Description
Creamy crab and shrimp casserole delights seafood enthusiasts with its rich, comforting blend of ocean treasures. Cheese-topped layers and delicate seafood promise a memorable meal that will transport coastal dining right to your dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood:
- 1 pound (454 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 pound (454 grams) crabmeat, fresh or canned
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Topping Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center.
- Dice the celery, onion, and mince the garlic, creating a fragrant vegetable base for the seafood mixture.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, gently combine the shrimp and crabmeat with the prepared vegetables, taking care not to break the delicate seafood.
- Create a velvety roux by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then gradually incorporate flour, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
- Slowly pour in milk, stirring constantly until the sauce transforms into a smooth, thickened consistency. Remove from heat.
- Blend mayonnaise and cheddar cheese into the warm sauce, creating a rich and creamy texture. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Carefully fold the seafood and vegetable mixture into the cheese sauce, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
- Transfer the luxurious seafood blend to a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle a generous layer of breadcrumbs across the top, creating a crispy golden crust.
- Bake for 30 minutes until the casserole turns golden brown and bubbles appetizingly around the edges.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Ensure seafood is fresh and properly cleaned to enhance the dish’s flavor and prevent any potential foodborne illnesses.
- Pat shrimp and crabmeat dry before mixing to avoid excess moisture that could make the casserole watery.
- Dice celery and onions finely for even distribution and consistent texture throughout the dish.
- Use room temperature ingredients for smoother sauce blending and better overall integration of flavors.
- Substitute gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version without compromising taste.
- Add a splash of white wine or lemon juice to brighten the seafood’s natural sweetness and cut through the richness.
- For a lighter option, replace some mayonnaise with Greek yogurt to reduce calories while maintaining creaminess.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like Gruyère or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 330 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg