Description
There are certain dishes that instantly make a meal feel special, and Crab and Shrimp Casserole is one of them. Rich, creamy, and filled with tender seafood, this comforting casserole brings together the flavors of the coast in a dish that feels both elegant and wonderfully familiar. Whether served at a holiday gathering, a family celebration, or a cozy Sunday dinner, it has a way of gathering people around the table and creating memorable moments.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- 1 pound lump crab meat, picked over for shells
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- STEP 1: PREPARE THE BAKING DISH Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- STEP 2: COOK THE VEGETABLES In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the onion and celery for about 5 minutes
until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. I always take a moment here to enjoy the aroma filling the kitchen. The
vegetables create a flavorful base that complements the seafood beautifully. - STEP 3: PREPARE THE CREAMY MIXTURE In a large mixing bowl, combine: * Cream cheese * Sour cream * Mayonnaise * Cheddar cheese * Parmesan cheese * Lemon juice * Old Bay seasoning * Paprika * Salt * Black pepper Mix until smooth and well combined.
- STEP 4: ADD THE SEAFOOD Fold in the cooked vegetables, chopped shrimp, crab meat, and parsley. Stir gently to avoid breaking up the crab too much. The goal is to keep those
delicious chunks intact for maximum texture and flavor. - STEP 5: ASSEMBLE THE CASSEROLE Transfer the seafood mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly using a spatula. In a small bowl, combine crushed crackers and melted butter. Sprinkle the
mixture evenly over the top. - STEP 6: BAKE UNTIL GOLDEN Bake the Crab and Shrimp Casserole for 30 to 35 minutes, or until hot and
bubbly. The topping should be golden brown and crisp, while the filling remains creamy
and rich. - STEP 7: REST AND SERVE Allow the casserole to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This helps the filling set slightly and makes serving easier. Garnish with additional parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
Fresh seafood provides the best flavor, but frozen shrimp can be used if
The casserole can be assembled up to one day in advance and refrigerated
For extra cheesiness, add additional cheddar to the topping.
Be sure to inspect crab meat carefully for shell fragments.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 2g
- Fat: 34g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 27g