If you’re looking to wow a crowd, the Shrimp Casserole Recipe is your secret weapon! Imagine plump, juicy shrimp wrapped in a creamy cheesy sauce and topped with a buttery, golden crumb—this dish is pure comfort with a coastal twist. Whether you’re cooking for a family gathering or just want something special for dinner, this beloved classic always delivers serious flavor and is surprisingly easy to make.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Crowd-Friendly: This Shrimp Casserole Recipe comes together in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute guests or easy weeknight dinners.
- Ultra-Comfy, Creamy Layers: A lush mix of mayo, melting cheeses, and seasoned shrimp delivers coziness and flavor in every forkful.
- Golden, Crunchy Topping: The buttery panko crumb topping adds irresistible texture—so good, you’ll want extra with every bite!
- Make-Ahead Magic: Prep it up to three days in advance and bake when needed, so entertaining is fuss-free and stressless.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t you just love recipes where every ingredient counts? With this Shrimp Casserole Recipe, each addition brings its own punch of flavor and texture—from plump shrimp and savory cheeses to the crispy, golden crumb. Here’s what you need to make the magic happen:
- Large shrimp (2 lbs, 21-24 count): The star! Use fresh or properly thawed shrimp—big pieces for juicy bites in every spoonful.
- Old Bay Seasoning (1 Tbsp, plus 1 Tbsp salt): Classic seafood flavor; infuses the shrimp with warmth and spice right in the quick blanch.
- Mayonnaise (2/3 cup): This adds a velvety creaminess and helps bind everything together—no canned soup required.
- Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): For just the right touch of mellow, savory depth—no garlic chopping needed!
- Ground black pepper (1/2 tsp): A little heat and woodsy spice for balance.
- Butter (1 Tbsp + extra for the pan): For richness and that delectable crisp on top.
- Panko bread crumbs (1/2 cup): I love panko for that ultra-light, crunchy topping, but regular breadcrumbs work in a pinch.
- Shredded mozzarella (4 oz): Brings gooey stretch and creamy melt to every bite.
- Shredded medium cheddar cheese (4 oz): For bold cheese flavor and that tempting golden color on top—sharp cheddar is fantastic, too!
Variations
One of my favorite things about the Shrimp Casserole Recipe is its flexibility. You can truly make this dish your own, depending on what you love (or have on hand) and how you want to serve it. Don’t be afraid to experiment or tailor it for your crew!
- Spicy Kick: Add 1/2 teaspoon cayenne or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the mayo mixture for an extra heat boost.
- Veggie-Loaded: Stir in sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or peas for color and a little extra nutrition—it’s a great way to use up produce.
- Swap the Cheese: Try Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or a Mexican blend if you want to mix up the flavor profile.
- Low-Carb Version: Skip the breadcrumb topping and finish with a sprinkle of grated parmesan for a crisp, cheesy crust that keeps it keto-friendly.
How to Make Shrimp Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Shrimp and Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F. Butter your chosen casserole dish or deep skillet generously to keep the casserole from sticking and to add a subtle layer of flavor. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, seasoning it with Old Bay and salt. Once boiling, add your peeled and deveined shrimp, cooking them for just about 30 seconds—enough for them to turn opaque and beautifully pink, but not a second longer! Drain the shrimp and let them cool slightly so they don’t carry excess heat into your creamy mixture, then blot away any lingering moisture with a paper towel.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Filling
Once your shrimp have cooled off, add the mayonnaise, garlic powder, and black pepper directly to the bowl. Stir gently to coat each shrimp with the smooth, seasoned mayo mixture. Next, sprinkle in your shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, folding them in until every shrimp is tucked in cheesy goodness. Taste here if you want and adjust the seasoning—make it yours!
Step 3: Assemble and Top
Spoon the creamy shrimp mixture evenly into your prepared casserole dish. In a small bowl, melt the tablespoon of butter and stir in your panko breadcrumbs until they’re perfectly coated and ready to crisp up. Evenly sprinkle the buttery crumbs over the casserole, covering as much surface area as possible for that satisfying golden crunch.
Step 4: Bake and Broil to Perfection
Bake uncovered at 375°F for around 13-15 minutes—just until the center of the casserole reads 145°F on an instant-read thermometer or the top is bubbling and the cheese has melted. For that ultimate golden finish, broil the casserole for another 1-2 minutes, watching closely as the top turns crisp and gorgeously brown. Let the casserole rest for about 15 minutes before serving so the flavors settle and slices hold together beautifully.
Pro Tips for Making Shrimp Casserole Recipe
- Blanch, Don’t Boil: Shrimp cook incredibly fast—just 30 seconds in boiling water ensures they stay plump instead of rubbery once baked.
- Drain and Blot: Any extra moisture left with the shrimp can create a soggy casserole, so pat them dry before mixing for the best creamy texture.
- Customize Your Bakeware: Deep skillet or casserole dish, 9×9 pan or pie plate—all work, just watch for even spreading and don’t overfill so the top crisps up nicely.
- Broil for Crunch: The broiler is your friend—just a minute or two creates a crisp, restaurant-style topping everyone will snatch up first!
How to Serve Shrimp Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives just before serving brings a bright, herby lift and a flash of color to your Shrimp Casserole Recipe. A wedge of lemon on the side is a lovely touch, letting guests squeeze as much tang as they like over their servings.
Side Dishes
This casserole is luxurious and satisfying, but pairing it with a crisp green salad, steamed asparagus, or roasted vegetables balances the richness. For a heartier meal, warm dinner rolls or garlic bread are absolutely irresistible for sopping up every drop of cheesy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get fancy, spoon the casserole into individual ramekins for dinner parties or serve over creamy grits or buttered noodles for a Southern-inspired twist. Leftovers make a knockout filling for stuffed bell peppers or even as a decadent topping for baked potatoes at your next brunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If there’s any casserole left (good luck!), cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for 2–3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight and make for crave-worthy next-day lunches.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked shrimp casserole (just without the crumb topping) for up to 1 month. Simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator, add the fresh breadcrumb topping right before baking, and you’ve got effortless seafood comfort ready for the oven.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the casserole (covered) in a 325°F oven until warmed through, then uncover and broil briefly to revive the crumb topping. Reheating in the air fryer in smaller portions also brings back that crave-worthy crunch!
FAQs
-
Can I use frozen shrimp in this Shrimp Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw frozen shrimp completely and blot away excess moisture before cooking, so the casserole doesn’t turn watery. Thawed shrimp work beautifully and are a great shortcut for busy nights.
-
What should I do if I see extra liquid after baking?
If you notice some liquid pooling after baking, don’t worry—it’s common with shrimp casserole recipes, especially if the shrimp were extra juicy or previously frozen. Just use a paper towel to soak up any extra moisture, or let the casserole set a bit longer before serving.
-
Can I make this recipe ahead of time for a party?
Yes! Assemble the shrimp filling in your baking dish, cover, and refrigerate up to 3 days in advance. Add the breadcrumb topping just before baking for the best crunch, then bake as directed. It’s party-perfect and stress-free.
-
What’s the best way to flavor the shrimp in this recipe?
Boiling the shrimp briefly with Old Bay and salt infuses them with classic seafood flavor. You can also experiment by adding lemon zest or your favorite spice blends to the mayo mixture for a personalized touch!
Final Thoughts
If you’re ever in the mood for a dish that tastes like a warm hug, the Shrimp Casserole Recipe is here to deliver. It’s simple, impressive, and absolutely delicious every single time. Give it a try, share it with your favorite people, and get ready for the compliments to roll in—this one’s sure to become a keeper in your kitchen, too!
Print
Shrimp Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Baking
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Shrimp Casserole is a creamy and cheesy seafood dish that is easy to make and a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion!
Ingredients
Shrimp Casserole:
- 2 lbs large shrimp, 21-24 count, peeled and deveined
- 1 Tbsp Old Bay Seasoning, plus 1 Tbsp salt for the cooking water
- 2/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 Tbsp butter, plus more to grease the pan
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
- 4 oz shredded mozzarella
- 4 oz shredded medium cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat the oven to 375 ̊F. Grease a 2 1/2 quart casserole dish* or skillet with butter.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1 Tbsp salt and 1 Tbsp Old Bay Seasoning. Add the shrimp and cook for 30 seconds or just when the shrimp are opaque and cooked through. Immediately remove with a strainer and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Let it cool for a few minutes then drain off any water that collects at the bottom of the bowl, or use a paper towel to soak up any liquid at the bottom of the bowl.
- Into the shrimp, add mayo, garlic powder, and black pepper and stir to coat the shrimp. Sprinkle on the cheese and stir again to combine. Transfer the shrimp mixture to your prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly into the pan.
- In a separate bowl or measuring cup, melt 1 Tbsp butter and stir in 1/2 cup bread crumbs until crumbs are evenly moistened. Sprinkle crumbs over the shrimp.
- Bake uncovered at 375 ̊F for 13-15 minutes or until the center reaches 145 ̊F on an instant-read thermometer then broil for 1 to 2 minutes to brown the crumbs. Rest for 15 minutes before serving.* You can serve it warm or at room temperature. It’s still delicious if you have to transport it to someone’s house for dinner!
Notes
- If you see excess liquid in your casserole – Some shrimp release extra liquid when baked. This can happen if the shrimp are overcooked or if they were thawed improperly. If you see liquid pooling in the bottom of your casserole dish after it’s baked, you can soak it up with a paper towel.
- Note on baking dishes: Try a 2 1/2 quart casserole dish or a deep 10-inch skillet. You can also use a 9×9 square casserole dish or a 9-inch pie pan.
- Make ahead – spread the shrimp filling in the pan in step 3, cover the pan with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 3 days, then top with breadcrumb mixture and bake as directed.
- Leftovers – cover and refrigerate for 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 354
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 287mg
