Description
Cheesy Baked Shrimp Casserole
“Juicy, tender shrimp baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce with a golden crust—this irresistible casserole is perfect for seafood lovers!”
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
1 lb shrimp, peeled & deveined
1 tbsp butter
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Creamy Cheese Sauce:
2 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 cup milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
For the Topping:
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crunch)
2 tbsp melted butter
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Set oven to 375°F (190°C).
Sauté the Shrimp
Heat butter in a pan over medium heat.
Add shrimp, salt, pepper, paprika, and lemon juice.
Sauté for 2-3 minutes until just pink (they’ll finish cooking in the oven). Remove from heat.
Prepare the Cheese Sauce
In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
Slowly whisk in milk and heavy cream, cooking until slightly thickened.
Add mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir until smooth.
Assemble the Casserole
Pour the cheese sauce into a greased baking dish.
Add the shrimp on top, evenly spread out.
If using, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top for extra crunch.
Bake Until Golden
Bake for 15-20 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot!
Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with shrimp—perfect as a main dish or side! Enjoy!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed guide for perfect results. First, ensure your shrimp are fully thawed and patted dry. Preheat your oven and grease a 9×9 or similar sized baking dish. For the shrimp, use a medium-high heat to get a quick sear without overcooking; they should be just opaque. When making the roux for the cheese sauce, cook the flour and butter mixture for a full minute to remove the raw flour taste. Whisk the milk and cream in gradually to avoid lumps. Let the sauce thicken slightly before adding the cheeses off the heat, stirring until fully melted. Assemble in the dish as instructed, ensuring the shrimp are in a single layer.
Serving Suggestions
This rich casserole pairs beautifully with lighter sides to balance the meal. Serve it over a bed of steamed white rice, angel hair pasta, or zucchini noodles to soak up the creamy sauce. A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or simple roasted asparagus are excellent accompaniments. For a casual gathering, crusty garlic bread is a must for dipping.
How-to Summary
Sauté seasoned shrimp until pink. Make a roux with butter, garlic, and flour. Whisk in dairy, then melt in cheeses to create a sauce. Combine sauce and shrimp in a baking dish, top with buttery panko, and bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, but thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight and pat dry to avoid excess water in the casserole.
How can I make this dish ahead of time? Assemble the casserole completely, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
What’s a good substitute for heavy cream? You can use all milk, though the sauce will be less rich. For a lighter option, half-and-half works well.
Can I use a different cheese? Absolutely. Gruyère, fontina, or a sharp cheddar are great for flavor. Keep some Parmesan for its salty, nutty notes.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F or in the microwave to prevent the sauce from separating.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the shrimp initially: They will finish in the oven. Sauté just until pink.
- Adding cheese to a boiling sauce: This can cause the sauce to break. Remove the pan from heat before stirring in the cheese.
- Using cold dairy: Let milk and cream sit out briefly; adding cold liquid to a roux can make it lumpy.
- Skipping the flour cook-time: Not cooking the roux for a minute results in a pasty, floury taste in the final sauce.
- Forgetting to grease the dish: This ensures easy serving and cleanup.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Baked Shrimp Casserole is a decadent, crowd-pleasing dish that masterfully combines succulent seafood with a luxurious, creamy sauce. Its simplicity belies its impressive flavor, making it suitable for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll achieve a perfectly golden, bubbling masterpiece every time. Serve it with your chosen sides for a complete, satisfying meal that celebrates the delicious simplicity of well-prepared shrimp.