Table of Contents
- Introduction: Why You’ll Love This Easy Seafood Casserole
- The Secret to a Perfect Creamy Seafood Bake
- Best Seafood Choices for This Casserole
- How to Add More Flavor and Texture
- Pairing Suggestions: What to Serve with This Dish
- Storage and Reheating Tips
- Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
– This easy seafood casserole is a creamy, cheesy dish packed with shrimp, scallops, and crab.
– It’s perfect for a quick seafood dinner that feels both indulgent and comforting.
– Baked seafood casserole is a great make-ahead meal and reheats beautifully.
– Serve it with fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Introduction: Why You’ll Love This Easy Seafood Casserole
There’s something magical about a creamy seafood bake that brings warmth and comfort to the dinner table. This easy seafood casserole is loaded with tender shrimp, succulent scallops, and sweet lump crab, all blended into a rich, cheesy sauce. It’s a one-dish wonder that’s simple to prepare yet feels gourmet enough for a special occasion.
The Secret to a Perfect Creamy Seafood Bake
The key to achieving that rich, velvety texture in your baked seafood casserole lies in the balance of ingredients. Using a combination of heavy cream, shredded cheddar, and Parmesan cheese ensures a decadent sauce that coats every bite. To elevate the flavor, a touch of garlic and onion powder enhances the natural sweetness of the seafood.
Best Seafood Choices for This Casserole
The beauty of this easy seafood casserole is its versatility. You can customize it based on what’s available or your personal preferences. Shrimp and scallops bring a tender, buttery texture, while crab meat adds a delicate sweetness. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, try using a mix of white fish or even imitation crab.
How to Add More Flavor and Texture
For an added crunch, sprinkle a layer of buttery breadcrumbs on top before baking. If you love a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can bring a gentle spice. A splash of white wine in the sauce can enhance the seafood’s depth of flavor, making this dish taste even more sophisticated.
Pairing Suggestions: What to Serve with This Dish
This quick seafood dinner pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Serve it with a light green salad, roasted asparagus, or a side of buttery garlic bread. A crisp white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, complements the richness of the casserole perfectly.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftovers? No problem! This baked seafood casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through. If freezing, portion it into airtight containers and freeze for up to two months.
Easy Seafood Casserole – A Comforting, Creamy Delight
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 pound scallops
- 1/2 pound lump crab meat
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Melt butter in a pan over medium heat, then add shrimp and scallops. Cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly opaque.
- In a bowl, mix cooked seafood with crab meat, cooked rice, cheddar cheese, heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish and top with Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
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