Baked Shrimp Casserole: A Savoury Delight for Any Occasion
Looking for a dish that combines seafood elegance with comforting home‑style appeal? This baked shrimp casserole is your go‑to. With tender shrimp bathed in a creamy sauce, layered under melted cheeses and finished with a golden breadcrumb crust, it delivers on flavour, texture and ease. Whether you’re hosting, planning a family dinner or simply craving something special, this dish checks all the boxes. 🦐✨
Introduction
Seafood has a way of making any dinner feel elevated, and when paired with creamy, cheesy sauce and a crunchy topping, the result is irresistible. In this recipe, we take peeled, deveined shrimp and give it all the love it deserves: garlic butter, a rich dairy‑based sauce, a shower of cheddar + Parmesan, and a buttery breadcrumb crust. It’s the kind of comfort food that still feels a touch decadent.
As Chef Bobby Flay might say: “Start with clean, fresh shrimp, build layers of flavour and don’t shy away from texture.” And Chef Ina Garten would remind us: “Keep it simple, use good ingredients, and your guests will never think it was made on a weeknight.” With those culinary wisdoms in mind, let’s dive into the details.
Ingredients & Measurements
Here’s everything you’ll need, clearly laid out:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shrimp (peeled & deveined) | 1 pound (≈ 450 g) |
| Butter (for sauce) | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
| Chicken Broth | 1 cup (240 ml) |
| Heavy Cream | 1 cup (240 ml) |
| Dried Thyme | 1 teaspoon |
| Paprika | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt and Pepper | To taste |
| Grated Cheddar Cheese | 1 cup (≈ 100 g) |
| Grated Parmesan Cheese | ¼ cup (≈ 25 g) |
| Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish) | ‑ |
| Breadcrumbs | 1 cup (≈ 100 g) |
| Melted Butter (for topping) | 2 tablespoons |
How‑to: Step by Step Instructions
Follow these steps for a flawless bake:
- Preheat your oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a small bowl, combine the 2 tablespoons melted butter (for the sauce) and the 2 cloves minced garlic. Set aside.
- Arrange the 1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp in the prepared baking dish in an even layer.
- In a separate bowl or measuring jug, whisk together: 1 cup chicken broth + 1 cup heavy cream + 1 teaspoon dried thyme + 1 teaspoon paprika + salt & pepper to taste. Pour this mixture evenly over the arranged shrimp.
- Sprinkle evenly the 1 cup grated cheddar cheese and ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese over the shrimp and creamy mixture.
- In another small bowl, combine the 1 cup breadcrumbs and the 2 tablespoons melted butter (for the topping) until well coated. Evenly distribute this breadcrumb mixture on top of the casserole.
- Place the casserole into the pre‑heated oven and bake for about 20–25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly underneath.
- Once done, allow the casserole to rest a few minutes. Garnish with the chopped fresh parsley just before serving.
- Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy and crunchy goodness!
Why This Dish Works & Chef Insights
From Chef Gordon Ramsay’s perspective: the dish shines when each element is executed with care. The shrimp must be just‑cooked to stay tender, the sauce must be smooth and well‑seasoned, and the topping crisp and golden.
Here are the winning elements:
– **Quality protein**: Shrimp offers a quick‑cooking, flavourful seafood base.
– **Rich sauce**: The blend of chicken broth and heavy cream forms a velvety base that carries flavour and binds the dish together.
– **Cheese layer**: Cheddar and Parmesan add depth of flavour, umami and a comforting richness.
– **Breadcrumb topping**: Provides texture contrast—crispness against creamy sauce ensures every bite is interesting.
– **Simple seasoning**: Thyme and paprika bring warmth and subtle complexity without competing with the cheeses and shrimp.
– **Ease & impression**: This dish is approachable for a weeknight yet impressive enough for guests.
Chef Ina Garten would nod at the simplicity and the flavour payoff: keep the ingredients good, follow the steps precisely, and let the dish speak for itself.
Nutrition & Health Benefits Table
Here’s an approximate nutrition breakdown for one serving (assuming the recipe yields 4 servings). Note: actual values will vary depending on brands, portion size, and exact ingredients used.
| Nutrient | Approximate Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~ 400‑500 kcal |
| Protein | ~ 25‑30 g |
| Total Fat | ~ 20‑25 g (including some saturated fat) |
| Carbohydrates | ~ 20‑30 g (depending on breadcrumbs) |
| Sodium | Varies — shrimp, broth, cheese contribute; moderate to high |
| Calcium | Good amount (from cheeses) |
| Micronutrients | Shrimp gives B12, selenium, some iodine, and lean protein |
Health highlights & considerations:
– ✅ **High in protein**: Shrimp are a lean source of high‑quality protein.
– ✅ **Dairy benefits**: Cheddar and Parmesan contribute calcium and flavour.
– ⚠️ **Rich in fat & saturated fat**: The heavy cream, butter and cheese contribute richness—so portion awareness is wise.
– ⚠️ **Sodium caution**: Shrimp, broth and cheese can add up in salt — seasoning carefully is important.
– ✅ **Seafood advantage**: According to dietitian advice, shrimp provide beneficial nutrients like selenium and B12 and are a smart seafood choice when prepared healthily. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
– ⚠️ **Balance**: Serving with a vegetable side or salad can add fibre and lighten the meal.
Health Tips & Safety Considerations
Here are expert tips and safety notes to ensure your bake turns out great and is handled safely:
– 🧼 **Proper shrimp thawing**: If using frozen shrimp, thaw in the fridge or under cold water and pat dry to avoid excess moisture.
– 🔪 **Don’t overcook shrimp**: Shrimp cook very quickly and can become rubbery if over‑baked. Aim for just opaque when baked.
– 🍳 **Use heavy‑bottomed baking dish**: Helps ensure even cooking of the sauce and prevents hot spots.
– 🌡️ **Maintain safe temperature**: Ensure baked dish reaches safe internal temperature (145 °F / about 63 °C for shrimp) to avoid under‑cooking.
– 🧂 **Moderate salt**: Because shrimp, broth and cheese contain sodium, add extra salt only after tasting.
– 🥦 **Balance with sides**: Pair with steamed greens, roasted veggies or a crisp salad to boost nutritional value and fibre.
– 🍲 **Leftovers**: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 2‑3 days. Re‑heat thoroughly.
– 🥣 **Serving size mindful**: Because of richness, consider moderate portions, especially if serving other dishes.
– 🧀 **Alternative tweaks**: For lighter version: use half‑and‑half or 2% milk instead of heavy cream, use reduced‑fat cheese and slightly reduce butter in topping.
– 🔥 **Baking tips**: After baking, allow the dish to rest a few minutes—this helps the sauce set a little and makes serving cleaner.
Variations & Serving Suggestions
Chef Bobby Flay loves to experiment—here are some creative adaptations:
– **Add vegetables**: Mix in sautéed mushrooms, spinach or diced bell peppers beneath the cheese for extra colour and nutrients.
– **Spice it up**: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a subtle heat and smoky edge.
– **Change bread crumb topping**: Use panko for extra crunch or substitute with crushed crackers for different texture.
– **Lightened version**: Swap heavy cream for a mixture of milk + Greek yogurt; reduce butter in topping by half.
– **Cheese swap**: Try Gruyère or Fontina instead of cheddar for a more gourmet touch.
– **Serving style**: Instead of alone, serve the casserole over cooked rice, quinoa or pasta for a full meal.
– **Make ahead**: Prepare up to just before topping with breadcrumbs and refrigerate for up to 24 hours; add topping and bake when ready.
– **Side dishes**: Complement with steamed green beans, roasted asparagus or a simple tomato‑cucumber salad with vinaigrette.
– **Herb finish**: Garnish generously with chopped parsley, fresh dill or chives to brighten flavour and presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes — just thaw them fully in the fridge or cold water, pat dry so excess moisture doesn’t dilute the sauce or make the topping soggy. - What size of baking dish is best?
A 9×9 inch (≈ 23×23 cm) or similar sized casserole works well. Grease or butter the dish to prevent sticking. - Can I substitute the heavy cream?
You can use a lighter option like 2% milk with a bit more flour to thicken, or a half‑and‑half. The texture will be slightly less rich but still tasty. - How do I ensure the topping stays crunchy?
Mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter just before topping and bake on the upper rack of the oven so the topping browns nicely. Avoid covering the dish until just before serving. - What is the best way to serve this casserole?
Serve hot, straight from the oven. Garnish with chopped parsley. Pair with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables to round the meal. - Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes — assemble the shrimp, sauce and cheese layers, but wait to add the breadcrumb topping until just before baking. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then add topping and bake. - What’s the ideal baking time?
Bake at 375 °F (190 °C) for about 20–25 minutes until the sauce is bubbling and the top is golden brown. Avoid over‑baking, which can make the shrimp rubbery. - Is it possible to make a gluten‑free version?
Yes — substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten‑free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten‑free crackers. Ensure all other ingredients (like broths and cheeses) are gluten‑free certified. - How many servings does this recipe make?
With 1 pound of shrimp and the quantities listed, you’ll likely get about 4 servings (depending on portion size and whether you serve sides). - Any tips for storing leftovers?
Cool the casserole to room temperature, cover and refrigerate within 2 hours of baking. Re‑heat thoroughly in the oven at ~350 °F (175 °C) until hot throughout. Use within 2‑3 days.
Internal Links & Further Reading
For more comforting casseroles and creative dishes, check out our article on cream & roux sauce recipes. If you’re looking for lighter comfort‑food alternatives, explore our guide on lightened comfort‑food ideas. Want hearty seafood dinner inspiration? See our collection of seafood dinner recipes.
Conclusion
This baked shrimp casserole brings together the best of both worlds: easy enough for a weeknight, yet impressive enough for company. With succulent shrimp, creamy sauce, melted cheeses and a crunchy topping, it’s a dish that strikes the perfect balance of flavour and texture. Serving it with a crisp vegetable side completes the meal beautifully.
To recap: choose good‑quality shrimp, mix your sauce carefully, layer in the cheeses, finish with buttered breadcrumbs, and bake until bubbly and golden. Add a garnish of fresh parsley, serve warm, and you’ve got a winner. Chef Bobby Flay would commend the flavours; Chef Ina Garten would delight in the simplicity and result. Now, it’s your turn to make it and share the joy. 🍽️
