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
Scale
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.
