Crab and Shrimp Casserole

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Difficulty: Intermediate
Calories per Serving: ~420 kcal

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Description

This Crab and Shrimp Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful seafood dish that’s perfect for special occasions or a comforting family dinner. Packed with tender crab meat, succulent shrimp, and a rich sauce topped with a golden breadcrumb crust, this casserole is sure to impress.

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Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) lump crab meat, picked over for shells

• 1 lb (450g) medium shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails removed

• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup (240ml) sour cream

• ½ cup (120ml) mayonnaise

• 1 cup (100g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 small onion, finely diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp (15ml) Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp (5ml) Old Bay seasoning

• ½ tsp (2.5ml) paprika

• ½ tsp (2.5ml) black pepper

• ¼ tsp (1.25ml) cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

• 2 tbsp (30ml) fresh parsley, chopped

Topping

• 1 cup (100g) panko breadcrumbs

• 2 tbsp (30g) melted butter

• 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil

• 1 tsp (5ml) garlic powder

• ½ tsp (2.5ml) dried thyme

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Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

• Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Cook Shrimp & Vegetables

1. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onion and garlic in 1 tbsp olive oil until soft (about 3 minutes).

2. Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque (about 2-3 minutes per side). Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Seafood Mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay, paprika, black pepper, and cayenne. Mix until smooth.

2. Fold in crab meat, cooked shrimp, cheddar, mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan. Stir gently to avoid breaking up the crab too much.

3. Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.

Step 4: Prepare the Breadcrumb Topping

• In a small bowl, mix panko, melted butter, olive oil, garlic powder, thyme, and remaining Parmesan. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.

Step 5: Bake

• Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.

• Broil for 1-2 minutes (optional) for extra crispiness.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

• Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

• Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

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Tips & Variations

✅ Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole (without baking) and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
✅ Freezer-Friendly: Freeze (unbaked) for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before baking.
✅ Substitutions:

• Use imitation crab for a budget-friendly option.

• Swap shrimp for scallops or lobster.

• Replace panko with crushed Ritz crackers for extra buttery flavor.

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Final Thoughts

This Crab and Shrimp Casserole is a decadent, restaurant-quality dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. The combination of creamy, cheesy seafood with a crispy topping makes it irresistible. Perfect for dinner parties, holidays, or a cozy night in!