Crab and Shrimp Casserole Recipe

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dish that brings together the sweet, succulent flavors of the sea with creamy, comforting textures, this Crab and Shrimp Casserole is about to become your new seafood obsession. This recipe is equal parts elegant and homey – everything mingles together in one irresistible bake that’s loaded with tender shrimp, flaky crab, and just enough cheese to make every bite silky and rich. Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or pulling out all the stops for a special occasion, nothing says “welcome to my table” quite like a bubbling Crab and Shrimp Casserole.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This dish is built on simple but essential ingredients, and each one plays its role in delivering fantastic flavor and texture. Let’s break down what makes each element shine and why your soon-to-be favorite Crab and Shrimp Casserole just works so well.

• Lump crab meat: Brings sweet, delicate seafood flavor that’s the star of the show—always check for shell fragments before using.
• Medium shrimp, peeled and deveined: Adds a firm bite and classic seafood depth; cutting large shrimp in half keeps the casserole fork-friendly.
• Butter: Creates a rich base for sautéing vegetables and infuses the casserole with classic comfort.
• Onion: Diced onion gives the savory base a gentle sweetness and aromatic lift.
• Green bell pepper: Offers a pop of color, a mild crunch, and balanced earthy flavor to the mix.
• Garlic: Minced garlic wakes up the entire casserole with warmth and complexity.
• Cooked rice: Acts as a tender, starchy canvas that holds all the creamy, cheesy seafood goodness.
• Mayonnaise: Delivers tang and luscious creaminess that binds everything together beautifully.
• Sour cream: Adds a gentle tang while making the casserole especially light and smooth.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly, bringing sharpness and a gooey golden finish.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Infuses extra savory depth and a hint of umami cheesiness.
• Old Bay seasoning: The classic blend for seafood; it takes the crab and shrimp casserole over the top with subtle spice.
• Paprika: Adds gentle heat and a beautiful blush on top.
• Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors into perfect harmony—taste as you go.
• Black pepper: Lends a gentle bite and balances the creamy elements.
• Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed juice brightens all the seafood flavors and cuts through richness.
• Breadcrumbs: Add a crispy, golden finish for irresistible texture contrast.
• Olive oil: Helps toast the breadcrumbs to crunchy, golden perfection.
• Fresh parsley: A pop of green and freshness on top, making every serving look as good as it tastes.

How to Make Crab and Shrimp Casserole

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then toss in your diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for about four minutes, letting everything turn soft and translucent—this creates a flavorful foundation for the Crab and Shrimp Casserole that makes every bite pop.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to your skillet along with the veggies. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes, just until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through. You want to make sure not to overcook them since they’ll continue to bake inside the casserole. As soon as they’re ready, remove the skillet from the heat.

Step 3: Gently Add the Crab

Off the heat, gently fold in the lump crab meat. Be careful not to break it up too much—you want chunks of crab running through your casserole for those big, satisfying bites. This is when the Crab and Shrimp Casserole really starts coming together.

Step 4: Mix the Creamy Base

In a separate mixing bowl, stir together the cooked rice, mayonnaise, sour cream, shredded cheddar, Parmesan, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. This creamy, cheesy base is the secret to what makes the casserole so dreamy and rich. Make sure everything is well blended, so no one flavor overpowers another.

Step 5: Combine Everything and Assemble

Add the seafood and sautéed veggie mixture to the bowl with your creamy rice base. Fold everything together gently—this way, you keep those lovely chunks of seafood intact. Spread the mixture evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, making sure the Crab and Shrimp Casserole is level all the way to the edges.

Step 6: Add a Buttery Topping

In a small bowl, toss your breadcrumbs with olive oil until they’re well coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly across the top of your casserole. This step gives your Crab and Shrimp Casserole that signature golden brown crust that everyone fights over.

Step 7: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden

Slide the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is bubbling and perfectly golden. Just before serving, shower the casserole with fresh parsley for a burst of color and brightness. Let it rest for a few minutes so it slices easily.

How to Serve Crab and Shrimp Casserole

Garnishes

Finishing your Crab and Shrimp Casserole with a generous scattering of chopped fresh parsley adds freshness and that vibrant pop of color everyone loves. If you want even more zing, a few lemon wedges on the side let guests add extra brightness just before digging in—a little squeeze goes a long way!

Side Dishes

This casserole is hearty enough for a meal on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some steamed asparagus takes things to the next level. Some warm crusty bread or fluffy dinner rolls are a must for mopping up every last bit of the creamy sauce—trust me, you won’t want to leave any behind!

Creative Ways to Present

Impress your guests by spooning Crab and Shrimp Casserole into individual ramekins for a dinner party-worthy presentation. For a more rustic vibe, serve straight from the baking dish at the center of the table. You can even dress up each plate with microgreens or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a hint of drama and color.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers, simply let the casserole cool to room temperature before transferring portions to airtight containers. Stored this way, your Crab and Shrimp Casserole will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days, retaining its creaminess and delicate seafood flavors.

Freezing

Crab and Shrimp Casserole actually freezes quite well! To freeze, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in a layer of plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, or use a lidded freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to two months—thaw overnight in the fridge for best results. The texture holds up surprisingly beautifully for a make-ahead meal.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and bake in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. For single servings, a few minutes in the microwave works too. If the casserole looks a little dry, a splash of milk or cream stirred in before reheating will bring back its creamy goodness.

FAQs

Can I use imitation crab instead of real crab meat?

Absolutely! Imitation crab is a budget-friendly swap, and while the flavor isn’t quite as delicate as the real thing, it will still create a delicious Crab and Shrimp Casserole. Just chop it into bite-sized pieces and proceed as directed.

What kind of rice works best?

Long grain white rice is classic, but you can easily use basmati or even leftover cooked brown rice for some extra fiber and nuttiness. Just make sure the rice is fully cooked before adding it to the casserole, so everything bakes evenly.

Can I prepare Crab and Shrimp Casserole in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the entire casserole up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes, then bake as usual—this trick makes entertaining a total breeze!

Is it possible to add more vegetables?

Of course! Diced celery, mushrooms, or even a handful of spinach can be folded in with the onions and peppers. Just avoid very watery veggies, as too much moisture can impact the creamy texture of your Crab and Shrimp Casserole.

What can I use instead of sour cream?

If you’re out of sour cream, plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute and adds an extra bit of tang. You could also use crème fraîche for an even richer, more decadent casserole—just use the same amount as the recipe calls for.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about a bubbling Crab and Shrimp Casserole fresh out of the oven—decadent yet easy enough for any night of the week. Go ahead and give it a try; I think you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe over and over again, whether for family gatherings or a comforting weekend treat!

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