If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that transports you straight to the coast, this Shrimp and Crab Seafood Casserole Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Brimming with succulent seafood, a velvety cheese sauce, and a golden, crispy topping, it’s the kind of dish that makes any meal feel special yet comes together with simple, everyday ingredients. Whether you’re gathering with friends or enjoying a cozy night in, this casserole delights with layers of savory flavor and just a hint of Old Bay warmth in every bite.

Shrimp and Crab Seafood Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You might be surprised by how basic these ingredients are, but each one plays its crucial part in building that rich, layered flavor and creamy-tender texture. With every addition, the color, aroma, and taste of this casserole keep getting better and better.

Shrimp: Fresh, peeled, and chopped shrimp brings sweet, delicate flavor and tender bites throughout the casserole.
Lump crab meat: Seek out good-quality crab meat—its subtle sweetness and texture are the stars of the casserole.
Butter: Adds richness to the base and helps sauté the aromatics for deeper flavor.
Onion: Finely chopped onion gently sweetens and perfumes the sauce as it cooks down.
Celery: Adds a lovely crunch and freshness to balance the creaminess.
Garlic: Just one clove, sautéed, infuses the dish with irresistible aroma.
Old Bay seasoning: This spice blend is iconic with seafood and lends the casserole a perfectly savory, coastal flavor.
Dried thyme: Earthy and aromatic, thyme enhances every forkful.
Black pepper: Brings gentle heat and depth without overpowering the seafood.
All-purpose flour: Essential for thickening the sauce and giving it a creamy backbone.
Whole milk: Adds creaminess without making things too heavy.
Heavy cream: For that extra velvety, decadent texture we all crave in a seafood casserole.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the sauce, adding tang and richness.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a sharp, salty note to the creamy sauce and topping.
Breadcrumbs: Forms that irresistible, golden crust on top.
Olive oil: Helps the breadcrumbs turn extra crisp in the oven.
Chopped parsley: The freshest finish, adding color and a hit of bright, herby goodness.

How to Make Shrimp and Crab Seafood Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s warming up, do a quick check through your shrimp and crab to make sure they’re ready to go. Grease a 1½–2 quart casserole dish—this ensures even baking and easy cleanup later.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and celery, and cook for about three to four minutes. This step lets their natural sweetness develop and form the base of your casserole’s flavor. Then toss in the garlic, Old Bay seasoning, dried thyme, and black pepper, cooking for just a minute until everything smells deliciously fragrant.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

Sprinkle the flour right over the sautéed vegetables and quickly stir—it’ll look pasty but don’t worry, that’s exactly what you want for a good roux. Slowly whisk in whole milk and heavy cream, making sure to keep stirring so the mixture stays perfectly smooth. Let it bubble gently for three to five minutes; you’ll see it thicken and become glossy. Stir in the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese, watching them melt beautifully into the sauce.

Step 4: Add the Seafood

Once your sauce is smooth and creamy, gently fold in the chopped shrimp and lump crab meat. Try not to over-stir; you want tender chunks of seafood running throughout every scoop. Once everything is well incorporated, remove from the heat.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Spoon the luscious seafood mixture into your prepared baking dish. In a small bowl, toss the breadcrumbs with olive oil, then sprinkle them evenly over the top. This step creates that irresistible golden crust that everyone will fight over! Bake uncovered for about twenty to twenty-five minutes, or until the top is perfectly golden and the casserole is bubbling at the edges.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Once baked, pull the casserole out and let it stand for five minutes—this makes it easier to cut and serve. Just before bringing it to the table, shower on the fresh chopped parsley, giving the finished Shrimp and Crab Seafood Casserole Recipe a burst of green and hint of freshness.

How to Serve Shrimp and Crab Seafood Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

This casserole becomes even more inviting with a sprinkle of vibrant, chopped parsley just before serving. For an extra pop of flavor, try a dusting of paprika or a squeeze of fresh lemon over the top. Fresh herbs like dill or chives also complement the seafood beautifully, adding fragrance and color.

Side Dishes

To round out your meal, serve this Shrimp and Crab Seafood Casserole Recipe alongside fluffy rice, tender pasta, or warm crusty bread. The creamy sauce is made for soaking up with each bite. Light sides like a crisp green salad or simple roasted vegetables add brightness and balance to the richness of the dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try baking the casserole in small ramekins for individual servings—it feels extra special for dinner parties. Or, scoop the filling into hollowed-out bell peppers or baked potatoes for an eye-catching presentation. However you serve it, this casserole is always a conversation starter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers, simply let the casserole cool to room temperature. Cover tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will continue to meld, making the next serving even more delicious.

Freezing

This Shrimp and Crab Seafood Casserole Recipe can be frozen for those busy nights ahead. After baking and cooling, wrap the casserole dish well in foil and then plastic wrap. Freeze for up to two months. For best texture, consider freezing before adding the breadcrumb topping and bake fresh after thawing.

Reheating

To reheat, place the casserole (uncovered) in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 15–20 minutes. If reheating from frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge first. A splash of milk before reheating will keep the sauce creamy and luscious.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp or crab meat?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and pat the seafood dry before using. Frozen shrimp and crab can save time and still deliver great flavor in this casserole.

What’s a good substitute for crab if I can’t find it?

Lobster or bay scallops both make fantastic alternatives and will fit right into the creamy base. You can even use imitation crab for a more budget-friendly version without sacrificing too much of the seafood experience.

How do I make this dish spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce. You could also stir in a chopped jalapeño with the aromatics if you want a bolder kick.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

As written, the recipe contains both flour and breadcrumbs, but you can easily swap in gluten-free all-purpose flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs to make it suitable for gluten-intolerant or celiac diners.

Can I prepare the Shrimp and Crab Seafood Casserole Recipe ahead of time?

Definitely! Assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, cover, and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours before you’re ready to finish in the oven. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if going straight from the fridge.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a rich, showstopping meal that’s as easy to make as it is satisfying, give this Shrimp and Crab Seafood Casserole Recipe a try. It’s pure comfort in a dish—perfect for busy weeknights and elegant dinner parties alike. I can’t wait for you to discover how simple, creamy, and absolutely delicious homemade seafood casserole can be!

Shrimp and Crab Seafood Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a decadent and creamy seafood casserole with this Shrimp and Crab Seafood Casserole recipe. Perfect for a special dinner or gathering, this dish combines succulent shrimp and lump crab meat in a rich, cheesy sauce, topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp:

½ lb shrimp (peeled, deveined, and chopped)

Crab Meat:

½ lb lump crab meat (picked over for shells)

Sauce:

2 tbsp butter
1 small onion (finely chopped)
1 celery stalk (finely chopped)
1 clove garlic (minced)
½ tsp Old Bay seasoning
½ tsp dried thyme
¼ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
¾ cup whole milk
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Topping:

½ cup breadcrumbs
1 tbsp olive oil
Chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet, melt butter and sauté onion and celery. Add garlic, Old Bay, thyme, and pepper.
Create Sauce: Add flour to form a roux, then gradually whisk in milk and cream. Stir in cheeses until smooth.
Add Seafood: Fold in shrimp and crab, then transfer to a baking dish.
Top and Bake: Mix breadcrumbs with oil, sprinkle over casserole, and bake until golden and cooked through.
Finish and Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve hot.