Name: Crab and Shrimp Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 lb drained and picked over;; 1/2 lb peeled and deveined;; 2 tablespoons;; 1/2 cup finely chopped;; 1/2 cup finely chopped;; 1/4 cup finely chopped;; 1 minced;; 1/4 cup;; 1 cup;; 1/2 cup;; 1/2 cup shredded;; 1/2 cup shredded;; 1/4 teaspoon;; to taste;; 1/2 cup;; 1 tablespoon;; 1 tablespoon chopped (optional)

If you’re craving the perfect blend of creamy comfort and ocean-fresh flavor, look no further than this Crab and Shrimp Casserole Recipe. This dish brings together luscious crab meat and sweet shrimp in a rich, cheesy sauce, all topped with a crunchy golden crust. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or treating your family to something special, this casserole is guaranteed to steal the show with every spoonful.

Crab and Shrimp Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Crab and Shrimp Casserole Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each one playing a key role in building layers of delicious flavor and texture. Be sure to use the freshest seafood you can find, and don’t skip the aromatic trio of veggies—they provide essential color, moisture, and savory depth!

Lump Crab Meat: Look for quality crab meat that’s been drained and picked over for shells; it gives the casserole that sweet, delicate seafood bite.
Small Cooked Shrimp: Peeled and deveined shrimp bring sweetness and tender texture—bite-sized pieces work best for evenly distributed flavor.
Unsalted Butter: Butter is the foundation for the sautéed veggies and lends a subtle richness without overpowering the seafood.
Onion: Finely chopped onion adds gentle sweetness and aromatic appeal that pairs perfectly with seafood.
Celery: Chopped celery contributes crunch and a fresh, light flavor that balances the creamy sauce.
Red Bell Pepper: For a pop of color and a slight fruity undertone; finely chop so it blends smoothly.
Garlic Clove: A bit of minced garlic infuses the casserole with deep, mouthwatering aroma.
All-Purpose Flour: This helps thicken the sauce to that perfect, spoon-coating consistency.
Milk: Whole milk delivers creaminess without making the dish too heavy—an essential element of the sauce.
Heavy Cream: For extra silkiness and luxurious body in the cheesy sauce.
Mozzarella Cheese: Provides gooey, melty texture and a mild cheesiness that doesn’t overshadow the seafood.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the casserole a robust, tangy finish and beautiful color.
Old Bay Seasoning: This classic blend brings just the right touch of spice and coastal flair.
Salt and Black Pepper: Season to taste—don’t be shy, as both seafood and creamy sauces need proper seasoning.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Japanese-style breadcrumbs toast up light and crispy on top, creating addictively crunchy bites.
Olive Oil: A drizzle mixed into the panko ensures the topping bakes up pleasantly golden and crisp.
Parsley: Fresh chopped parsley is optional but delivers a fresh finish and vibrant green contrast.

How to Make Crab and Shrimp Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by getting your oven nice and hot—preheat it to 375°F and take a moment to lightly grease your 2-quart casserole dish. This ensures easy release and a beautifully baked finish for your Crab and Shrimp Casserole Recipe.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until it’s bubbling and ready. Toss in the onion, celery, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook everything together, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables become tender and aromatic—this base sets the tone for the entire casserole.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Sprinkle the flour over your sautéed veggies and stir for a minute—that little bit of flour is key for thickening. Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, allowing the sauce to gently thicken as you go. Once it’s creamy and lump-free, remove it from the heat, then stir in the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, Old Bay seasoning, and your salt and pepper. Watch as the cheese melts into a decadent, savory sauce.

Step 4: Combine Seafood

Now for the stars of the show! Gently fold in the lump crab meat and cooked shrimp, being careful not to break up the crab too much. Once evenly incorporated, spoon the mix into your prepared casserole dish, spreading it into an even layer. This step is where the magic of the Crab and Shrimp Casserole Recipe truly begins!

Step 5: Add Topping and Bake

Toss the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil in a small bowl until every crumb is lightly coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the surface of the casserole—these golden breadcrumbs will transform into a mouthwatering, crunchy topping as it bakes. Slide the casserole into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until bubbling and beautifully golden brown on top.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Pull your masterpiece from the oven, allow it to rest for a few minutes, and—if using—sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top. Serve your Crab and Shrimp Casserole Recipe while it’s hot, and watch everyone swoon over the bubbling, cheesy, seafood goodness!

How to Serve Crab and Shrimp Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

For a lovely finishing touch, scatter a handful of fresh chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice over the top for a burst of color and zing. If you want extra flair, a dusting of extra Old Bay or a sprig of dill can add visual appeal and subtle flavor that complements the crab and shrimp perfectly.

Side Dishes

This Crab and Shrimp Casserole Recipe is undeniably hearty, but it plays well with a fluffy side of rice, buttered pasta, or slices of warm, crusty bread that soak up every drop of the creamy sauce. Steamed green beans, a simple salad, or even roasted asparagus can bring bright freshness to round out your meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Dress up individual portions by baking them in ramekins for a dinner-party-ready touch, or spoon the casserole onto lightly toasted bread rounds as decadent seafood crostini. For a fun, Southern-inspired twist, serve it over a bed of cheesy grits—your guests will talk about it for weeks!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (trust me, it’s a rare event!), simply cover the cooled Crab and Shrimp Casserole Recipe tightly and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors intensify a bit as they meld, making this dish just as irresistible the next day.

Freezing

Want to prep ahead? Assemble the casserole (without baking or adding the breadcrumb topping), cover it well, and freeze for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it fully in the refrigerator overnight, add the fresh breadcrumb topping, then bake as directed.

Reheating

To reheat, place leftovers in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Warm them in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly, about 15-20 minutes. For microwave reheating, transfer individual portions to a microwave-safe plate and heat in short intervals, stirring gently to avoid overcooking the seafood.

FAQs

What’s the best type of crab to use in this Crab and Shrimp Casserole Recipe?

Lump crab meat is ideal for this recipe because of its sweet flavor and hearty texture, but you can substitute claw or backfin crab meat if you prefer or if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure to pick out shells before using.

Can I use canned or frozen seafood in place of fresh?

Absolutely! Both canned crab and frozen (thawed) shrimp work well in this Crab and Shrimp Casserole Recipe. Just drain and pat everything dry to keep your casserole creamy, not watery.

Is it possible to make this dish spicy?

Yes! If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce or serve with a dash of hot sauce. Old Bay also comes in spicier varieties that could take the flavor up a notch.

What cheeses work best if I want to change it up?

The classic mozzarella and cheddar combo keeps things gooey and sharp, but you can swap in Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan for more depth—just keep the total cheese amount about the same for the perfect texture.

Can I prepare the Crab and Shrimp Casserole Recipe ahead of time?

You bet! Assemble everything except the breadcrumb topping, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day before baking. Add the topping right before baking to maintain that irresistible crunch.

Final Thoughts

When you’re after a crowd-pleasing comfort dish with the elegance of the coast, don’t hesitate—try this Crab and Shrimp Casserole Recipe. Every bite brings together tender seafood, creamy sauce, and cheesy, crunchy bliss. Give it a go and savor the warm smiles around your table!