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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Initiate the culinary preparation by warming the kitchen oven to a precise 350°F (175°C), creating an ideal environment for the seafood casserole.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Gently fold the cooked seafood into the creamy sauce, ensuring each piece becomes elegantly enrobed with the flavorful mixture.
- Prepare a 9×13-inch casserole dish with a light coating of grease, then carefully transfer the seafood and sauce ensemble into the receptacle.
- Sprinkle a delicate layer of breadcrumbs across the surface, creating a golden, crisp topping that will provide delightful textural contrast.
- 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.
- 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