Shrimp Scampi Casserole Recipe: A Decadent Delight for Every Occasion 🍤🧄🧈
This Shrimp Scampi Casserole is a delectable, indulgent dish that’s sure to please at any gathering, from intimate family dinners to lively parties. With its rich, buttery flavor and garlicky aroma, this recipe is perfect for those who love a savory, luxurious treat. It’s not for those on a low-fat diet but is ideal for special occasions where you want to impress with something truly special. If you’re a fan of garlic, this dish will be right up your alley; however, feel free to adjust the garlic to suit your taste. And while the recipe is straightforward, its assembly might just become your new favorite part of meal prep!
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6
Yield: 1 casserole
Ingredients 🥄
- 2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup butter, divided
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
- 2 tablespoons dried chives
- 1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions 📋
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Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole will cook evenly and come out perfectly golden.
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Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground pepper, dried parsley flakes, dried chives, crushed Ritz crackers, and breadcrumbs. This mixture will form the flavorful coating for your shrimp and add a satisfying crunch to the casserole.
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Prepare the Casserole Dish: Lightly grease your casserole dish with butter. Then, sprinkle a handful (about 1/2 cup) of the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the bottom of the dish. This layer will help absorb any excess butter and keep the casserole from becoming too greasy.
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Infuse the Butter with Garlic Flavor: In a 2-quart saucepan, sauté the minced garlic just until fragrant. Then, discard the garlic cloves, as their purpose is solely to infuse the butter with flavor.
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Melt the Butter: Add 1 cup of butter to the saucepan with the garlic-infused oil and melt it over low heat. Stir occasionally until the butter is completely melted and ready for use.
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Coat the Shrimp: Carefully add several shrimp at a time to the melted butter, making sure to coat them well. Once coated, immediately remove the shrimp and toss them in the breadcrumb mixture. This step ensures that each shrimp is generously covered with the buttery, crumbly coating.
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Layer the Shrimp: Arrange the buttered and crumb-coated shrimp in a single layer in the prepared casserole dish. Continue layering the shrimp until the dish is filled, ensuring each layer is evenly distributed.
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Use Up the Breadcrumb Mixture: Take any leftover breadcrumb mixture and pour it into the remaining melted butter. Stir until well-coated. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the layered shrimp, adding extra crunch and flavor to the casserole’s top.
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Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on the number of layers and the size of your casserole dish. Look for a golden brown top and bubbling sides as indicators that your dish is ready.
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Adjust if Necessary: If you find that you don’t have enough breadcrumbs or butter to cover the casserole adequately, feel free to make more. This ensures that the dish remains rich and indulgent, as intended.
Tips for Success 🍽️
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Assembly Line: Set up an assembly line with the butter, breadcrumb mixture, and casserole dish to streamline the coating and layering process. This can save time and make the preparation feel more organized.
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Make Ahead: This casserole can be prepared a day in advance. Simply follow the steps up to the baking stage, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake directly from the refrigerator, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.
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Serving Suggestions: Serve this casserole as a rich appetizer on small plates with forks, or as a hearty main dish alongside a fresh green salad. It pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine or a chilled glass of sparkling water.
Enjoy your delicious Shrimp Scampi Casserole! Whether you’re serving it at a festive gathering or making it for a family dinner, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser with its savory, buttery goodness and satisfying crunch. Happy cooking! 🥂👩🍳👨🍳
