Name: Shrimp Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Southern-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 pound raw shrimp (peeled and deveined); 2 tablespoons butter; 1 small onion (diced); 1 celery stalk (diced); 1/2 red bell pepper (diced); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 cup cooked white rice; 1/2 cup mayonnaise or sour cream; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or Cajun seasoning); 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup chopped green onions (plus extra for topping); 1/2 cup crushed butter crackers or breadcrumbs for topping

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If there is one dish that perfectly combines the comfort of home cooking with a splash of coastal flavor, it’s Shrimp Casserole. Imagine a warm, golden bake bubbling away and perfuming your whole kitchen with rich, cheesy, and briny notes. Every spoonful is stocked with plump shrimp, tender vegetables, fluffy rice, and a blanket of gooey cheese under a crunchy, buttery topping. This is a crowd-pleasing favorite that comes together in less than an hour, making it just the thing for family suppers or casual gatherings when you want something truly memorable and satisfying on the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Shrimp Casserole lies in its simple, honest pantry staples, each one bringing its own unique color, flavor, or creaminess. Don’t skimp—every item plays an important role in building that irresistible, comforting bite.

Shrimp: Fresh, peeled, and deveined shrimp are the star—choose medium or large for a succulent texture.
Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté your veggies to tender perfection.
Onion: Brings a savory sweetness for that classic casserole base.
Celery: Offers subtle crunch and depth, a must for balance.
Red Bell Pepper: Gives a pop of color and a gentle, sweet flavor.
Garlic: For an aromatic kick that wakes up every other ingredient.
Cooked White Rice: The essential comfort element, soaking up all the wonderful juices.
Mayonnaise or Sour Cream: Keeps things ultra-creamy; choose your favorite!
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully, giving body and cheesy goodness.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty depth—don’t skip it!
Old Bay Seasoning (or Cajun seasoning): The signature Southern zing, bringing warmth and subtle heat.
Black Pepper: Finely ground for a gentle bit of spice in every bite.
Salt: Essential for enhancing all those flavors.
Chopped Green Onions: Offer freshness and a little bite—plus, they make everything prettier.
Crushed Butter Crackers or Breadcrumbs: The crowning touch for crispy crunch and golden color.

How to Make Shrimp Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Start by making sure your shrimp are peeled, deveined, and patted dry. Dice the onion, celery, and bell pepper, and have the cooked white rice ready to go. This is also a good time to shred your cheese and chop the green onions. With everything prepped, assembling the Shrimp Casserole will be a breeze.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat, then add the onion, celery, and red bell pepper. Sauté for about 4 to 5 minutes until the veggies are soft and fragrant, but not browned. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for just under a minute—your kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly at this point!

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

To the skillet, add the shrimp. Cook them for 2 to 3 minutes, just until they start turning pink and slightly firm up. Be careful not to overcook—you want juicy, tender shrimp, not tough ones. Remove the pan from the heat as soon as they’re ready.

Step 4: Mix the Casserole

In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, your buttery shrimp and vegetable mixture, mayonnaise or sour cream, both cheeses, Old Bay seasoning, pepper, salt, and chopped green onions. Stir it all together until each grain and shrimp is coated in creamy, cheesy goodness.

Step 5: Assemble and Top

Spread the mixture evenly in your greased casserole dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle a generous layer of crushed butter crackers or breadcrumbs over everything for that signature golden crust. Don’t be shy—more crunch equals more joy!

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide your pan into a 350°F oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re aiming for a bubbling, golden-brown top and hot, cheesy filling. Let it rest for a few minutes before digging in so everything stays together nicely when scooping.

How to Serve Shrimp Casserole

Garnishes

Finish your Shrimp Casserole by showering it with extra chopped green onions or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a vibrant touch. If you like a little kick, a few dashes of hot sauce swirled on top are divine.

Side Dishes

This casserole is hearty on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp garden salad, some roasted asparagus, or a buttery corn on the cob. If you’re serving a crowd, fluffy dinner rolls or garlic bread help soak up every last morsel from your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon the Shrimp Casserole into individual ramekins for a dinner party-worthy presentation. It also looks gorgeous in a shallow, wide gratin dish topped with extra cheese and fresh herbs. For picnic season, bake it in advance and serve chilled—it’s shockingly tasty even at room temperature!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Shrimp Casserole will keep in the refrigerator for up to three days. Simply transfer any remaining casserole to an airtight container to preserve its freshness and flavor.

Freezing

If you want to freeze your casserole, prepare it up to the point before baking, then wrap it tightly in foil and freeze for up to two months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time if necessary.

Reheating

To reheat, place a portion of the casserole (or the whole dish) in a 325°F oven, covered with foil until hot throughout. For the best texture, uncover for the last few minutes to recrisp the topping. The microwave works in a pinch for single servings, but oven reheating keeps everything nice and bubbly.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Shrimp Casserole?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry. This prevents excess moisture from watering down the casserole and ensures the shrimp cook gently and stay juicy.

What’s the best rice to use?

Plain cooked white rice is classic, but you can substitute brown rice or even cooked quinoa for a healthier or more rustic twist. Just be sure whatever grain you use is cooked and fluffy before mixing it into the casserole.

Can I add more vegetables to Shrimp Casserole?

You sure can. Peas, diced zucchini, or even a handful of baby spinach wilted in with the onions all work beautifully. The key is to sauté any extra veggies first so they meld seamlessly into the creamy base.

Is Shrimp Casserole spicy?

The base recipe has just a touch of warmth from the Old Bay or Cajun seasoning, but it isn’t spicy. If you like more of a kick, try adding hot sauce, cayenne, or a few minced jalapeños to the mix.

Can I make this ahead for a party?

Definitely! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Simply add a few extra minutes to the bake time and wait for that bubbly, golden top to appear.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend Shrimp Casserole enough. It’s the kind of crowd-pleasing comfort that brings everyone to the table with a smile, and it’s gloriously easy to put together with ingredients you probably have right now. Give it a try and make some delicious new memories—your taste buds will thank you!

Shrimp Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Shrimp Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender shrimp with creamy cheeses and aromatic vegetables, all baked to perfection. A Southern-inspired favorite that’s easy to make and sure to please.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 pound raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
2 tablespoons butter
1 small onion (diced)
1 celery stalk (diced)
1/2 red bell pepper (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 cup cooked white rice

Sauce and Toppings:

1/2 cup mayonnaise or sour cream
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or Cajun seasoning)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup chopped green onions (plus extra for topping)
1/2 cup crushed butter crackers or breadcrumbs for topping

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a casserole dish.
Sauté Vegetables and Shrimp: In a skillet, sauté onion, celery, bell pepper, garlic, and shrimp until shrimp turn pink.
Mix Ingredients: Combine cooked rice, shrimp mixture, mayonnaise, cheeses, seasonings, and green onions in a bowl.
Bake: Transfer the mixture to the casserole dish, top with crackers, and bake for 25–30 minutes.
Serve: Garnish with green onions and serve warm.