Get ready to dive into the delicious world of seafood with this irresistible Baked Crab-Stuffed Shrimp Casserole. This dish is a true indulgence for seafood lovers, combining succulent shrimp with a rich and flavorful crab stuffing that’s creamy, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned. I promise, once you try it, there’s no going back!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: Each bite is a symphony of bold flavors, from the aromatic garlic to the savory crab and shrimp.
- Elegant Presentation: The butterfly shrimp create a stunning visual that’s perfect for impressing guests at any gathering.
- Versatile Dish: This casserole can be served as a main course or a delightful appetizer, adapting to any occasion.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps and a mix of readily available ingredients make this recipe approachable for cooks of all levels.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Baked Crab-Stuffed Shrimp Casserole plays a crucial role in creating a symphony of tastes and textures. From the juicy shrimp to the buttery crackers, everything harmonizes to bring out the seafood essence.
- Butter: Adds a rich base flavor and helps sauté the vegetables perfectly.
- Shallots: Offers a milder onion-like taste, enhancing the stuffing’s depth.
- Red Bell Pepper: Provides sweetness and a touch of vibrant color to the dish.
- Garlic: A crucial aromatic that infuses the entire casserole with flavor.
- Dry Sherry: Adds a subtle, complex flavor, elevating the seafood taste to new heights.
- Buttery Crackers: These create a tender, slightly crunchy topping that holds the stuffing together.
- Old Bay Seasoning: A must-have for highlighting the seafood flavors with its perfect blend of spices.
- Crab Meat: The star of the show, bringing richness and a tender texture.
- Shrimp: Jumbo shrimp are used for their perfect size and sweet flavor.
Variations
Personalize your Baked Crab-Stuffed Shrimp Casserole to suit your preferences or dietary needs. It’s incredibly flexible, which means you can enjoy it just the way you like it!
- Shrimp Substitute: Try scallops or small pieces of fish for an equally delightful twist.
- Spice Level: Add a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick to the casserole.
- Herb Addition: Consider adding fresh dill or chives for a different herbal flavor.
How to Make Baked Crab-Stuffed Shrimp Casserole
Step 1: Preheat and Sauté
Begin by preheating your oven to 375℉. In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter, and add the shallot, celery, red pepper, and garlic. Sauté for approximately 4-5 minutes. They should become fragrant and tender, creating a deliciously aromatic base for your casserole.
Step 2: Prepare the Stuffing
Pour in the dry sherry, allowing it to cook off slightly. Add crushed crackers, parmesan, Old Bay, black pepper, lemon zest, and parsley. Toss these together gently and remove from the heat to cool. This mixture will soon become the heart of your crab-stuffed shrimp casserole.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
In your chosen casserole dish, arrange your butterflied shrimp with tails pointing up. This artistic assembly promises both taste and beauty. Drizzle with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. Add the crab meat and mayonnaise to your cooled mixture, and gently fold to blend without breaking up the delicate crab.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Spoon the stuffing between and over the shrimp, ensuring even coverage. Top with pats of butter and sprinkle with paprika. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until shrimp is tender and the casserole is wonderfully golden. A quick broil adds a beautiful final touch.
Pro Tips for Making Baked Crab-Stuffed Shrimp Casserole
- Perfect Shrimp Size: Opt for jumbo shrimp to ensure they hold their shape and form a lovely crust.
- Gentle Folding: When mixing the crab and stuffing, fold gently to keep the crab pieces intact and flavorful.
- Boosting Flavor: Add a bit more lemon zest or Old Bay if you prefer a stronger flavor profile.
- Bread Crumb Crunch: Sprinkle additional bread crumbs on top before baking for an extra crunchy finish.
How to Serve Baked Crab-Stuffed Shrimp Casserole
Garnishes
Finish your dish with freshly chopped parsley and a few lemon wedges to squeeze over the succulent shrimp. This not only adds a pop of color but also a refreshing brightness.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with a light salad or roasted vegetables. For a more decadent meal, serve it alongside buttery garlic bread or a creamy risotto.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve in individual ramekins for a personal touch at dinner parties, or simply plate with contrasting dark dishes to enhance the vibrant colors of the casserole.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Ensure to cool the dish completely before storing.
Freezing
This casserole can be frozen for up to a month. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 350℉ until warmed through, to maintain its texture and ensure the shrimp doesn’t overcook.
FAQs
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Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for the casserole?
It’s best to use raw shrimp so they cook perfectly in the oven, absorbing the flavors as they bake.
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What if I can’t find dry sherry?
Substitute with white wine or even a small amount of apple cider vinegar mixed with water for a similar acidic touch.
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Is the crab meat essential, or can I skip it?
The crab meat is a key component but can be substituted with additional shrimp or scallops if preferred.
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Can this be made dairy-free?
Yes, replace the butter with a dairy-free substitute and use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that combines indulgence with ease, this Baked Crab-Stuffed Shrimp Casserole is calling your name. Give it a try and watch as your dining experience is elevated to seafood heaven!
Print
Baked Crab-Stuffed Shrimp Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This baked crab-stuffed shrimp casserole is an elegant and flavorful seafood dish featuring succulent jumbo shrimp filled with a rich, seasoned crab and cracker stuffing, baked to perfection with a golden topping. Perfect for special occasions or a luxurious family dinner, it combines tender shrimp with a savory, buttery filling infused with Old Bay seasoning, herbs, and citrus for a delightful taste experience.
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 2 shallots, diced (about 1/2 cup)
- 1/2 cup celery, minced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, minced
- 5 garlic cloves, grated
- 3 tablespoons dry sherry
- 2 cups buttery crackers (Clubhouse-style)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Old Bay Seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup fresh flat leaf parsley, chopped, plus more for garnish
- Zest of 1 lemon, plus wedges, for serving
- 1 pound crab meat (substitute chopped shrimp or scallops)
For the Shrimp
- 1 pound jumbo shrimp, butterflied (about 16-18)
- Olive oil, salt and pepper
- Additional parsley for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
- paprika, for sprinkling
For the Topping
- Remaining tablespoon of butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 375℉ to prepare for baking.
- Sauté vegetables: Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced shallots, minced celery, red bell pepper, and grated garlic. Cook for 4-5 minutes until fragrant and tender.
- Add sherry: Pour in the dry sherry carefully, then cook for about 1 minute to deglaze the pan and meld flavors.
- Make stuffing mixture: Stir in crushed buttery crackers, Parmesan cheese, Old Bay seasoning, black pepper, lemon zest, and chopped parsley. Toss well to combine, then remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Prepare the shrimp: In a 2.5 or 3-quart casserole dish, arrange cleaned and butterflied jumbo shrimp with the cut side facing up. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and distribute evenly.
- Mix crab and mayonnaise: Gently fold crab meat (ensuring shells are removed) and mayonnaise into the cooled stuffing mixture.
- Stuff the shrimp: Spoon the seafood stuffing into each shrimp in the casserole dish, keeping the tails exposed and facing upward.
- Add butter and bake: Scatter small pieces of the remaining butter over the top. Sprinkle with paprika for color. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes until shrimp are cooked and topping is golden brown.
- Broil for finish: Turn on the broiler for 2 minutes to enhance the golden color and crispiness.
- Serve: Garnish with additional parsley and lemon wedges. Serve hot, squeezing fresh lemon juice over each serving.
Notes
- If preferred, remove the shrimp tails before baking for a more uniform presentation.
- You can substitute chopped scallops or other seafood in place of crab meat for variation.
- Ensure crab meat is free of shells to avoid any biting hazards.
- The dish pairs beautifully with a light white wine or a crisp salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/6 of the casserole)
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 920 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 220 mg
