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
Scale
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.
