New England Seafood Casserole Recipe

If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that delivers a wave of coastal flavor, few classics compare to the New England Seafood Casserole. This creamy, bubbly bake is brimming with tender scallops, succulent shrimp, and flaky white fish, all wrapped up in a luscious sauce and finished with a golden, herby breadcrumb crust. It’s the sort of dish that feels both special and wonderfully nostalgic—a real love letter to the seafood traditions of the Northeast!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this New England Seafood Casserole pulls its weight to create layers of flavor and comforting texture. Don’t skip or shortchange any part; every piece brings the East Coast to your kitchen!

• Sea scallops (1 lb): Look for fresh or well-thawed scallops—they bake up sweet and irresistibly tender.
• Shrimp, peeled and deveined (1 lb): Adds a classic briny sweetness and plump bite to every forkful.
• Haddock or cod, chunked (½ lb): A mild, flaky white fish that soaks up all that dreamy sauce.
• Dry white wine (½ cup): Adds depth and keeps the sauce light, balancing the richness perfectly.
• Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brings a much-needed zing that really wakes everything up.
• Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Divided for sautéing and for enriching that signature topping.
• Onion, finely chopped (1 small): Develops gentle sweetness as it cooks and boosts the savory sauce base.
• Celery, finely chopped (1 stalk): Adds subtle crunch, freshness, and a bit of color.
• Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Just enough to give the background a warm, aromatic note.
• All-purpose flour (¼ cup): Thickens the sauce to creamy perfection.
• Whole milk (1½ cups): Keeps things rich but not too heavy.
• Heavy cream (½ cup): For that decadent, velvety texture a great New England Seafood Casserole deserves.
• Old Bay seasoning (1 teaspoon): A classic blend that infuses the casserole with unmistakably coastal flavor.
• Paprika (½ teaspoon): Adds warmth and just a hint of beautiful color.
• Salt and pepper (to taste): Fine-tunes the balance of all the other flavors.
• Parmesan cheese, grated (½ cup): For nutty depth and a savory crust on top.
• Seasoned breadcrumbs (1 cup): Soaks up a touch of buttery richness and bakes up golden.
• Fresh parsley, chopped (2 tablespoons): A burst of color and herbal brightness for finishing.

How to Make New England Seafood Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F, and give a 9×13-inch baking dish a light greasing. This ensures easy serving later and keeps those beautiful crusty edges intact. While the oven warms up, gather all your prep bowls and ingredients—a little organization makes the seafood casserole process smooth sailing!

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, celery, and minced garlic, then sauté gently for about 5 minutes. You’re looking for the vegetables to soften and become aromatic—they’ll form the backbone of your casserole sauce, adding subtle sweetness and depth.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

Sprinkle in the flour and stir well, cooking for just a minute so there’s no raw flour taste. Now, start whisking in the white wine, milk, and heavy cream, a little at a time, whisking constantly. Keep simmering and gently stirring until the sauce thickens—about 4 to 5 minutes. Once it’s silky and glossy, stir in the lemon juice, Old Bay, paprika, and a good pinch each of salt and black pepper.

Step 4: Add the Seafood

Remove the skillet from the heat and gently fold in the scallops, shrimp, and chunks of haddock or cod. Try not to overmix—you want the seafood to stay beautifully intact. Every bite of your New England Seafood Casserole should feature plump, delicate pieces of the sea.

Step 5: Assemble and Top

Pour the creamy seafood mixture into your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. In a separate bowl, combine the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter with the seasoned breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. Sprinkle this over the casserole, making sure to cover it fully for a crisp, golden finish.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake your casserole, uncovered, for 25 to 30 minutes. The top should be richly golden and the edges bubbling—true signals that everything underneath is tender and delectable. Let the dish rest for at least 5 minutes on your counter; it thickens slightly and cuts beautifully when served.

How to Serve New England Seafood Casserole

Garnishes

Top your finished New England Seafood Casserole with a sprinkle of fresh parsley just before serving. If you love a little extra richness, a small squeeze of fresh lemon juice or an extra grating of Parmesan right at the table makes each bite absolutely irresistible.

Side Dishes

This casserole is made for sharing and pairs beautifully with crusty warm bread—perfect for scooping up all the sauce! For something lighter, try a simple green salad or steamed asparagus. Serving the casserole over a scoop of fluffy white rice is another classic touch from the New England coast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, consider portioning the casserole into individual ramekins for presentation that’s both elegant and easy to serve. If you want a rustic look, bake and serve it right from a cast iron skillet or a vintage ceramic dish—the bubbling, golden top steals the show!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of New England Seafood Casserole should be cooled to room temperature, then stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to 2 days, so you can enjoy that creamy seafood goodness even after the first night.

Freezing

For best results, freeze individual portions of the baked casserole in freezer-safe containers. Let it cool completely before freezing to prevent ice crystals. The texture of the seafood is at its peak when freshly baked, but it will keep well frozen for 1 month.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw the casserole in the fridge overnight if frozen, then bake covered at 350°F until heated through. Uncover for the last few minutes to re-crisp the topping. If you’re in a hurry, a microwave works fine—just know the topping may lose its crunch.

FAQs

Can I use different types of seafood in New England Seafood Casserole?

Absolutely! While traditional recipes feature scallops, shrimp, and haddock or cod, you can easily swap in lobster, crab, or even firm white fish like pollock based on what’s freshest or your personal taste.

Is it possible to make New England Seafood Casserole ahead of time?

You sure can. Assemble everything except for the breadcrumb topping, cover, and refrigerate a few hours in advance. Add the topping just before baking for the best crispy finish.

How do I know when the casserole is done baking?

Look for a bubbly, golden top and steaming hot interior. The seafood should be opaque and just cooked through—about 25 to 30 minutes in a 375°F oven.

Can I make this casserole gluten free?

Definitely! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend and choose gluten-free seasoned breadcrumbs; everything else stays exactly the same.

What wine pairs well with New England Seafood Casserole?

Crisp, dry white wines like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or even a lightly oaked Chardonnay complement the creamy sauce and seafood flavors beautifully.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly unforgettable about pulling a bubbling, golden New England Seafood Casserole from the oven. It’s comforting, festive, and feels like a warm invitation to gather at the table. Give this recipe a try and treat yourself (and your lucky guests!) to a genuine taste of New England—one creamy, seafood-studded bite at a time.

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