If you’re craving a comforting, creamy, and utterly delicious seafood dish, this Crab and Shrimp Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need on your table. It brings together tender shrimp and sweet lump crab meat with a rich blend of cheeses, rice, and a crispy buttery cracker topping that browns perfectly in the oven. Every bite bursts with layers of flavor and a satisfying texture that feels like a warm hug after a busy day. Whether for a family dinner or a special occasion, this casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to put together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Crab and Shrimp Casserole Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each chosen to add a distinct element to the final dish. From the sweetness of fresh seafood to the sharpness of aged cheeses and the crisp golden topping, every component plays a crucial role.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the aromatics for depth of flavor.
- Yellow onion (finely chopped): Provides a subtle sweetness when cooked gently.
- Garlic (minced): Brings a warm, fragrant backbone to the savory filling.
- Cooked shrimp (peeled, deveined, and chopped): Offers tender seafood bites packed with protein.
- Lump crab meat (drained and picked over): Delivers that luxurious, sweet crab flavor that defines this dish.
- Cooked white rice: Acts as a hearty binder to soak up the creamy seafood mixture.
- Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and moisture to the casserole’s texture.
- Sour cream: Brings a slight tang that balances richness perfectly.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Ensures melty, gooey comfort with a mild sharpness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory depth and subtle nuttiness.
- Old Bay seasoning: Infuses the dish with classic seafood spices for authentic taste.
- Paprika: Contributes mild earthiness and beautiful color.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance all other flavors.
- Chopped parsley: Freshens up the casserole with a bright herbaceous note.
- Crushed butter crackers (like Ritz) for topping: Creates a crunchy golden crust that contrasts the creamy filling.
- Melted butter: Binds the cracker topping and enriches its flavor.
How to Make Crab and Shrimp Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 2-quart baking dish lightly. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and gently cook the finely chopped onion until softened and translucent, about four to five minutes. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, releasing its irresistible aroma. This flavorful base sets the tone for the entire casserole.
Step 2: Combine the Filling
In a large bowl, bring together the chopped shrimp, carefully picked crab meat, sautéed onions and garlic, and cooked rice. Next, add the mayonnaise and sour cream to introduce creamy richness, followed by the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheeses which will melt beautifully during baking. Season the mix with Old Bay seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper for a perfectly seasoned seafood blend. Finally, fold in the chopped parsley to add freshness mid-bite.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer this delightful seafood mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly so every spatula scoop is consistent. Then in a small bowl, stir together the crushed butter crackers and melted butter until nicely coated. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the casserole’s surface to create that classic golden crunch.
Step 4: Bake Until Bubbling and Golden
Pop the assembled dish into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until you see it bubbling enthusiastically from the center and the cracker topping turns a gorgeous golden brown. Allow it to cool just a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld and the casserole set perfectly.
How to Serve Crab and Shrimp Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To brighten up the rich Crab and Shrimp Casserole Recipe, sprinkle a handful of fresh chopped parsley or finely sliced green onions on top just before serving. A dash of lemon zest or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a delightful citrus lift that balances out the creamy seafood flavors.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with simple, crisp sides that won’t compete for attention. Think a fresh green salad with tangy vinaigrette, steamed asparagus lightly drizzled with olive oil, or garlic butter roasted vegetables. These sides add texture and complement the dish’s richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve individual portions in small ramekins topped with a sprig of dill or a lemon twist. Hosting a casual gathering? Turn the leftovers into decadent stuffed bell peppers or use them as a filling for crispy seafood quesadillas. This Crab and Shrimp Casserole Recipe is versatile enough to inspire creative twists.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your casserole, simply cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days to keep the seafood fresh and the flavors intact.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap the cooled dish securely and place it in the freezer for up to two months. To avoid soggy topping, consider covering it with foil rather than plastic wrap before freezing.
Reheating
When ready to indulge again, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator and warm it up in a preheated 325°F oven for 20 to 25 minutes, just until heated through and the topping regains some crispness. Avoid microwaving to preserve the texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh seafood instead of cooked?
Absolutely! Using fresh shrimp and crab can enhance the flavor even more. Just make sure to cook the shrimp fully and gently pick over your crab meat before mixing it into the casserole to remove any shells.
Is there a substitute for mayonnaise?
You can swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or a combination of sour cream and a bit of cream cheese for a tangy creaminess. This will slightly change the flavor but still keep the casserole moist and rich.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes! Replace the butter crackers with gluten-free crackers or crushed gluten-free bread crumbs for the topping. Also ensure any seasoning blends, like Old Bay, are labeled gluten-free.
What can I use instead of white rice?
Cooked pasta such as small shells or elbow macaroni works beautifully and gives the casserole a slightly different texture. Quinoa or cauliflower rice are good options for a healthier twist.
How spicy is this casserole?
This Crab and Shrimp Casserole Recipe is mildly spiced thanks to the Old Bay seasoning and paprika. If you prefer more heat, you can easily add cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the filling mixture before baking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so joy-inducing about a warm, creamy, and savory seafood bake like this Crab and Shrimp Casserole Recipe. It’s straightforward to make but delivers on flavor, texture, and comfort in every forkful. Whether you’re treating yourself on a weeknight or entertaining guests, this dish will win hearts and taste buds alike. Trust me, once you try it, this casserole will hold a special place in your recipe rotation.
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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
Description
This creamy Crab and Shrimp Casserole is a comforting and flavorful seafood bake combining tender shrimp, lump crab meat, and a cheesy, seasoned rice mixture. Topped with buttery crushed crackers and baked to golden perfection, it makes a satisfying main course perfect for a family dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Seafood and Base
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 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
Dressing and Seasoning
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
Topping
- 1/2 cup crushed butter crackers (like Ritz)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and baking 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 butter. Add the finely chopped yellow onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 4–5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Combine the seafood mixture: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked, chopped shrimp, lump crab meat, sautéed onion and garlic, and cooked white rice. To this, add mayonnaise, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Fold in parsley: Gently mix in the chopped parsley to add freshness and color to the casserole.
- Assemble the casserole: Transfer the seafood and rice mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly for uniform baking.
- Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, combine the crushed butter crackers with the melted butter until well coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole to form a crispy topping.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly throughout and the topping is golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes to set. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- You can substitute the rice with cooked pasta if desired, making the casserole even more hearty.
- For an extra spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños into the seafood mixture.
- Use fresh seafood whenever possible for the best flavor and texture in the casserole.
