Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole

The baked stuffed shrimp casserole is an elegant seafood dish that merges the sweetness of tender shrimp with a rich crab and breadcrumb stuffing. A drizzle of white wine and chicken broth keeps the shrimp juicy, while mozzarella creates a golden, bubbly crust.

This dish shines on special occasions but is surprisingly easy to prepare for a weeknight treat. Serve it with a crisp salad or creamy mashed potatoes, and you’ve got a complete meal that will wow your guests.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on optional)

• 1 cup breadcrumbs (regular or gluten-free)

• 1/2 cup cooked crabmeat (optional, for extra richness)

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup finely chopped celery

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

• 1/4 cup melted butter

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Casserole:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1/2 cup dry white wine

• 1/4 cup chicken broth

• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a medium casserole dish.

2. Peel and devein shrimp, leaving tails on if desired for presentation. Butterfly each shrimp by slicing along the back without cutting all the way through.

3. In a skillet, sauté onion, garlic, and celery in melted butter until softened.

4. In a large mixing bowl, combine sautéed vegetables with breadcrumbs, crabmeat, Parmesan, parsley, lemon juice, Old Bay, salt, and pepper. Mix until evenly combined.

5. Gently stuff each shrimp with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to secure.

6. Arrange stuffed shrimp in the casserole dish in a single layer.

7. Drizzle olive oil, white wine, and chicken broth evenly over the shrimp. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.

8. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until shrimp are pink and opaque, and cheese is golden and bubbly.

9. Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 400 kcal | Servings: 4

Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole – A Seafood Classic with a Comfort Food Twist

Few dishes manage to combine elegance and comfort quite like a Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole. On one hand, it has all the sophistication of a high-end seafood platter, with plump shrimp, delicate crab meat, aromatic herbs, and buttery breadcrumbs. On the other hand, it’s baked in a single dish, bubbling away under a blanket of cheese until golden brown a quality that makes it approachable, familiar, and perfect for sharing.

This dish embodies the idea that impressive meals don’t have to be overly complicated. While many seafood recipes can feel intimidating, the casserole format makes the process more forgiving and adaptable. It’s an excellent choice for a holiday dinner, a romantic night in, or a weekend family feast.

A Brief History of Stuffed Shrimp

Stuffed shrimp recipes trace their origins back to coastal culinary traditions, particularly in the American Northeast and Gulf Coast regions. In New England, chefs began stuffing large shrimp with crabmeat, breadcrumbs, and aromatic vegetables, often seasoned with Old Bay or other regional spice blends. This approach combined the abundance of local seafood into a single decadent bite.

In Louisiana and the Gulf Coast, the stuffing often incorporated bold flavors like Creole seasoning, peppers, and Cajun spices. Over time, cooks realized that assembling these flavors in a casserole dish instead of individually stuffing shrimp could make preparation easier while still delivering the same luxurious results. That’s the beauty of this casserole version you get the essence of the traditional dish without the meticulous plating required for restaurant service.

The Flavor Profile

The magic of this casserole lies in the balance of textures and flavors:

• Sweet, tender shrimp provide the primary protein and a clean, slightly briny taste.

• Crab meat, when included, adds an extra layer of richness and a naturally sweet undertone that complements the shrimp.

• Breadcrumbs and Parmesan deliver a savory crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender seafood.

• Garlic, onion, and celery form the aromatic base, ensuring every bite has depth.

• White wine and chicken broth keep the shrimp moist during baking, infusing the dish with subtle acidity and umami.

• Mozzarella cheese melts into a golden, gooey topping that ties everything together.

This combination makes each forkful satisfying, layered, and indulgent without being overly heavy.

Why the Casserole Format Works

Traditionally, stuffed shrimp is served as individual pieces, each carefully filled with a mound of crab stuffing. While this presentation is stunning, it can be labor-intensive and easy to overcook. By arranging the shrimp in a casserole and letting the stuffing and sauce intermingle, you create a dish that’s easier to prepare, more forgiving, and perfect for serving multiple people.

Additionally, casseroles retain heat exceptionally well, meaning you can pull this dish from the oven and still have it warm and inviting 20–30 minutes later ideal for dinner parties where timing isn’t always exact.

Tips for Perfecting the Dish

• Choose large shrimp. Medium or small shrimp may overcook quickly and won’t provide the same juicy bite. Aim for “jumbo” or “extra-large” sizes.

• Fresh is best, but frozen works too. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them fully in the refrigerator and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess water in the casserole.

• Use real crab meat. While imitation crab is more budget-friendly, fresh or lump crab meat elevates the flavor and texture significantly.

• Balance moisture and crunch. Too much liquid can make the breadcrumb topping soggy, while too little may dry out the shrimp. Stick to moderate amounts of broth and wine.

• Don’t skip the garnish. Fresh parsley or basil adds brightness and visual appeal.

Variations to Try

One of the joys of the Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole is how easily it adapts to different tastes and ingredients:

1. Spicy Cajun Version – Swap Old Bay for Cajun seasoning, add diced bell peppers, and top with a sprinkle of smoked paprika before baking.

2. Mediterranean Style – Use feta cheese instead of mozzarella, add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and a touch of oregano.

3. Garlic-Lover’s Delight – Double the garlic, use roasted garlic in the stuffing, and finish with a drizzle of garlic-infused olive oil.

4. Lobster Upgrade – Replace crab meat with lobster chunks for an even more luxurious dish.

5. Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure the broth is gluten-free.

Ideal Pairings

The richness of the casserole pairs beautifully with lighter sides that cut through the butteriness and cheese:

• Crisp green salads with lemon vinaigrette help refresh the palate.

• Roasted asparagus or green beans almondine bring brightness and crunch.

• Garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the savory juices.

• Light white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complement the seafood without overpowering it.

For a more indulgent meal, creamy mashed potatoes or a buttery risotto can turn the casserole into a hearty main course.

Perfect for Special Occasions

This dish shines during holidays like Christmas Eve (especially in Italian-American households for the Feast of the Seven Fishes), New Year’s Eve, or Valentine’s Day. Its combination of luxurious ingredients, beautiful presentation, and crowd-pleasing flavors makes it a go-to choice for celebrations.

Even for less formal gatherings, the casserole format makes it easy to transport to potlucks or family dinners without worrying about delicate plating. Simply cover it with foil, keep it warm, and reheat briefly before serving.

Health Considerations

While the dish leans toward indulgence, it still offers notable nutritional benefits. Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein, low in calories, and rich in selenium and vitamin B12. Crab meat adds additional protein and omega-3 fatty acids. To lighten the dish, you can reduce the cheese, use whole-wheat breadcrumbs, or swap part of the butter for olive oil.

Presentation Tips

If you’re aiming for a restaurant-style look, arrange the shrimp in a circular fan pattern within the casserole before adding the topping. Once baked, garnish with fresh herbs, a sprinkle of lemon zest, or even a few thin lemon slices for a pop of color.

For a more rustic, family-style presentation, bake and serve directly from the dish, encouraging guests to scoop generous portions onto their plates.

Conclusion:

The Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole is a dish that strikes the perfect chord between gourmet flair and home-cooked warmth. It captures the essence of classic stuffed shrimp but simplifies the process into a single, bubbling, golden-brown masterpiece.

Whether you’re cooking to impress guests, celebrating a holiday, or simply treating yourself to a seafood feast at home, this casserole delivers on all fronts  flavor, texture, aroma, and visual appeal. With its adaptability and forgiving nature, it’s a recipe you’ll find yourself returning to again and again.

So next time you want to bring the charm of a seaside restaurant into your own kitchen, reach for fresh shrimp, savory stuffing, and your favorite baking dish. The result will be more than just dinner  it will be a centerpiece worthy of applause.