Description
This Shrimp Casserole is a creamy, cheesy seafood dish perfect for a comforting family meal. It combines tender, seasoned shrimp with mayonnaise, spices, shredded cheeses, and a buttery panko breadcrumb topping baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 2 pounds large shrimp (21-24 count), peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning, plus 1 tablespoon salt for cooking water
Mixture
- 2/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 ounces shredded medium cheddar cheese
Topping and Preparation
- 1 tablespoon butter, plus more to grease the pan
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
Instructions
- Preheat and prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 2 1/2 quart casserole dish thoroughly with butter to prevent sticking.
- Cook shrimp: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, adding 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning into the water for flavor. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp and cook for about 30 seconds or until they turn opaque. Quickly drain the shrimp and transfer them to a mixing bowl.
- Combine ingredients: To the shrimp, add 2/3 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper. Stir well to ensure the shrimp are evenly coated. Then, fold in the 4 ounces of shredded mozzarella and 4 ounces of shredded medium cheddar cheeses, mixing gently but thoroughly. Transfer this shrimp mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
- Make topping: Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a small pan or microwave. Stir in 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs until they are evenly coated with the butter. Sprinkle this buttery breadcrumb mixture evenly over the shrimp casserole.
- Bake and finish: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 13-15 minutes, or until the center reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. For a beautifully browned topping, switch the oven to broil and broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. Allow the casserole to rest for 15 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld and cool to a safe eating temperature.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp in boiling water; they cook quickly and become rubbery if boiled too long.
- Resting the casserole after baking improves texture and flavor.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting and flavor results.
- Panko breadcrumbs provide a crunchier topping compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- Can be served with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
