If you have a soft spot for creamy, comforting seafood dishes that are brimming with flavor, then this Crab and Shrimp Casserole Recipe is going to be your new favorite go-to. Combining tender crab meat and succulent shrimp with a rich blend of cheeses, savory seasonings, and fluffy rice, this casserole delivers a perfect harmony of textures and tastes that feel like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or entertaining friends, this dish is elegant yet effortlessly easy, making every bite a celebration of fresh seafood goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Though this Crab and Shrimp Casserole Recipe brings luxurious flavors to your table, the ingredient list remains refreshingly simple and approachable. Each element plays a crucial role in building richness, texture, and depth—from the sweetness of seafood to the cheesy, crispy topping that elevates this casserole to something truly special.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the onions and garlic to golden perfection.
- Small yellow onion: Finely chopped for a gentle sweetness and foundational flavor.
- Garlic cloves: Minced to infuse a lovely aromatic punch without overpowering.
- Cooked shrimp: Peeled, deveined, and chopped, offering tender bites of ocean freshness.
- Lump crab meat: Carefully picked to ensure a shell-free, delicate seafood texture.
- Cooked white rice: Provides a fluffy base that soaks up all the creamy flavors.
- Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and a slight tang, helping bind the ingredients.
- Sour cream: Contributes to smoothness and a gentle tangy depth.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully, delivering a sharp, savory note.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty richness that complements the cheddar.
- Old Bay seasoning: Classic seafood seasoning that imparts a touch of warmth and spice.
- Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky aroma and vibrant color.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing the dish’s flavors.
- Chopped parsley: Infuses fresh herbal brightness and appealing green flecks.
- Crushed butter crackers: Like Ritz, for a buttery, crunchy topping contrast.
- Melted butter: Binds the cracker topping and provides that golden finish.
How to Make Crab and Shrimp Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. While it’s warming up, lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish. This ensures your casserole slides out effortlessly after baking and protects those beautiful edges from sticking.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In a skillet over medium heat, melt your tablespoon of butter and sauté the finely chopped yellow onion until it’s soft and translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes. Then add your minced garlic and cook it just for another minute, letting that fragrant flavor build without browning.
Step 3: Combine the Seafood and Creamy Mixture
In a large bowl, gently mix together your chopped cooked shrimp and crab meat with the sautéed onions and garlic. Add the cooked white rice, mayonnaise, sour cream, shredded cheddar, Parmesan, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is fully incorporated and creamy. Finally, fold in the chopped parsley for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the combined mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Press it down lightly so it holds together nicely while baking.
Step 5: Add Crunchy Topping
In a small bowl, mix your crushed butter crackers with the melted butter. Sprinkle this golden, crispy topping evenly over the casserole to create a delightful contrast to the creamy base.
Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden
Bake your casserole for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are bubbly and the top has turned a gorgeous golden brown. Once out of the oven, allow it to rest for a few minutes to set before serving.
How to Serve Crab and Shrimp Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can elevate the experience. Sprinkle a little more chopped parsley or a few lemon wedges on the side to brighten each bite. A light drizzle of hot sauce or a dash of paprika can also add a fun kick for those who like a bit more spice.
Side Dishes
This luscious casserole pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, steamed asparagus, or a side of roasted vegetables. If you want to stay in the seafood lane, a simple cucumber and dill salad can cut through the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve individual portions in small ramekins or scallop shells to impress your guests. Layer a bit of the cracker topping, then the creamy seafood mixture, and finish with a delicate sprinkle of fresh herbs for a restaurant-level look that feels cozy and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep wonderfully for 3 to 4 days and make for an easy next-day meal or snack.
Freezing
You can freeze this Crab and Shrimp Casserole Recipe for up to 2 months. Be sure to cover it tightly with foil or freezer-safe wrap to protect it from freezer burn and maintain that fresh flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 15 to 20 minutes. To keep the topping crisp, avoid microwaving, but if you’re in a hurry, use the microwave and then pop it under the broiler for a couple of minutes to restore crunch.
FAQs
Can I use fresh seafood for this Crab and Shrimp Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh seafood will enhance the flavor even more, but cooked and cleaned seafood works just as well and is more convenient. Just be sure to drain any excess liquid to avoid a watery casserole.
Is there a way to make this casserole spicier?
Definitely! You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or finely diced jalapeños to the mixture before baking to give it a pleasant kick that complements the seafood beautifully.
Can I substitute the rice with something else?
Yes, cooked pasta works wonderfully as a substitute, especially short pasta like elbow macaroni or small shells. Just ensure your pasta is cooked al dente so it holds up well in the casserole.
What can I use instead of mayonnaise or sour cream if I prefer a lighter version?
You might try Greek yogurt or a light cream cheese alternative, but be aware this will change the texture slightly. The casserole might be less rich but still tasty and creamy enough for a satisfying dish.
How do I avoid the casserole becoming too dry?
Keeping the balance of mayonnaise, sour cream, and cheese is key. Also, don’t overbake it. Remove it when the top is golden and the edges are bubbly. Resting for a few minutes before serving helps redistribute the moisture as well.
Final Thoughts
This Crab and Shrimp Casserole Recipe is truly a gem that brings warmth, comfort, and a touch of elegance to any meal. Its creamy texture, balanced seasoning, and delightful seafood mix will keep everyone asking for seconds. Don’t hesitate to try it — it’s a wonderful way to celebrate the flavors of the sea in a dish that’s both easy to make and impossible to resist.
Print
Crab and Shrimp Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
This creamy Crab and Shrimp Casserole blends succulent seafood with a cheesy, seasoned rice base topped with a crispy buttery cracker crust. Perfect as a comforting main dish, it offers a rich combination of flavors including Old Bay seasoning and parmesan, baked to golden perfection for a satisfying seafood bake that’s both easy to prepare and deliciously indulgent.
Ingredients
Seafood and Base
- 1/2 pound cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- 1/2 pound lump crab meat, drained and picked over for shells
- 1 cup cooked white rice
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy and Condiments
- 1 tablespoon butter (divided, for sautéing and topping)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Toppings
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1/2 cup crushed butter crackers (such as Ritz) for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter then add the finely chopped yellow onion. Sauté for about 4 to 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped cooked shrimp, lump crab meat, sautéed onions and garlic, cooked white rice, mayonnaise, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together thoroughly to achieve an even mixture. Finally, fold in the chopped parsley for freshness and color.
- Fill Baking Dish: Transfer the seafood mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly, creating a uniform layer.
- Prepare Topping and Bake: In a small bowl, combine the crushed butter crackers with 1 tablespoon of melted butter. Sprinkle this buttery cracker mixture evenly over the top of the casserole layer. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This resting time helps the casserole set and enhances the flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute the cooked white rice with cooked pasta if you prefer a different texture.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the mix.
- Use fresh seafood when available to maximize the flavor and freshness of the dish.
