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
Scale
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.
