When I first made this Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole, I knew it was destined to be a new favorite in my home. The aroma of buttery shrimp mingling with a seasoned, savory crab stuffing filled my kitchen, making my mouth water before the first bite.

Every forkful tasted like a celebration, with the tender shrimp, rich crab meat, and the crunch of buttery topping creating perfect harmony. What I love most about this recipe is how surprisingly easy it is to prepare.

It feels fancy enough for special occasions but is practical for a cozy dinner with loved ones. The best part? You can make it ahead of time, which means less rushing and more enjoying. If you’re ready to bring a restaurant-quality dish to your table without the stress, this casserole is calling your name!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This shrimp and crab casserole bursts with bold, coastal flavors and is simple to make. Perfect for entertaining, it’s easy to prep ahead and customizable for all tastes.

Bursting with Flavor

This dish combines juicy shrimp, succulent crab, and the perfect blend of seasonings, creating a bold, seafood-forward flavor. The hints of lemon and Old Bay seasoning elevate every bite, making it taste like you’ve stepped into a coastal seafood restaurant.

Easy to Make

Despite looking and tasting fancy, this casserole is straightforward to prepare. With simple steps and no overly complicated techniques, it’s an ideal recipe for beginners or seasoned home cooks looking for something impressive.

Great for Entertaining

This baked casserole is a wonderful choice for holidays, family dinners, or gatherings. It’s visually stunning and hearty enough to feed a crowd, yet quick enough to prepare on those days when you don’t have hours in the kitchen.

Customizable and Versatile

With ingredient swaps and add-ins like dairy-free options or a burst of spice, this recipe can easily be adjusted to suit different preferences or dietary needs. You’re free to make it your own without sacrificing its deliciousness!

Prep Ahead Friendly

Most of the elements, like the crab mixture, can be made in advance. No frantic last-minute prep when your guests arrive. Just assemble and bake before serving, and voilà!

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

Butter
Shallots
Celery
Red bell pepper
Garlic
Dry sherry
Buttery crackers
Old Bay Seasoning
Black pepper
Mayonnaise
Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley
Lemon zest
Lump crab meat
Jumbo shrimp
Olive oil

Variations

If you’re looking to switch things up, here are a few ideas to customize your casserole!

Dairy-Free Swap: Replace butter with a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free cheese in place of Parmesan.
Breadcrumb Substitution: Use panko breadcrumbs or gluten-free crackers for a different texture or to accommodate dietary needs.
Amp Up the Heat: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sprinkle cayenne into the mixture for a spicy kick.
Add Veggies: Enhance the filling with finely chopped mushrooms or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.

Equipment You Need

Casserole Dish (2.5 or 3 quart): Perfect size for the shrimp and stuffing to bake evenly.
Large Skillet: For sautéing veggies and mixing the stuffing ingredients.
Mixing Bowls: Needed for combining the stuffing mixture.
Knife and Cutting Board: To dice and prep vegetables.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For exact ingredient measurements.

How to Make the Recipe?

To make this delicious casserole, start by prepping the filling with sautéed veggies, crushed crackers, and seasonings. Then, arrange seasoned shrimp in a dish, mix crab meat into the stuffing, and bake until golden. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon for the perfect touch!

Step 1: Prep the Filling

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Melt three tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced shallots, celery, red bell pepper, and grated garlic. Sauté for a few minutes until soft and fragrant. 🍳 The smell alone will get you excited! Next, stir in the dry sherry and cook it down gently.

Once your veggies are ready, toss them with crushed crackers, Parmesan cheese, Old Bay seasoning, black pepper, lemon zest, and chopped parsley. Take the skillet off the heat and allow the stuffing mixture to cool for a few minutes. 🥄

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

Take your cleaned and butterflied jumbo shrimp and arrange them in a casserole dish. Drizzle the shrimp with olive oil, then lightly season with salt and pepper. Place the shrimp “belly-down” so their tails point upwards, adding a touch of elegance.

Now, check your crab meat to ensure there are no shell pieces, then mix it into the cooled stuffing along with mayonnaise. Fold everything gently so the chunks of crab stay intact.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Spoon the creamy crab stuffing into the gaps around the shrimp. Sprinkle a light touch of paprika for a gorgeous top layer, then scatter small cubes of the remaining butter on top. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the casserole is golden and the shrimp are perfectly cooked. For extra crunch, lightly broil for two minutes at the end! 🔥

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for that citrusy pop. I promise every bite will feel like a hug from the ocean. 😊

Tips for Making the Recipe

Bring Ingredients to Room Temp: This ensures that all components combine easily for the stuffing. Cold ingredients, especially butter, won’t mix as well.
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Twelve to fifteen minutes is typically enough. Shrimp quickly become rubbery when overdone, so keep an eye on that timer! ⏲️
Use Fresh Lemon: Zest and juice from a fresh lemon brighten up the dish immensely, adding a tangy freshness that balances the richness of the crab filling.

How to Serve?

For a visually stunning presentation, serve this casserole family-style in the baking dish. Garnish generously with parsley and place lemon wedges on the side for guests to squeeze over their portions. 🍋 It pairs beautifully with sides like roasted asparagus, a crisp green salad, or even buttery garlic bread. Want to go all out? Add a bowl of creamy soup or crispy roasted potatoes to your spread!

If you want a deeper dive into this recipe, head over to this YouTube video for more details:

Nutrition Information

Here’s a quick look at the nutrition facts per serving:

Calories: 271 kcal
Carbohydrates: 14g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 191mg
Sodium: 2017mg

Make Ahead and Storage

One of the best things about this casserole is how flexible it is for prep and storage.

Make Ahead: Prepare the sautéed veggies and set the shrimp in the casserole dish a day in advance. Wait to add the crackers and assemble the filling until just before baking to keep everything fresh.
Storage: You can refrigerate leftovers for up to three days in an airtight container. To enjoy again, reheat in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until warmed through.
Freezing Option: If you want to freeze, it’s best to do it before baking. Assemble everything in the casserole dish (excluding citrus garnish), wrap tightly, and freeze for up to two months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the cook time.

This Baked Crab-Stuffed Shrimp Casserole is a dish that impresses every time, whether it’s for a dinner party or a quiet evening in. Try it once, and you’ll find yourself making it again (and again). 🍤 🦀