp again. Avoid microwaving when possible to maintain the casserole’s delightful texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh crab and shrimp instead of cooked?
Yes, but be sure to cook the shrimp and crab meat prior to mixing. Using pre-cooked seafood is essential to prevent overcooking during the baking process and to ensure the casserole holds its delicate textures.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
You can swap in cream of celery or cream of shrimp soup for a slightly different flavor profile. Both options complement the seafood beautifully and add a fresh twist to the classic casserole.
Is this casserole spicy?
The base recipe is not very spicy, but you can easily add a few dashes of hot sauce or some chopped jalapeños in the mixture if you want to introduce a little heat and extra dimension of flavor.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a gluten-free variety or homemade sauce. This way, you can enjoy the wonderful flavors without worrying about gluten.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This Crab and Shrimp Casserole Recipe serves about six generous portions, perfect for family meals or small gatherings where everyone will be satisfied and asking for more.
Final Thoughts
This Crab and Shrimp Casserole Recipe has become a beloved staple in my kitchen and I hope you give it a try soon. It fills the house with inviting aromas and delivers on flavor, texture, and heartiness every single time. Once you make this, it’s sure to be a new favorite for your family and friends.
Print
Crab and Shrimp Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
This hearty Crab and Shrimp Casserole blends succulent seafood with creamy textures and a crispy golden topping, creating a comforting main course perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Featuring tender shrimp, lump crab meat, rice, and a medley of vegetables baked in a savory mushroom-mayonnaise sauce, it offers rich flavors highlighted by Old Bay seasoning and a delightful breadcrumb Parmesan crust.
Ingredients
Seafood and Vegetables
- 1 pound cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 pound lump crab meat
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to allow it to fully preheat while you prepare the casserole ingredients.
- Combine seafood and vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, gently mix the cooked shrimp, lump crab meat, cooked rice, chopped celery, onion, and green bell pepper until evenly distributed.
- Add the sauce and seasonings: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, shredded cheddar cheese, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper until all ingredients are well combined and coated.
- Transfer to baking dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the seafood mixture evenly inside.
- Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and melted butter until the mixture is crumbly and evenly mixed.
- Top the casserole: Sprinkle the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture evenly over the seafood mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake the casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is thoroughly heated.
- Rest and serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Notes
- For a different creamy flavor, substitute cream of celery or cream of shrimp soup instead of cream of mushroom.
- Add a spicy kick by mixing in dashes of hot sauce or finely chopped jalapeños into the casserole mix before baking.
- Ensure shrimp and crab meat are fully cooked and properly drained to avoid excess moisture.
- This casserole reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
