This Easy Seafood Casserole is a warm, comforting dish that brings together shrimp, fish, and creamy goodness all in one. Topped with crunchy breadcrumbs, it’s a delightful meal!
It’s so simple to whip up! Just mix everything together, bake, and you’re ready to feast. I love serving it with a side salad for some extra crunch. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Fresh or frozen peeled shrimp works well. If you’re not fond of shrimp, you can use crayfish or omit seafood altogether for a vegetarian twist. Just adjust the seasonings to keep the flavor balanced!
White Fish: Cod and haddock are great for this dish, but you can also try tilapia or even salmon if you prefer something richer. Just make sure the fish is firm so it holds up while baking.
Scallops: For this recipe, fresh scallops are best, but you can use frozen ones too. If scallops aren’t available, you can replace them with more shrimp or add in some crab meat for a different flavor.
Heavy Cream: This gives the casserole a rich texture. If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute it with half-and-half or a dairy-free cream like coconut cream for a hint of sweetness.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar adds a nice sharpness, but feel free to swap it with mozzarella or a blend of your favorite cheeses for a different taste. I sometimes blend in a bit of Parmesan for added flavor!
How Do I Ensure Evenly Cooked Seafood?
Cooking seafood evenly is crucial for a delicious casserole. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start by cooking the onion and garlic in olive oil; this builds foundation flavors.
- Cut your fish into similar-sized pieces for even cooking. Bite-sized pieces work best!
- Combine all seafood with the other ingredients thoroughly, ensuring each piece gets well-coated.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the casserole dish to allow for uniform heat distribution during baking.
Remember to keep an eye on the casserole while it bakes. The seafood should be opaque and flaky when done, usually around 25-30 minutes in a preheated oven. Don’t skip the garnish—fresh parsley brightens up the dish!
How to Make an Easy Seafood Casserole?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Seafood:
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 pound white fish fillets (such as cod or haddock)
- 1 cup scallops, cleaned
Creamy Mixture:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup seafood broth
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Other Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Seafood Casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare, and then you’ll need about 25-30 minutes for baking. So, in total, you’re looking at roughly 45-50 minutes before this delicious dish is ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it’s ready when you finish preparing the casserole.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook them together until the onion turns translucent and fragrant—about 3-4 minutes. This adds a lovely flavor to your casserole!
3. Prepare the Seafood Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shrimp, fish fillets, and scallops. Season this seafood mix with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Then, add the cooked onion and garlic from the skillet, alongside the heavy cream, seafood broth, and chopped parsley. Mix everything well until all the ingredients are nicely combined.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
Transfer the seafood mixture into a greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly so it cooks evenly.
5. Add Cheese and Breadcrumbs:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the seafood mixture. In a separate bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with a little olive oil until they’re coated. Then, sprinkle this breadcrumb mixture over the cheese layer on the casserole.
6. Bake the Casserole:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake it for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the seafood is cooked through and the top is golden and bubbly.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly. Before serving, garnish it with some fresh parsley for a touch of color and extra flavor.
Enjoy your delicious Easy Seafood Casserole!
Can I Substitute Different Types of Seafood?
Absolutely! You can use different types of seafood based on your preference or what you have on hand. For instance, you can replace the white fish with salmon, and feel free to swap out shrimp for crab or lobster if you’re feeling indulgent. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the seafood used.
How to Make This Casserole Creamy Without Heavy Cream?
If you want a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and sour cream. Just make sure to reduce the seafood broth a bit to maintain a thick consistency, and it will still be creamy and delicious!
Can I Prepare This Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance! Assemble it up to the baking step, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it sit for about 20 minutes to come to room temperature before popping it in the oven.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Casserole?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated thoroughly, or warm it up in the microwave in short intervals.
