If you are craving a dish that’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with succulent shrimp, you are in for a real treat with this Creamy Shrimp Casserole with Cheddar and Mozzarella Recipe. This casserole is the perfect combination of tender shrimp enveloped in a luscious blend of sharp cheddar and melty mozzarella, all topped with a golden, crunchy breadcrumb crust. It comes together quickly and offers a comforting, elegant dish that’s great for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. Once you try this recipe, it might just become your new go-to for impressively easy seafood meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Creamy Shrimp Casserole with Cheddar and Mozzarella Recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient brings its own magic to the final dish. From the succulent shrimp to the sharp cheddar’s tang and the mozzarella’s stretchy meltiness, every component plays a role in balancing flavor, texture, and color.
- 2 pounds large shrimp: Peeled and deveined for convenience and perfect bite-sized pieces.
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning: Adds a classic, zesty sea flavor that elevates the shrimp instantly.
- 2/3 cup mayonnaise: Creates that dreamy creamy texture that binds everything together.
- 4 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese: Provides gooey, melty goodness with a mild flavor.
- 4 ounces shredded medium cheddar cheese: Brings a sharp, tangy punch that complements the shrimp beautifully.
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs: For a crunchy, golden topping that adds texture contrast.
- Butter: To grease the dish and mix with breadcrumbs for a rich, crisp finish.
- Seasonings (garlic powder and black pepper): Essential for layering subtle warmth and depth into the casserole.
How to Make Creamy Shrimp Casserole with Cheddar and Mozzarella Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Cook the Shrimp
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a casserole dish with butter to ensure a smooth release once baked. Next, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the Old Bay seasoning for an extra burst of classic seafood flavor. Drop in the shrimp and cook them briefly, just about 30 seconds until they turn opaque — you want them perfectly tender, not rubbery. Drain well and transfer the shrimp into a mixing bowl for the next step.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Cheese Sauce
To the cooked shrimp, add mayonnaise along with garlic powder and black pepper to imbue rich, savory notes. Now, toss in both the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. The mozzarella will give that delightful stretchiness while the cheddar adds depth and a sharp bite. Stir everything together until it’s fully combined, creamy, and absolutely irresistible.
Step 3: Assemble and Top
Carefully spread the cheesy shrimp mixture evenly in your greased casserole dish. In a small bowl, melt some butter and mix it into the panko breadcrumbs — this step is key for creating that irresistible golden crunch on top. Sprinkle the buttery breadcrumbs over the shrimp mixture with care, covering the surface evenly.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop the casserole into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 13 to 15 minutes. You will know it’s ready when the top turns beautifully golden and the filling is heated through, bubbling slightly at the edges. Once out of the oven, be patient and let the casserole rest for 15 minutes before serving; this allows the flavors to meld and the dish to firm up slightly for easier serving.
How to Serve Creamy Shrimp Casserole with Cheddar and Mozzarella Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives sprinkle color and brightness, balancing the dish’s rich, creamy elements. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a few lemon wedges on the side can also add a fun, zesty contrast that lifts the flavors and keeps the palate happy.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides. Consider a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette or steamed vegetables like asparagus or green beans for a pop of color and freshness. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are also fantastic to mop up every cheesy, creamy bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching presentation, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets to delight each guest personally. You can also layer the shrimp casserole over a bed of cooked rice or pasta, turning it into a hearty one-dish meal that’s as comforting as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers of this Creamy Shrimp Casserole with Cheddar and Mozzarella Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 days, retaining the creamy texture and savory flavors.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole by wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap and then foil or placing it in a freezer-safe container. It freezes well for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15 to 20 minutes. This method maintains the crispy topping and creamy interior far better than the microwave. If you are in a rush, microwave reheating works but expect a softer topping.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this casserole?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture that could affect the casserole’s texture.
Is mayonnaise necessary in this recipe?
Mayonnaise adds a creamy richness that helps bind the shrimp and cheese together, but you could try substituting with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangier twist.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the cheeses with dairy-free versions and use a vegan mayo option. Just keep in mind this will alter the flavor slightly but still deliver a tasty casserole.
What can I use instead of panko breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko, crushed crackers, regular breadcrumbs, or even crushed cornflakes will work to create a crunchy topping.
How spicy is the Old Bay seasoning in this dish?
Old Bay has a mild heat with aromatic spices – it adds warmth and complexity without overpowering the creamy shrimp casserole. You can adjust the amount based on your heat preference.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Shrimp Casserole with Cheddar and Mozzarella Recipe is a celebration of comfort food done right. It’s rich, cheesy, and full of tender shrimp, ready to wow at any dinner table. I encourage you to give it a try and enjoy the cozy, satisfying flavors that make people come back for seconds and thirds. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
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Creamy Shrimp Casserole with Cheddar and Mozzarella Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Shrimp Casserole is a creamy and cheesy seafood dish that combines tender shrimp with a flavorful blend of mayonnaise, cheeses, and a crunchy buttery panko breadcrumb topping. Perfectly baked until golden and bubbly, it’s an easy and satisfying meal that serves eight and is ideal for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Shrimp Mixture
- 2 pounds large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
- 2/3 cup mayonnaise
- 4 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 ounces shredded medium cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
Additional
- Butter for greasing the casserole dish
- Salt for boiling water
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a casserole dish generously with butter to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Cook Shrimp: Bring a large pot of salted water seasoned with Old Bay seasoning to a boil. Add the shrimp and cook just until they turn opaque, about 30 seconds. Immediately drain the shrimp and transfer them to a mixing bowl to cool slightly.
- Combine Ingredients: To the bowl with the cooked shrimp, add mayonnaise, garlic powder, black pepper, shredded mozzarella, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything together until well combined and the shrimp are evenly coated in the creamy cheesy mixture.
- Assemble Casserole: Spoon the shrimp mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, melt the butter and mix it with the panko breadcrumbs until the crumbs are fully coated. Sprinkle this breadcrumb mixture evenly over the shrimp mixture in the casserole dish to form a crunchy topping.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 13-15 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and crispy.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and the dish to set slightly for easier slicing and serving.
Notes
- Do not overcook the shrimp during boiling as they will continue to cook slightly in the oven and become rubbery if overdone.
- Feel free to use a mix of cheeses such as Monterey Jack or Parmesan for different flavor profiles.
- You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika to the breadcrumb topping for a spicy kick.
- This casserole pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh green salad.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
