The Best Shrimp Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Best Shrimp Casserole is the perfect easy weeknight dinner that feels both comforting and impressive. With tender shrimp baked in a creamy, flavorful sauce and topped with a golden crust, it comes together quickly for a stress-free meal. For more quick dinner inspiration, try the Creamy Cajun Sausage Ravioli Recipe or the Easy Romantic Pasta Dinner Ideas for Two Ready in 30 Minutes.

Ingredients

This creamy, cheesy shrimp casserole combines tender shrimp with rich mayonnaise and a buttery, crispy cracker topping for the ultimate comfort food experience.

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 cup shredded medium cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 cup crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	25 minutes
Total Time	40 minutes

Context: This version of The Best Shrimp Casserole is about 20% faster than similar recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prep Your Ingredients

Gather all ingredients for The Best Shrimp Casserole: peeled shrimp, pasta or rice, cream sauce components, cheese, and seasonings. Thaw frozen shrimp completely in cold water if needed, then pat dry with paper towels to ensure proper texture.

Step 2 — Cook Your Base

Prepare your chosen base—whether pasta, rice, or potatoes—according to package directions, but slightly undercook since it will bake further. For pasta, aim for al dente texture to prevent mushiness in the final casserole.

Step 3 — Make the Creamy Sauce

Create a rich sauce by melting butter, whisking in flour to form a roux, then gradually adding milk or cream. Cook until thickened, then season with garlic, Old Bay, or your preferred spices. Stir in half the cheese until melted for extra creaminess.

Step 4 — Combine Ingredients

Gently fold cooked shrimp, your prepared base, and any vegetables into the sauce. Avoid overmixing to keep shrimp intact. Taste and adjust seasoning before transferring to a greased baking dish.

Step 5 — Add Topping and Preheat Oven

Sprinkle remaining cheese and breadcrumbs over the casserole for a golden crust. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)—this temperature ensures even cooking without drying out the shrimp.

Step 6 — Bake to Perfection

Bake The Best Shrimp Casserole for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and lightly browned. Check that internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for food-safe shrimp. The topping should be crisp, and sauce visibly simmering at the edges.

Step 7 — Rest Before Serving

Let the casserole rest 5–10 minutes after baking. This allows the sauce to thicken and makes serving cleaner. Garnish with fresh parsley or lemon wedges for brightness.

Nutritional Information

Calories	395
Protein	28g
Carbohydrates	22g
Fat	21g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	890mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Chicken or Tofu — Swap shrimp for diced chicken breast or firm tofu for a different protein option while keeping the casserole texture intact.
• Cauliflower Rice — Replace white rice with cauliflower rice to create a lower-carb version of The Best Shrimp Casserole.
• Coconut Milk — Use coconut milk instead of cream for a rich, dairy-free alternative with a subtle tropical flavor.
• Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs — Top with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for the same crispy finish without gluten.
• Low-Sodium Broth — Prepare with low-sodium vegetable or seafood broth to reduce salt content while maintaining savory depth.
• Zucchini Noodles — Incorporate zucchini noodles in place of some rice for added vegetables and fewer carbs.
• Nutritional Yeast — Sprinkle nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free, cheesy flavor boost.
• Lean Turkey Bacon — Use lean turkey bacon instead of regular bacon to lower fat while keeping a smoky accent.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this creamy shrimp casserole with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness.
• Serve alongside steamed asparagus or roasted green beans for a fresh, colorful vegetable accompaniment.
• Offer crusty French bread or garlic breadsticks to soak up every bit of the delicious sauce.
• Perfect for a comforting family dinner, a casual potluck, or a festive holiday gathering.
• For a complete meal, add a side of fluffy white rice or buttery pasta.
• Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving to brighten the flavors.
• Plate individual portions in shallow bowls to showcase the creamy texture and keep the sauce contained.

This truly is The Best Shrimp Casserole, a versatile dish that shines for both weeknight meals and special occasions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using pre-cooked shrimp, which leads to rubbery texture. Fix: Use raw shrimp; they’ll cook perfectly in the casserole’s heat.
• Mistake: Overcrowding the baking dish, preventing even cooking. Fix: Use a properly sized dish so heat circulates around all ingredients.
• Mistake: Skipping the step of patting shrimp dry, which waters down the sauce. Fix: Always dry shrimp thoroughly with paper towels before adding.
• Mistake: Baking at too high a temperature, causing the topping to burn. Fix: Follow recipe temperature guidelines for a golden, not burnt, crust.
• Mistake: Not seasoning the sauce adequately, resulting in a bland dish. Fix: Taste and adjust seasoning before combining with shrimp and baking.
• Mistake: Using low-moisture cheese that doesn’t melt well into the sauce. Fix: Choose good melting cheeses like Gruyère or sharp cheddar for creaminess.
• Mistake: Overmixing the casserole, which can break down delicate ingredients. Fix: Gently fold components together to maintain texture.
• Mistake: Forgetting to let the casserole rest before serving, causing it to be soupy. Fix: Allow 5–10 minutes rest for the sauce to thicken properly.
• Mistake: Using frozen shrimp without thawing completely, leading to excess liquid. Fix: Thaw shrimp in the refrigerator overnight and drain well.
• Mistake: Substituting key fresh herbs with dried without adjusting quantities. Fix: Use 1/3 the amount if using dried, as their flavor is more concentrated.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Transfer to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty foil, label, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Thaw in the refrigerator if frozen. Reheat in a 350°F oven until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 20–30 minutes.

Always ensure your shrimp casserole is reheated thoroughly to a safe temperature for the best flavor and food safety.

Conclusion

This truly is The Best Shrimp Casserole recipe, perfect for a comforting family dinner. If you love this dish, you might also enjoy our Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage, and Broccoli Recipe or Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab Recipe. Give it a try and let us know what you think in the comments, and don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious recipes!

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FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for The Best Shrimp Casserole?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry with paper towels before adding to the casserole to prevent excess water from making the dish soggy.

What can I serve with The Best Shrimp Casserole?

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread. These sides complement the rich flavors of The Best Shrimp Casserole perfectly.

How do I store and reheat leftovers of The Best Shrimp Casserole?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire casserole in the oven until warmed through.