Shrimp Casserole Recipe
If you’re craving a rich, creamy dish that is both comforting and full of flavor, this Shrimp Casserole is a must-try. Perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe combines succulent shrimp with a luxurious cream sauce and a crispy, buttery topping. The balance of flavors and textures makes it a crowd-pleaser, and the best part is that it’s easy to make, ready in just an hour, and sure to impress.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shrimp (peeled and deveined) | 2 lbs |
| Heavy cream | 3 cups |
| Vermouth | 1/4 cup |
| Butter | 5 tbsp |
| Scallions (chopped) | 6 |
| Fresh lemon juice | 2 tbsp |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 tbsp |
| Paprika | 1/4 tsp |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 523.3 kcal |
| Fat | 37 g |
| Saturated Fat | 20.9 g |
| Cholesterol | 251.3 mg |
| Sodium | 521.2 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 24.1 g |
| Fiber | 1.1 g |
| Sugar | 0.7 g |
| Protein | 22.8 g |
Servings:
This recipe yields approximately 10 servings.
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Instructions:
-
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C), ensuring it is hot and ready to bake the casserole.
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Prepare the Baking Dish: Take a 3 ½-quart glass baking dish and lightly butter the bottom and sides to prevent the casserole from sticking.
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Layer the Shrimp: Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the prepared dish. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate it while you prepare the creamy sauce. This allows the shrimp to stay chilled before baking, ensuring a tender texture.
-
Make the Cream Sauce:
- In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, shrimp shells, and vermouth. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
- Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to simmer and cook for about 25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the liquid to reduce slightly.
- After simmering, pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a large bowl to remove the shrimp shells and other solids. You should have a smooth, flavorful cream sauce.
-
Sauté the Scallions: In a skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped scallions and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
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Combine the Sauce: Add the strained cream sauce into the skillet with the scallions and simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly.
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Season the Sauce: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in fresh lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of hot sauce to taste. Season generously with salt and pepper. Let the sauce cool for a few minutes.
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Pour Sauce Over Shrimp: Once the sauce has cooled slightly, pour it evenly over the shrimp in the prepared baking dish. Ensure all the shrimp are covered with the sauce.
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Prepare the Crumb Topping: In a food processor or using a rolling pin, crush your choice of crackers (such as buttery crackers or saltines) until you have fine crumbs. You’ll need about 1 cup of crumbs.
- Melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter in the microwave. Add the melted butter to the crumbs along with paprika and mix thoroughly.
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Top the Casserole: Sprinkle the seasoned cracker crumbs evenly over the shrimp and sauce in the baking dish, pressing gently to ensure they adhere to the top.
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Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly. If you’d like a darker, crispier topping, you can place the casserole under the broiler for a few additional minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
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Serve: Once baked to perfection, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and ensures an easy-to-serve consistency.
Tips for the Perfect Shrimp Casserole:
- Shrimp Preparation: If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure they are fully thawed before using. For the best texture, use large or jumbo shrimp. Peel and devein them for a cleaner dish.
- Flavor Variations: For a bit of extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic or a dash of cayenne pepper to the cream sauce. You can also experiment with different herbs, such as thyme or parsley, for a fresh twist.
- Substitute Ingredients: If you prefer a different type of seafood, you can replace the shrimp with scallops or crab meat. Adjust cooking time as needed based on the seafood you choose.
This Shrimp Casserole is sure to become a family favorite, with its rich creamy sauce, tender shrimp, and crunchy topping. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!
