Welcome to a recipe that promises to bring joy and ease back to your kitchen table. Discover the magic of a Quick Shrimp Casserole, a simple yet profoundly comforting dish perfect for those busy weeknights or when you want something special without the fuss. This delightful recipe features tender, creamy, and cheesy shrimp crowned with a wonderfully crispy topping. Best of all, it’s ready in about 30 minutes, making family mealtime a breeze.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Quick Shrimp Casserole
This Quick Shrimp Casserole is more than just a meal; it’s an invitation to create warm memories around the dinner table, even on your busiest days. It embodies simplicity and joy, values that truly nourish the soul.
- Quick & Easy: You can assemble and bake this comforting casserole in under 30 minutes. It is perfect for when time is short.
- Flavorful & Comforting: Each bite offers rich, cheesy, perfectly seasoned shrimp. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug.
- Crispy Topping: Golden brown panko breadcrumbs add a delightful crunch. This texture contrast elevates the entire experience.
- Versatile: This recipe is incredibly adaptable, making it suitable for various meals and occasions. Serve it as a main or a generous side.
- Crowd-P\leasing: It quickly becomes a family favorite, even winning over picky eaters. The blend of creamy cheese and succulent shrimp is irresistible.
Ingredients for Quick Shrimp Casserole
Gather your ingredients for this delightful quick shrimp casserole. Each component plays a vital role in creating a dish that’s both simple and deeply satisfying. This recipe focuses on fresh, quality ingredients that truly shine.
- 2 lbs large shrimp, 21-24 count, peeled and deveined
- 1 Tbsp Old Bay Seasoning, plus 1 Tbsp salt for the cooking water
- 2/3 cup mayonnaise (full-fat recommended for best texture)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper (freshly ground is always best)
- 1 Tbsp butter, plus more to grease the pan (unsalted)
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs (for that signature crunch)
- 4 oz shredded mozzarella (for gooey, melty goodness)
- 4 oz shredded medium cheddar cheese (adds a lovely sharp tang)
Notes & Substitutions
You have flexibility with many of these ingredients, allowing you to tailor this shrimp casserole to your family’s preferences.
- Shrimp: Always use fresh or thoroughly thawed frozen shrimp. Ensure they are peeled and deveined for ease.
- Mayonnaise: Feel free to substitute with light mayonnaise if you prefer. However, full-fat offers a richer, creamier texture.
- Cheese: Don’t hesitate to experiment with other melty cheeses like Gruyere or Monterey Jack to change the flavor profile.
- Old Bay Seasoning: If unavailable, you can create a simple homemade blend of paprika, celery salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne.
- Garlic Powder: Minced fresh garlic, about 2 cloves, or 1/2 tsp onion powder can be used as alternatives.
- Panko Bread Crumbs: Regular breadcrumbs work too, but panko provides a superior crispness.
- Butter: For a dairy-free option, use a good quality plant-based butter alternative.
Equipment You’ll Need
Having the right tools makes preparing this Quick Shrimp Casserole even more enjoyable. You likely have most of these items already in your kitchen, making this recipe truly accessible for any home cook.
- A 2 1/2 quart casserole dish or an oven-safe skillet (like a 10-inch cast iron skillet).
- A large pot for boiling the shrimp.
- A fine-mesh strainer or slotted spoon for quickly removing shrimp.
- A large mixing bowl.
- An instant-read thermometer to ensure shrimp are cooked perfectly.
How to Make Quick Shrimp Casserole
Crafting this quick shrimp casserole is a joyful experience, a true testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something wonderful. Follow these steps for a perfect, comforting meal that honors the spirit of home cooking.
- Prep Oven & Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously grease a 2 1/2 quart casserole dish or oven-safe skillet with butter. This ensures easy cleanup and a beautiful golden crust.
- Cook Shrimp: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt and 1 tablespoon of Old Bay Seasoning to infuse the shrimp with flavor from the start. Carefully add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the boiling water and cook for just 30 seconds. The shrimp should turn opaque and be barely cooked through. This quick cooking prevents them from becoming rubbery.
- Drain Shrimp: Immediately remove the shrimp from the hot water using a strainer or slotted spoon. Transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Let them cool for a few minutes. Crucially, drain off any excess water that collects at the bottom of the bowl. You can also use paper towels to gently pat the shrimp dry. This step prevents a watery casserole later on.
- Mix Shrimp Filling: Into the cooled, dried shrimp, add the mayonnaise, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir gently to coat each shrimp evenly. Then, sprinkle in the shredded mozzarella and medium cheddar cheeses. Stir again to fully combine all ingredients. This creamy mixture is the heart of your quick shrimp casserole.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the shrimp mixture to your prepared casserole dish. Spread it out evenly across the bottom of the dish using a spoon or spatula. Ensure an even layer for consistent baking.
- Prepare Topping: In a separate small bowl or measuring cup, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the 1/2 cup of panko bread crumbs to the melted butter. Stir until the bread crumbs are thoroughly moistened and coated with the butter. This buttery coating is key to a golden, crispy topping.
- Add Topping: Evenly sprinkle the buttered panko breadcrumbs over the entire surface of the shrimp mixture in the casserole dish. This creates a delicious, crunchy crust that complements the creamy filling beautifully.
- Bake Casserole: Place the uncovered casserole dish in your preheated oven. Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until the center of the shrimp mixture reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) on an instant-read thermometer. The cheese should be bubbly and melted.
- Broil for Crispness: For that perfect golden brown and extra crispy topping, carefully transfer the casserole to the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes. Watch it very closely, as breadcrumbs can burn quickly under the broiler. Remove once the topping is gloriously golden.
- Rest & Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for at least 15 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the cheese to set and the flavors to meld, making it easier to serve and enjoy. You can serve this delightful dish warm or even at room temperature, making it perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.
Pro Tips for the Best Shrimp Casserole
Making a truly exceptional shrimp casserole comes down to a few simple techniques. These pro tips will help ensure your dish is perfect every time, turning a good recipe into a family favorite.
- Avoid Rubbery Shrimp: The key to tender shrimp is brief cooking. Thirty seconds in boiling water is usually enough for large shrimp. Overcooking makes them tough.
- Dry Shrimp is Key: Patting your shrimp thoroughly dry after cooking prevents excess moisture from seeping into the casserole, ensuring a rich, creamy filling, not a watery one.
- Perfectly Golden Topping: Keep a close eye on the casserole when broiling. Panko can go from perfectly golden to burnt in seconds. Stay near the oven.
- Enhance Flavor: Taste your shrimp mixture before baking and adjust the Old Bay, garlic powder, or pepper to your personal preference.
- Resting Time: Don’t skip the resting period. It allows the cheese to firm up slightly, making for cleaner scoops and a more cohesive serving.
Serving Suggestions, Storage, and Variations
This versatile shrimp casserole recipe offers endless possibilities for serving and adapting, ensuring it fits perfectly into your family’s meals and traditions. It’s about creating connections through delicious food.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this hearty casserole warm, straight from the oven, or at room temperature.
- Pair it with fluffy white rice, nutritious quinoa, or creamy mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
- Round out your dinner with roasted vegetables like tender carrots or crisp Brussels sprouts.
- A light, fresh Caesar salad or a simple cucumber salad offers a lovely contrast.
- Crusty bread or focaccia is perfect for soaking up every last bit of creamy goodness.
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the shrimp and cheese filling up to 24 hours in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator. Add the buttered panko topping just before baking.
- Refrigerate: Store any leftover shrimp casserole tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
- Freezing: Freezing this casserole after it’s cooked is not recommended. The texture of the shrimp tends to change and become rubbery upon thawing and reheating.
- Reheat: Warm leftovers gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through, or use an air fryer for a crispy refresh.
Variations
- Add Veggies: Sauté some finely chopped broccoli, colorful bell peppers, or earthy mushrooms and stir them into the shrimp mixture before baking.
- Spicy Kick: For those who love a little heat, a dash of cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce can add a delightful warmth.
- Herbaceous Notes: Freshly chopped parsley, chives, or dill can brighten the flavors and add a beautiful aroma to the casserole.
- Creamy Base: Incorporate a can of cream of mushroom or celery soup into the shrimp mixture for an even richer, creamier consistency.
Quick Shrimp Casserole Nutrition Information
This Quick Shrimp Casserole offers a balanced and flavorful meal option. Understanding the nutritional breakdown can help you fit this delicious dish into your dietary needs. Please remember, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 354 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 4 g |
| Protein | 30 g |
| Fat | 24 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 9 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 6 g |
| Trans Fat | 0.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 220 mg |
| Sodium | 474 mg |
| Potassium | 340 mg |
| Fiber | 0.3 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Vitamin A | 308 IU |
| Vitamin C | 0.1 mg |
| Calcium | 259 mg |
| Iron | 1 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked shrimp, but adjust the cooking. Skip the boiling step and simply pat them dry, then mix directly into the filling. Ensure they are fully thawed if frozen.
Why is my casserole watery?
A watery casserole often results from overcooked or improperly thawed shrimp that release too much moisture. Always pat your shrimp thoroughly dry after cooking or thawing to prevent this.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely. For best results, lightly sauté hearty vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms before adding them to the shrimp mixture. This ensures they cook evenly and don’t release excess water.
Is this casserole freezer-friendly?
This quick shrimp casserole is not ideal for freezing after it’s baked. The texture of the shrimp tends to become rubbery and less appealing once frozen and reheated.
Final Thoughts
This Quick Shrimp Casserole is a testament to the power of simple, honest cooking to bring families together. It’s quick, incredibly flavorful, and so easy to prepare, making it a perfect addition to your recipe rotation. We hope this dish inspires you to gather your loved ones around the table, creating new memories through the joy of shared meals. Try this comforting recipe tonight and experience the warmth it brings. We’d love to hear how it turns out in your kitchen!
Delicious Quick Shrimp Casserole: An Easy 30-Minute Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and generously grease a 2 1/2 quart casserole dish or skillet with butter.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add 1 Tbsp salt and 1 Tbsp Old Bay Seasoning, then cook the shrimp for 30 seconds until opaque; immediately remove, cool for a few minutes, and drain any accumulated water.
- Combine the shrimp with mayonnaise, garlic powder, and black pepper, stirring to coat, then fold in both shredded cheeses and transfer the mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish.
- Melt 1 Tbsp butter, mix it with 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs until moistened, and sprinkle this mixture evenly over the shrimp casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 13-15 minutes at 375°F until the center reaches 145°F, then broil for 1-2 minutes to brown the crumbs; allow the casserole to rest for 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
Hi there, I’m chef living in New York City. Every morning, I wake up to the sounds of my little one’s laughter and the comforting routine of preparing breakfast for my family my husband, our child, and my beloved mother, who’s become both my rock and my inspiration since my father passed away. As the only daughter left in our family, I feel a deep responsibility to carry on his memory whenever I step into the kitchen.
- Dominique
- Dominique
- Dominique
- Dominique
