Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole

Introduction

Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole is the kind of dish that turns any dinner into a special occasion. Picture tender, juicy shrimp nestled in a bed of buttery, herb-infused breadcrumbs with a golden, crispy topping that adds just the right amount of crunch. This casserole feels luxurious, yet it’s surprisingly simple to put together, making it ideal for both intimate gatherings and family celebrations. It’s a dish that brings that fancy, restaurant-style charm right into your kitchen without the need for complex steps or hours of preparation.

I remember the first time I made this casserole for a holiday dinner with family. Everyone was excited to try something new, and the aroma of garlic and fresh herbs filled the room as it baked, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. The shrimp were perfectly tender, and the breadcrumb topping had a buttery, savory flavor with hints of lemon and parsley, making each bite a burst of freshness.

What I love about this recipe is its adaptability—you can add a bit of crab meat to the stuffing, sprinkle in your favorite herbs, or even swap in gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed. Serve it with a fresh green salad and crusty bread for a meal that feels elegant yet comforting. Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole is sure to impress with minimal effort and maximum flavor, perfect for when you want a special, seafood-forward dish that leaves a lasting impression!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Reasons to love Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole:

• Elegant and Impressive: This casserole makes a beautiful dish for special occasions or gatherings.
• Bursting with Flavor: Each shrimp is filled with a savory stuffing, bringing robust flavors to every bite.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make it surprisingly easy to prepare.
• Crunchy Topping: A golden breadcrumb crust adds a delightful crunch and texture contrast.
• Comforting and Hearty: The casserole is warm, filling, and perfect for a cozy meal.
• Customizable: Adjust the stuffing ingredients to include your favorite herbs or seasonings.
• Perfect for Sharing: Serves multiple people, making it ideal for family dinners or potlucks.
• Rich and Creamy: The sauce adds a luxurious creaminess that balances the shrimp perfectly.
• Great Make-Ahead Option: Prepare it in advance and bake just before serving for convenience.
• Kid-Approved: Mild flavors and crunchy topping make it a hit with both adults and kids alike.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: Approximately 40 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 450 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Fat: 20g, Carbohydrates: 30g

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for your Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole:

For the Shrimp:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Stuffing:

• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or Italian-style)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnish:

• Lemon wedges, for serving
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Ingredient Highlights

• Breadcrumbs: Provide a crunchy texture and absorb flavor from the butter.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory, umami depth to the stuffing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole:

Prepare the Shrimp

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season Shrimp: Place the shrimp in a single layer in a baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.

Make the Stuffing

3. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, melted butter, parsley, green onions, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Mix Thoroughly: Stir until all ingredients are well combined, creating a moist, crumbly stuffing mixture.

Assemble the Casserole

5. Add Stuffing: Spoon the breadcrumb mixture over the shrimp in the baking dish, pressing gently to adhere.
6. Arrange Evenly: Ensure the shrimp are evenly covered with the stuffing.

Bake the Casserole

7. Bake Shrimp: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the shrimp are cooked through and the topping is golden brown.

Serve

8. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges, and serve hot.

How to Serve

Serve your Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole with these suggestions:

• With Lemon Wedges: Serve with fresh lemon wedges on the side for a zesty squeeze of flavor over each bite.
• Over Rice Pilaf: Pair with rice pilaf to soak up the creamy sauce, adding extra texture and flavor.
• With Crusty Bread: Offer a side of warm, crusty bread for dipping into the casserole’s sauce.
• With a Garden Salad: Balance the rich casserole with a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
• Alongside Steamed Asparagus: Serve with steamed asparagus for a light, elegant vegetable pairing.
• On a Bed of Spinach: Place the casserole over a bed of wilted spinach for added greens and a beautiful presentation.
• With Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes complement the shrimp and create a hearty meal.
• Paired with Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted vegetables, like carrots and zucchini, for added color and nutrients.
• Topped with Fresh Herbs: Garnish with chopped parsley or chives to enhance the flavors and presentation.
• With a Glass of Sparkling Water: Serve with sparkling water or a non-alcoholic spritzer for a refreshing beverage pairing.

Additional Tips

Enhance your Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole with these tips:

• Use Jumbo Shrimp: Large shrimp are easier to stuff and hold more filling, giving each bite extra flavor.
• Fresh Breadcrumbs for Texture: Use fresh breadcrumbs for a softer, more flavorful stuffing, or panko for added crunch.
• Butterfly the Shrimp: Butterfly the shrimp before stuffing for a more appealing presentation and even cooking.
• Add a Citrus Zest: Incorporate lemon or orange zest into the stuffing for a bright, refreshing twist.
• Pre-Cook the Stuffing: Sauté the stuffing ingredients briefly to enhance flavors before filling the shrimp.
• Use White Wine or Broth: Add a splash of white wine or broth to the baking dish for a subtle depth of flavor.
• Season Generously: Shrimp pairs well with bold spices, so season the stuffing and shrimp with salt, pepper, and herbs.
• Use a Baking Rack: Place the shrimp on a rack over the baking dish to keep them from getting soggy on the bottom.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Add fresh parsley or chives after baking to bring a pop of color and freshness.
• Broil for a Golden Top: Broil the casserole for the last few minutes to achieve a crispy, golden crust on top.

Recipe Variations

Make Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole your own with these variations:

• Crab-Stuffed Variation: Replace half of the shrimp with lump crab meat in the stuffing for a rich seafood flavor.
• Vegetable-Loaded: Add finely chopped spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to the stuffing for added nutrients and color.
• Spicy Shrimp Casserole: Incorporate diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes into the stuffing for a spicy kick.
• Herb-Infused: Mix in fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives into the stuffing for a fragrant and fresh flavor profile.
• Cheesy Delight: Add shredded cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar, to the stuffing for extra creaminess and flavor.
• Cajun Twist: Season the shrimp and stuffing with Cajun spices for a zesty, Southern-inspired flavor.
• Mediterranean Style: Use feta cheese, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes in the stuffing for a Mediterranean twist.
• Italian-Inspired: Incorporate Italian sausage or marinara sauce into the stuffing for a hearty, Italian-style casserole.
• Coconut-Curry Flavor: Substitute coconut milk for cream and add curry powder to the stuffing for a tropical flair.
• Quinoa-Enhanced: Mix cooked quinoa into the stuffing for added texture and nutrition, making it even more filling.

Freezing and Storage

Store your Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole properly to enjoy later:

• Refrigerate Leftovers: Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Freeze Uncooked Casserole: Assemble and freeze before baking for a make-ahead option.
• Reheat Carefully: Reheat in the oven at a low temperature to maintain the texture.
• Store Shrimp Separately: If freezing, consider storing shrimp and stuffing separately for best results.
• Avoid Overcooking: Reheat only until warmed through to keep shrimp tender.

Special Equipment

Gather these tools for making Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole:

• Large Baking Dish: A spacious dish ensures even cooking and ample room for all the shrimp and stuffing.
• Mixing Bowl: For combining the stuffing ingredients thoroughly before filling the shrimp.
• Shrimp Deveiner: A handy tool for easily deveining shrimp, ensuring a clean and appetizing presentation.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for accurately measuring ingredients to maintain the perfect balance of flavors.
• Food Processor: Useful for finely chopping vegetables or mixing stuffing ingredients quickly and efficiently.
• Baking Sheet: To catch any drips while baking and help with even cooking of the casserole.
• Tongs: Perfect for handling shrimp and transferring them to and from the baking dish without damaging them.
• Whisk: For mixing sauces or egg mixtures, ensuring a smooth and well-combined consistency.
• Cooling Rack: Allows the casserole to cool evenly after baking, preventing sogginess from steam.
• Serving Spoon: Ideal for portioning out the casserole neatly when serving to guests or family.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
   Yes, but thaw the shrimp fully and pat them dry before using.
2. What type of breadcrumbs should I use?
   Both panko and Italian-style breadcrumbs work well, depending on your preference.
3. Can I add other seafood to the casserole?
   Absolutely! Lump crab meat or small scallops make great additions.
4. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
   Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
5. Can I prepare this dish in advance?
   Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead and bake just before serving.
6. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
   Substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.
7. What other cheese works well in this recipe?
   Pecorino Romano or sharp cheddar can add a unique twist.
8. Can I add extra spices?
   Yes, add red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for additional flavor.
9. What side dishes go well with this casserole?
   Garlic bread, rice, or a fresh salad are excellent pairings.
10. Can I use small shrimp instead of large?
    Yes, but adjust the baking time to ensure the shrimp doesn’t overcook.

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Conclusion

Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole combines tender, juicy shrimp with a golden, herb-filled stuffing that’s simply irresistible. This delightful dish is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re enjoying a cozy weeknight dinner or hosting a festive gathering. The succulent shrimp are baked to perfection, enveloped in a savory stuffing that brings together the flavors of herbs, spices, and a hint of lemon, creating a satisfying experience in every bite.

Not only is this casserole delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to prepare. Just assemble the ingredients, pop it in the oven, and let the delightful aromas fill your kitchen as it bakes. The impressive presentation makes it a wonderful centerpiece for your dining table, and your guests will be amazed at the restaurant-style seafood experience you’ve created right in your own home.

Give this recipe a try, and savor the deliciousness of Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole with your loved ones! I can’t wait to see how your dish turns out! Don’t forget to snap a photo and share it on social media—I love seeing your culinary creations! Happy cooking!