Baked stuffed shrimp casserole is a beloved dish that combines the savory flavors of seafood with a rich, satisfying stuffing. Often served during holiday celebrations or special family gatherings, this casserole is not only delicious but also presents beautifully on any dinner table.
Key Ingredients Overview
To create this sumptuous dish, you’ll need several key ingredients that contribute to its unique taste and texture:
- Large shrimp: Peeled and deveined, the base of our casserole.
- Lump crab meat: Adds a touch of luxury and enhances the seafood flavor.
- Crackers: Crushed crackers form a crispy topping. For a gluten-free option, you might want to check out Kathleen Ashmore’s Gluten-Free Recipes.
- Fresh parsley and lemon: These bring freshness and zest to the dish.
- Garlic and butter: For rich and aromatic seasoning.
Detailed Cooking Process for Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole
Creating your casserole involves a few detailed steps:
- Prepare the shrimp: Butterfly the shrimp by slicing along the back. This not only helps them cook more evenly but also makes room for the stuffing.
- Mix the stuffing: Combine the crab meat, cracker crumbs, minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon juice, and melted butter.
- Assemble the casserole: Arrange the shrimp in a baking dish, and generously top with the stuffing mixture.
- Bake: Cook in a preheated oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit until the shrimp are pink and the topping is golden, about 12-14 minutes.
- Broil for extra crispiness: For an extra golden top, broil on high for the last minute of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
- Lemon wedges: Serve with fresh lemon wedges to enhance the flavors with a citrusy zing.
- Fresh salad: Pair the casserole with a light, leafy salad for a balanced meal.
- White wine: A glass of crisp white wine complements the flavors beautifully.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is versatile. Here are some ideas to tweak it:
- Gluten-Free Options: Use gluten-free crackers for the stuffing. More details can be found at Kathleen Ashmore’s site.
- Different Seafoods: Consider adding scallops or lobster for a different taste and texture.
- Cheese: Sprinkle parmesan over the top before baking for a cheesy crust.
Make-Ahead Tips and Storage
- Prepare in advance: The stuffing can be made a day ahead and kept refrigerated.
- Storing leftovers: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven until just warmed through to maintain the texture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Stuffed Shrimp Recipes
- What is baked stuffed shrimp? It’s a traditional dish often found in New England, consisting of shrimp stuffed with a crabmeat mixture and baked.
- Can I make it ahead of time? Absolutely! Prepare the stuffing a day in advance to save time.
- What else can I use instead of crackers? For those interested in different textures or flavors, alternatives like panko breadcrumbs or even a sprinkle of almond flour might work. For detailed health and safety guidelines, check the Food Safety Guidelines.
Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole
Savor this festive baked stuffed shrimp casserole, perfect for holidays, with shrimp, crab, and a crispy topping.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 lb lump crab meat
- 1 cup crushed crackers (gluten-free options available)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- ½ stick unsalted butter, melted
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prep the Shrimp: Butterfly the shrimp by slicing along the back but not all the way through.
- Make the Stuffing: In a bowl, combine the crab meat, crushed crackers, garlic, parsley, lemon zest, lemon juice, and melted butter. Season with salt and pepper.
- Assemble: Arrange the shrimp in a baking dish, and generously top with the stuffing mixture.
- Bake: Cook in a preheated oven at 425°F for 12-14 minutes or until shrimp are pink and the topping is golden.
- Broil (optional): For a crispier top, broil on high for 1-2 minutes.
- Explore similar seafood dishes with our Panko Fried Shrimp recipe.
- For more casserole ideas, check out the delicious and easy Mexican Cornbread Casserole.
