Best New England Seafood Casserole Recipe with Shrimp
You’re in for a treat with this classic New England Seafood Casserole recipe! Packed with succulent baked shrimp and a rich, creamy sauce, it’s a crowd-pleaser for seafood lovers you’ll want to make again.
Don’t be intimidated by its gourmet feel, we’ve simplified the process just for you. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to dive into a culinary adventure that’s as satisfying to create as it is to eat.
This is one secret we aren’t keeping; there’s no privacy policy on deliciousness!
Let’s get started, shall we? Here’s the scoop on the best New England Seafood Casserole recipe with shrimp.
Gathering Your Ingredients
You’ll need to gather all your ingredients before you start cooking this delicious New England seafood casserole.
Head to your local fish market and fill your basket with fresh seafood. Large shrimp and succulent lobster meat are key, but don’t forget the delicate sea scallops, they’ll add an extra depth of flavor.
As a true seafood lover, the sight of all this fresh seafood must get your heart racing, doesn’t it?
Now, imagine them all baked together in a creamy sauce, the taste is simply divine. This baked shrimp and mix seafood dish is a hallmark of a New England seafood casserole recipe.
Preparing the Shrimp
Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to start prepping the star of your dish: the baked shrimp. This isn’t just about preparing the shrimp; you’re infusing them with flavor.
- Begin by peeling your raw shrimp. Then, in a large skillet, sauté some fresh garlic over medium-high heat.
- As the garlic starts to brown in 2-3 minutes, add your shrimp.
- Sprinkle them with a generous helping of Old Bay seasoning. This classic spice blend gives your seafood casserole recipe that authentic New England taste.
- Next, add a splash of lemon juice and black pepper for a zesty kick.
- Once your shrimp are pink and tender, remove them from the skillet and toss them in a bowl with a dusting of grated Parmesan cheese, cup milk, and garlic powder.
- This will give your baked shrimp a delicious, golden crust and crunchy top in the casserole.
With these steps, you’re well on your way to a flavorful feast.
Assembling the Casserole
Now that you’ve got your shrimp ready, let’s get down to the business of putting together that mouthwatering dish fit for a Yankee Publishing cookbook.
This easy seafood casserole recipe requires you to preheat your oven and prepare your casserole dish. You’re not just assembling a casserole. You’re creating a symphony of flavors.
Start by layering in firm white fish, then add a generous amount of crab meat. Your seafood mixture should be a delicate balance of these chosen ingredients.
Consider adding green pepper and celery ribs for varied texture, and long grain rice with chicken broth, cups of milk, and Worcestershire sauce in a separate bowl for added creaminess.
Next, add your baked shrimp. This delicious casserole truly comes together when you pour over a creamy seafood casserole mixture. It is the best way to capture the essence of New England in one dish.
Then, into the preheated oven it goes, sealing in flavor and creating a dish that’s as appetizing as it’s memorable. This is more than just a casserole, it’s a culinary masterpiece.
Baking Instructions
For the next phase, you’re going to need to set your oven to 350 degrees and bake your culinary masterpiece for about 30 minutes, or until it’s bubbling and golden brown on top.
This is a crucial step in the baking instructions for the best New England seafood casserole recipe with baked shrimp.
While your casserole is baking, you might want to:
- Melt some butter over medium heat in a Dutch oven.
- Mix bread crumbs with the melted butter in a large bowl.
These components will bring out the taste of the various types of seafood within your casserole.
The bread crumbs will become golden brown, adding a crunchy texture that complements the tender seafood components.
Enjoy the process, and let your passion for food guide you.
Serving Suggestions
You’ll find that a garnish of fresh parsley and a side of garlic bread nicely round out the dish. The parsley, chopped finely in a small bowl, adds a burst of color and freshness.
Rub that garlic bread in a couple tablespoons of butter melted with a hint of dry white wine and toast it till it’s golden. It’s a great recipe for a dinner party or a family dinner, sure to become a family favorite.
Consider serving with a dry sherry, enhancing the seafood flavor. A dusting of purpose flour over the casserole before baking creates a delightful crust that’s a fantastic contrast to the tender shrimp within.
Don’t forget a lemon slice on the side, its citrusy tang serving as the perfect counterpoint to the rich, buttery seafood.
Vary this simple dish with crushed potato chips instead of breadcrumbs, using the lightly or unsalted kind as a great option to lower mg sodium in your daily values intake.
This is passion on a plate.
Pairing Your Casserole With Sides
In deciding what to pair with your dish, think about flavors that complement without overwhelming.
With a New England seafood casserole, you’re already presenting a hearty meal to your dinner table, filled with the best type of seafood you can find at your local market.
For the starch, consider:
- Roasted fingerling potatoes: They’re a great way to balance the richness of the cooked seafood.
- Wild rice: It’s a best option if you’re looking for a lighter alternative.
For the veggies, think about:
- Grilled asparagus: It offers a slightly bitter contrast that will please your taste buds.
- A fresh garden salad: Perfect for family gatherings, it adds a refreshing crunch to your main courses.
In creating these pairings, you’ll elevate your seafood casserole to new culinary heights.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Properly storing your leftovers is crucial to maintaining their taste and quality for the next meal.
After enjoying your New England seafood casserole, perhaps on Labor Day, let it cool to room temperature. Then, transfer any remaining dish into an airtight container.
Ensure you’ve captured all the luscious, creamy sauce made from heavy cream and the sweetness of that medium onion you sautéed earlier in your small saucepan.
Cover the container with plastic wrap before securing the lid. For an extra layer of protection, you can wrap the container in aluminum foil. This will help preserve the delicate flavors of the various types of fish.
This is a tip from your employee-owned company, where we’re passionate about giving you the best food experience.
Exploring Variations of the Recipe
Playing around with different ingredients, aren’t you? That’s the spirit! Let’s see what other flavors we can infuse into this dish.
You’re passionate about food, knowledgeable, and eager to experiment. The ingredients you’ve already got are at a good price, so why not expand the sea offerings?
- Replace the shrimp with fresh tuna for a delightful twist on a classic tuna casserole.
- Consider adding a mix of swiss cheese and cheddar cheese to enrich the flavor profile.
- Give oyster crackers a whirl.
- Crush them into coarse crumbs and mix with fresh dill for a delectable topping.
Food for Thought
You’ve just crafted a masterpiece – a New England seafood casserole that’s sure to impress.
The succulent shrimps, bathed in a creamy sauce and topped with a crunchy topping, simply melt in your mouth.
Enjoy this comforting dish with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad. Relish leftovers, if any, by reheating them properly.
New England Seafood Casserole Recipe with Shrimp
Mix the powers of two classic casseroles for one delicious dish. Broccoli shells and cheese pair perfectly with New England seafood in this casserole.
Ingredients
Seafood Mix
- 5-6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 shallot, diced
- 8 tbsp unsalted butter
- 12 extra large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz flounder filet
- 12 large sea scallops
- 8 oz lump crab meat
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup dry sherry
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Old Bay Seasoning
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
- 2 tbsp parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- black pepper, to taste
Broccoli Shells & Cheese Mix
- 3 cups uncooked pasta, mini shells or elbow macaroni
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup butter, cubed
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 2 (12 oz) cans evaporated milk
- 2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup crackers, crushed
Instructions
- Cook pasta in a pot of salted, boiling water until al dente, adding broccoli florets about halfway through or 3-5 minutes until done.
- Meanwhile, prep the seafood ingredients. Cut fish filet into chunks, dice shallot, mince garlic cloves, chop parsley, grate cheese, and dredge 4 tbsp of butter in flour.
- Preheat oven to 400 F.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Melt 1-2 tbsp of butter in the skillet.
- Add the chopped shallots, cook for 2-3 minutes, then add the minced garlic for another 1-2 minutes.
- Add the shrimp and scallops, sauteing for about a minute, just long enough to sear the outside of the seafood.
- Pour in the sherry and let it cook down for about 2 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter for the broccoli cheese mix.
- Stir in the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper and salt for broccoli cheese mix until smooth; gradually stir in evaporated milk.
- Bring to a boil; cook and stir until thickened, about 2 minutes.
- Remove from the heat; stir in 2 cups cheese.
- Transfer the shrimp and scallops from the skillet to a deep baking dish.
- Spread 1/2 of the cooked pasta shells on top of the shrimp and scallops, then pour 1/2 of the cheese sauce over top of that.
- Lower seafood skillet to medium heat before adding heavy cream, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, black pepper, and Old Bay seasoning. Stir until blended.
- Add 4 tbsp of butter dredged in flour to the creamy sauce until the butter melts. Stir occasionally for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the chunks of flounder and cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Add the lump crab meat, gently mixing.
- Pour the seafood mixture into the baking dish, over the first layer of cheese sauce.
- Combine bread crumbs and 2 tbsp melted butter, mixing well. Sprinkle crumb mixture over the seafood layer.
- Add the rest of the cooked pasta, topping everything with the rest of the cheese sauce.
- Top evenly with crushed cracker crumbs.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Use oven mitts and remove from oven.
- Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese and fresh parsley over the top.
- Allow the seafood casserole to sit for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You'll need a deep 9 x 13 baking dish for this one, or you could split the recipe into two 9 x 9 casserole dishes.
- If you have any leftovers, let it cool to room temperature. Store in an airtight container and refrigerate up to 4 days.
Don’t hesitate to play around with the recipe, adding your own touch. After all, cooking’s about creativity and passion.
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