Zesty Easy Seafood Casserole Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Whipping up a delectable seafood casserole can transport you to coastal culinary bliss.

Coastal kitchens often guard their most cherished seafood secrets with passion.

My grandmother shared her beloved recipe during summer vacations near the Atlantic.

Layers of tender fish, succulent shrimp, and creamy sauce create a mouthwatering masterpiece.

Comfort meets elegance in this simple yet sophisticated dish that impresses without complicated techniques.

Fresh ingredients make all the difference between an ordinary meal and an extraordinary experience.

Dive into this recipe, and watch as your dinner table comes alive with oceanic flavors.

Seafood Casserole: Other Delicious Ways To Prepare It

• Gluten-Free Seafood Casserole: Replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free crackers. Use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening if needed.
• Low-Carb Ocean Bake: Swap breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour. Use cauliflower rice as a base to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-Free Seafood Casserole: Substitute sour cream and mayonnaise with coconut cream and vegan mayonnaise. Use nutritional yeast instead of cheddar cheese for a similar flavor profile.
• Herb-Infused Seafood Casserole: Add fresh dill, tarragon, or thyme to the sauce for an enhanced aromatic experience. Incorporate chopped herbs directly into the seafood mixture for extra flavor depth.

FAQs

• What type of seafood works best in this casserole?

Mixed seafood like shrimp, crab, and white fish are ideal. Aim for about 1-2 pounds of fresh or thawed seafood. Choose seafood that’s similar in size and cooking time for even preparation.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking stage and refrigerate for 24 hours. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil. When ready to serve, remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking and add breadcrumbs just before putting in the oven.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written. To make it gluten-free, replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Also, check that your mayonnaise and sour cream are gluten-free.

• How can I prevent the seafood from becoming tough?

Cook seafood just until it turns opaque and firm. Overcooking makes seafood rubbery. Remove from heat as soon as it’s done, and don’t overbake the casserole. The 20-25 minute baking time helps maintain the seafood’s tenderness.

Seafood Casserole Makes a Creamy, Crowd-Pleasing Main Dish

• Quick Weeknight Winner: Whip up this seafood casserole in under 45 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a delicious dinner without complex cooking techniques.
• Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Combines creamy sauce, tender seafood, and crunchy breadcrumb topping that appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime enjoyable for everyone.
• Versatile Seafood Delight: Adaptable recipe allows mixing different seafood types like shrimp, crab, or white fish, letting you customize based on availability and preference.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Simple one-skillet and one-dish cooking method reduces kitchen cleanup while delivering rich, comforting flavors that taste like a restaurant-quality meal.

Seafood Casserole Essentials

• Mixed Seafood: Delicious blend of seafood that provides the primary protein and rich ocean flavor, best when fresh or high-quality frozen seafood is used.

• Onion, Celery, Garlic: Classic flavor foundation that adds depth and savory notes to the seafood, choose fresh and firm vegetables for the best taste.

• Sour Cream, Mayonnaise: Creamy base that creates a rich and smooth sauce, full-fat versions provide better texture and flavor.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that adds tangy richness and melts beautifully, sharp varieties provide more intense flavor.

• Lemon Juice: Bright citrus element that enhances seafood flavor and adds freshness.
• Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasoning blend that provides warmth and balanced seasoning, fresh ground pepper recommended.

• Breadcrumbs: Crunchy topping that adds textural contrast and golden brown finish, panko breadcrumbs work best for extra crispiness.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright green herb that adds color and fresh herb flavor to finish the dish.

• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps sauté vegetables, unsalted butter allows better seasoning control.

Easy Seafood Casserole Baking Instructions

Step 1: Kick Off the Seafood Adventure

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350°F.

Grab a skillet and melt butter over medium heat.

• Chopped onion
• Celery
• Garlic

Sauté until everything looks soft and smells amazing, about 5 minutes.

Add your seafood medley and cook for 3-4 minutes until perfectly done.

Set this treasure aside.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Magic

• Sour cream
• Mayonnaise
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Lemon juice
• Paprika
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir until the mixture looks smooth and tempting.

Gently fold in the cooked seafood, making sure every morsel gets a luxurious sauce coating.

Step 3: Build Your Seafood Masterpiece

Pour the seafood mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Sprinkle breadcrumbs across the top like a delicious golden blanket.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Watch for bubbling edges and a golden-brown top that screams “I’m delicious!”

Step 5: Serve and Celebrate

Shower the casserole with freshly chopped parsley.

Serve piping hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up with joy.

Seafood Casserole Prep Tips Made Simple

• Choose fresh, high-quality mixed seafood like shrimp, scallops, and crab for the best flavor and texture.
• Swap breadcrumbs with crushed crackers or panko for extra crispy, golden-brown surface that adds delightful crunch.
• Replace sour cream and mayonnaise with coconut yogurt and vegan mayo to make the casserole suitable for lactose-intolerant or dairy-free diets.
• Allow seafood to cool slightly before mixing with sauce to prevent overcooking and maintain tender, juicy texture.
• Substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly version without sacrificing the crispy topping.

Easy Seafood Casserole Storage Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil, preserving the casserole for up to 2 months without compromising flavor or texture.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, cover casserole with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated thoroughly.
• Heat individual portions in microwave-safe dishes for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

Easy Seafood Casserole Pairing Options

• Savor Wine Harmony: Crisp white wines like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc perfectly complement the seafood's delicate flavors, cutting through the rich creamy sauce with bright, refreshing notes.
• Craft Bread Companions: Serve crusty sourdough or garlic bread alongside the casserole to soak up the luscious sauce, adding delightful texture and enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Zesty Side Salad: Prepare a light mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the casserole's richness, providing a fresh and tangy counterpoint to the creamy seafood dish.
• Herbaceous Beverage Pairing: Enjoy a citrus-infused sparkling water or a light wheat beer that adds a crisp, clean finish and helps cleanse the palate between bites.

Easy Seafood Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Delightful “Easy Seafood Casserole” promises a maritime feast where ocean treasures mingle with creamy comfort. Coastal flavors blend seamlessly, inviting you to savor each luxurious, hearty bite of this satisfying dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Seafood Ingredients:

• 1 lb (454 grams) mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, and crab meat)

Dairy and Cheese Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) mayonnaise
• 1 cup (100 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) butter

Vegetable and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (75 grams) chopped onion
• 1/2 cup (75 grams) chopped celery
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup (60 grams) breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Initiate the culinary preparation by warming the kitchen oven to a precise 350°F (175°C), creating an ideal environment for the seafood casserole.
2. Select a medium skillet and gently melt butter over moderate heat, introducing finely diced onions, delicate celery, and aromatic garlic. Allow these ingredients to transform and soften, releasing their fragrant essences for approximately 5 minutes.
3. Introduce the medley of seafood into the skillet, carefully sautéing for 3-4 minutes until each morsel reaches perfect doneness. Tenderly remove the skillet from heat, setting the seafood aside.
4. Craft a luxurious sauce by combining tangy sour cream, rich mayonnaise, sharp cheddar cheese, bright lemon juice, warm paprika, and complementary seasonings in a spacious mixing bowl. Whisk thoroughly until achieving a seamless, velvety consistency.
5. Gently fold the cooked seafood into the creamy sauce, ensuring each piece becomes elegantly enrobed with the flavorful mixture.
6. Prepare a 9×13-inch casserole dish with a light coating of grease, then carefully transfer the seafood and sauce ensemble into the receptacle.
7. Sprinkle a delicate layer of breadcrumbs across the surface, creating a golden, crisp topping that will provide delightful textural contrast.
8. Position the casserole in the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for 20-25 minutes until the edges bubble enthusiastically and the breadcrumb topping transforms into a gorgeous golden-brown crust.
9. Upon completion, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, adding a vibrant touch of color and herbaceous aroma. Serve immediately while the casserole remains piping hot and irresistibly inviting.

Notes

• Choose fresh, high-quality seafood from a reputable fishmonger to ensure the best flavor and texture in your casserole.
• Pat seafood dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture and achieve better browning during the sautéing process.
• Avoid overcooking seafood by removing it from heat when just opaque to maintain tenderness and prevent rubbery texture.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond meal for a crunchy topping.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 482
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg