If you have a love for rich, comforting seafood dishes, then you are absolutely going to adore this Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole Recipe. It perfectly balances the natural sweetness of shrimp with a crunchy, flavorful breadcrumb topping, enhanced by fresh herbs and a zesty hint of lemon. This casserole is the kind of dish that feeds both your hunger and your soul—simple ingredients come together in a way that feels special, making it a go-to recipe for family dinners or memorable gatherings with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role, whether it’s building texture, adding depth of flavor, or lifting the dish with brightness. Together, they transform humble shrimp into an unforgettable meal.
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star of the dish, tender and succulent, providing the perfect base.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps the shrimp cook evenly while infusing a subtle fruitiness.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the natural flavors.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or Italian-style): Creates that irresistible crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the tender shrimp.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, savory depth that melts into the breadcrumbs for extra flavor and golden color.
- 1/4 cup melted butter: Ensures the topping stays moist and flavorful as it bakes.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Brings vibrant color and fresh, herbaceous notes to brighten the dish.
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped: Adds a mild onion flavor with a pleasant crunch and pops of green.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the topping with a warm, aromatic richness that complements the shrimp perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Provides a zesty tang that lifts the flavors and balances the richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Offers a gentle smoky warmth and beautiful color.
- Lemon wedges, for serving: A fresh squeeze of lemon juice adds bright acidity just before eating.
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish: Finishes the dish with a pop of color and freshness on top.
How to Make Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Shrimp
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole cooks evenly and the topping crisps up nicely. While the oven warms, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp in olive oil with salt and pepper. This simple seasoning forms the base for that tender, flavorful bite.
Step 2: Mix the Topping
In a separate bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, melted butter, chopped parsley, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper. This mixture is the real magic part—it brings crunch, herbaceous zest, and savory richness that’ll take your casserole from plain to extraordinary.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the seasoned shrimp evenly in a baking dish, creating a lovely bed for the breadcrumb topping. Then, sprinkle that flavorful topping all over the shrimp, gently pressing it down to help it stick and form a golden crust once baked.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, until the breadcrumb topping turns a gorgeous golden brown and the shrimp are cooked through. The aroma filling your kitchen will be a delightful preview of the deliciousness waiting on your table.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, serve the casserole hot with fresh lemon wedges and extra parsley for garnish. The lemon juice adds a fresh, bright finish that perfectly complements the buttery, savory topping.
How to Serve Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley and a wedge of lemon are perfect garnishes that elevate not only the presentation but also the flavor profile. The parsley adds a pop of vibrant green and a hint of freshness, while the lemon wedge invites your guests to add a splash of brightness that cuts through the dish’s richness.
Side Dishes
This Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple, complementary sides. Think garlic butter green beans, a crisp garden salad with vinaigrette, or light, fluffy rice pilaf. These sides add texture and balance, letting the casserole shine without competing.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, try serving the casserole in individual ramekins or a rustic cast-iron skillet. You can also top it with additional fresh herbs like chives or dill for a gourmet touch. If you’re feeling festive, add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a drizzle of garlic butter to make every bite look and taste special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, no worries! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for 2 to 3 days. This makes a fantastic next-day lunch or effortless dinner.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole, but for best results, freeze it before baking. Assemble the dish, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, warm them in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 15 minutes until heated through and to help crisp the topping again. Avoid the microwave if you want to maintain that satisfying crunchy texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, but be sure to thaw and pat the shrimp dry thoroughly before seasoning and assembling the casserole to avoid excess moisture that could make the topping soggy.
What substitutions can I use for Parmesan cheese?
If you don’t have Parmesan on hand, Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheeses work beautifully for their similar sharpness and melting qualities.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to keep the integrity of the dish without sacrificing that crunchy topping.
How spicy is this Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole Recipe?
It’s very mild with just a subtle warmth from the paprika. If you like a bit more heat, you can sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or hot sauce to taste.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking — perfect for making dinner prep easy on busy days.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole Recipe is a wonderful reminder that simple ingredients can come together to create something truly memorable. Whether you’re feeding family or impressing guests, it brings warmth, flavor, and a touch of elegance to your table. Go ahead, give it a try—you might just find your new favorite seafood dish!
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Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Seafood Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make seafood dish featuring large shrimp generously topped with a savory breadcrumb and Parmesan cheese mixture. Baked to golden perfection, it offers a flavorful combination of garlic, fresh parsley, and a hint of lemon that’s perfect for a family dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Breadcrumb Mixture
- 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
To Serve
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
- Prepare Shrimp: In a mixing bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, salt, and pepper until they are evenly coated. This step seasons and prepares the shrimp for baking.
- Make Breadcrumb Mixture: In another bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, melted butter, chopped parsley, finely chopped green onions, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to form a cohesive topping mixture.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the seasoned shrimp evenly in a baking dish. Then, evenly distribute the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the shrimp, creating a flavorful crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes or until the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and the shrimp are cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of fresh citrus flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh shrimp with frozen shrimp; just make sure they are thawed and patted dry before use.
- For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.
- If you prefer a richer flavor, try using garlic butter instead of melted butter in the topping.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
