Easy Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Seafood enthusiasts crave a delectable baked stuffed shrimp casserole recipe that promises pure culinary magic.

Succulent shrimp nestled in a creamy, herb-infused filling create an irresistible dinner centerpiece.

Elegant yet surprisingly simple, this dish brings restaurant-quality flavors straight to your kitchen.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of tender shrimp and rich, savory ingredients.

The golden-brown topping adds a delightful crunch that elevates the entire meal.

Comfort and sophistication merge in this crowd-pleasing recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to fall in love with a seafood sensation that transforms an ordinary evening into a gourmet experience.

Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Shrimp Casserole

• Transform ordinary shrimp into a gourmet dish that feels like a restaurant-quality meal right at home, without complex techniques.
• Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this recipe perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, ensuring a delicious outcome every single time.
• Combines the richness of crab meat with succulent shrimp, creating a crowd-pleasing dish that satisfies both seafood lovers and picky eaters with its flavorful, comforting profile.
• Ideal for special dinners, potlucks, or family gatherings, this casserole impresses guests while being surprisingly easy to prepare and customize.

Everything You Need for Stuffed Shrimp Bake

• Shrimp: Fresh sea protein that forms the foundation of this delicious casserole.
• Crab Meat: Delicate seafood that creates a rich and flavorful stuffing mixture.

• Cracker Crumbs: Provides crispy texture and helps hold the stuffing together.
• Melted Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the stuffing ingredients.
• Garlic: Brings a robust and aromatic flavor to the stuffing.

• Parsley, Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Adds bright, fresh citrus notes and herbal complexity to the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the seafood.

• Olive Oil: Helps coat and season the shrimp before baking.

How to Make Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Oven

Set the oven to 425°F.

Take the shrimp and carefully butterfly them by slicing down the back without cutting completely through.

• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper

Set the seasoned shrimp aside.

Step 2: Create Delicious Crab Stuffing

• Crab meat
• Crushed cracker crumbs
• Minced garlic
• Fresh parsley
• Lemon zest
• Lemon juice
• Melted butter

Gently mix the ingredients, being careful not to break up the crab meat.

Give it a quick taste to ensure the flavors are perfect.

Step 3: Layer the Casserole

Spread the seasoned shrimp in a single layer in a baking dish, positioning them with cut sides down and tails pointing up if possible.

Generously spoon the crab stuffing over and around the shrimp, pressing lightly to help it adhere.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 12-14 minutes.

The shrimp should be fully cooked, and the stuffing should turn a beautiful golden brown.

For an extra crispy top, switch to the broiler and cook on high for 1 minute, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Step 5: Plate and Savor

Serve the hot casserole immediately.

Accompany with fresh lemon wedges for squeezing over the top, adding a bright, zesty finish to the dish.

Tips for Juicy Shrimp and Golden Topping

• Slice shrimp backs gently to avoid cutting completely through, keeping the shape intact for perfect presentation.
• Mix stuffing ingredients delicately to maintain crab meat's delicate flakes, preventing it from becoming mushy.
• Watch shrimp closely during baking to ensure they remain tender and juicy, removing from oven exactly when they turn opaque and firm.
• Broil casserole for an extra minute to create a golden, crispy top that adds delightful texture and visual appeal.
• Use the freshest shrimp and crab possible for maximum flavor and best overall dish quality.

Reheating and Storage for Shrimp Casserole

• Store leftover shrimp casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerate for up to 3 days, keeping the dish sealed tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Wrap the casserole securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F to guarantee food safety.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover the casserole with aluminum foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated thoroughly. Remove foil during the last 2-3 minutes to restore crispy texture.

Best Sides for Stuffed Shrimp Casserole

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc with bright acidity to complement the rich, buttery seafood flavors, cutting through the creamy crab stuffing and enhancing the delicate shrimp.
• Garnish with Fresh Herb Salad: Create a light arugula and herb salad with lemon vinaigrette, providing a zesty, peppery contrast to the decadent seafood casserole and adding a refreshing element to the plate.
• Match with Roasted Asparagus: Prepare thin asparagus spears roasted with olive oil and sea salt, offering a tender green vegetable side that echoes the lemony notes in the shrimp dish and provides a nutritious balance.
• Serve with Crusty Sourdough Bread: Include warm, crusty sourdough slices to soak up the flavorful juices from the casserole, adding a delightful textural element and allowing diners to enjoy every last bit of the delicious seafood sauce.

Ideas to Switch Up Your Shrimp Casserole

• Low-Carb Seafood Casserole: Replace cracker crumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly version that maintains the crispy texture while reducing carbohydrates.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap butter with olive oil or coconut oil, and use dairy-free breadcrumbs to create an allergen-friendly option for those with milk sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute shrimp and crab with diced hearts of palm or artichoke hearts, using the same seasoning and preparation method to create a plant-based seafood-style casserole.
• Spicy Cajun Version: Add cayenne pepper, paprika, and dried thyme to the stuffing mixture, then top with sliced andouille sausage for a New Orleans-inspired flavor profile that brings extra heat and complexity to the dish.

FAQs

• What type of shrimp works best for this recipe?

Large or jumbo shrimp are ideal because they provide enough space to butterfly and stuff with the crab mixture. Gulf shrimp or tiger shrimp are excellent choices that hold the stuffing well and create a beautiful presentation.

• Can I use imitation crab meat instead of real crab?

While real crab meat offers the best flavor, you can substitute with imitation crab if needed. However, the taste and texture will be slightly different. If using imitation crab, choose high-quality options with minimal additives.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is not naturally gluten-free due to the cracker crumbs. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs. Always check that all ingredients, including seasonings, are certified gluten-free.

• How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn opaque and form a loose “C” shape. Overcooked shrimp will curl tightly and become tough and rubbery. The 12-14 minute cooking time typically ensures perfectly cooked shrimp, but always check for that opaque color and gentle curve.

Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 29 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Succulent shrimp nestled in a creamy, herbed sauce make this Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole a Mediterranean-inspired comfort dish. Seafood enthusiasts will savor each luxurious, cheese-topped bite that brings coastal flavors directly to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

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Seafood:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 pound lump crab meat

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon (plus wedges for serving)

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 cup crushed cracker crumbs
• 1/2 stick (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven and shrimp at 425°F. Butterfly shrimp by cutting along the back without separating completely. Coat shrimp with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Create stuffing mixture by combining crab meat, cracker crumbs, garlic, parsley, lemon zest, lemon juice, and melted butter. Mix gently to preserve crab texture.
3. Layer shrimp in baking dish with cut sides facing down and tails pointing upward. Spread crab stuffing evenly over and around shrimp, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Bake for 12-14 minutes until shrimp are fully cooked and stuffing turns golden brown. Optional: Broil for 1 minute to create crispy top surface, watching carefully to prevent burning.
5. Transfer casserole to serving plate immediately. Accompany with fresh lemon wedges for guests to squeeze over the dish, enhancing the seafood flavors.

Notes

• Choose fresh, high-quality shrimp and crab meat for the most delicious and authentic flavor profile.
• Avoid overmixing the stuffing to preserve the delicate texture of the crab meat and prevent a mushy consistency.
• Pat the shrimp dry before seasoning to ensure proper browning and prevent excess moisture during baking.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute cracker crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed almond flour.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 14 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 660 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 210 mg