Name: Crab and Shrimp Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 cup chopped onion; 1/2 cup chopped celery; 1/2 red bell pepper, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 8 oz cooked lump crab meat, drained and picked over; 8 oz cooked shrimp, chopped; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1 tablespoon melted butter; 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)

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Looking for the ultimate comfort food that feels elegant enough for company but is simple enough for a cozy weeknight at home? Crab and Shrimp Casserole is the answer! This creamy, dreamy combination of tender seafood, sautéed veggies, and a crispy, golden topping comes together in under an hour. Whether you’re planning a special dinner or just want to treat yourself to something wonderful, this casserole will absolutely wow anyone lucky enough to share the table. As soon as it’s bubbling from the oven with its cheesy crust and savory aroma, you’ll know you’ve hit the jackpot with this dish.

Crab and Shrimp Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of basics to create an incredibly flavorful Crab and Shrimp Casserole. Every ingredient here plays a key role in delivering that luscious, layered taste and gorgeous presentation—trust me, you’ll be swooning to the very last bite!

Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps sauté the vegetables to tender perfection.
Olive Oil: Gives a subtle fruitiness and prevents the butter from burning while cooking the aromatics.
Chopped Onion: Brings sweet depth as it softens and melds into the casserole base.
Chopped Celery: Provides a pleasant crunch and savory backbone to the mix.
Red Bell Pepper: Adds a pop of color and a mild, sweet flavor that brightens each bite.
Garlic: Delivers an irresistible aromatic punch that infuses the mixture with bold flavor.
Cooked Lump Crab Meat: The shining star—delicate, sweet crab adds luxury and succulence.
Cooked Shrimp, Chopped: Offers that classic, briny seafood flavor and makes the casserole heartier.
Mayonnaise: Contributes creaminess and tang, binding everything together.
Sour Cream: Adds a slight tang and silkiness that keeps the dish from feeling too heavy.
Old Bay Seasoning: The secret weapon—this blend brings a classic, slightly spicy coastal kick.
Lemon Juice: A splash of brightness that balances out the richness of the seafood and cheese.
Salt: Essential for pulling all the flavors into harmony.
Black Pepper: Adds gentle warmth and depth.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts into gooey, cheesy perfection with every scoop.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Provides a nutty, salty bite in both the filling and the topping.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Give that coveted crunch on top—so satisfying against the creamy casserole.
Melted Butter: Helps the panko brown up beautifully for a golden finish.
Chopped Parsley (optional): For a fresh, vibrant garnish that looks as good as it tastes.

How to Make Crab and Shrimp Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Preheat

Before diving into the fun stuff, preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish (or something similar) with a little butter or nonstick spray. Getting everything ready first means your Crab and Shrimp Casserole can go straight into the oven the moment it’s assembled.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a skillet, melt the butter together with the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and red bell pepper. Sauté these for about 4 to 5 minutes, letting them soften and release their sweet, savory notes. When they’re looking translucent and tender, stir in the minced garlic and cook another 30 seconds—just until fragrant. This builds a flavor base that makes the final casserole taste incredible.

Step 3: Mix Up the Seafood Filling

Grab a large bowl and add your cooked lump crab meat and chopped cooked shrimp. Into this bowl, scrape in the sautéed veggies along with mayonnaise, sour cream, Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir gently so you don’t break up those beautiful chunks of crab and shrimp. Now add the shredded cheddar and half of the grated Parmesan, mixing until everything is coated in creamy goodness.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Spoon the seafood mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. In a separate small bowl, toss the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter and the remaining Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this glorious topping over the casserole, covering every inch—it’s the golden, crunchy finish that takes Crab and Shrimp Casserole over the top.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the top is a mouthwatering golden brown. When it emerges, let it rest for a few minutes before diving in, so everything sets up just right. If you’d like, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a fresh, colorful flourish.

How to Serve Crab and Shrimp Casserole

Garnishes

For that extra bit of restaurant-style flair, a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives right before serving works wonders. The green not only pops against the creamy, golden top but also adds a hint of freshness to each forkful of Crab and Shrimp Casserole.

Side Dishes

Pairing options are endless! A mound of fluffy white rice is classic, capturing all that luscious sauce. Crusty bread is another favorite for mopping up every drop, and a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette offers a refreshing balance to the rich, creamy casserole. You could even serve a medley of roasted vegetables alongside for a totally satisfying seafood feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not make individual Crab and Shrimp Casserole portions in small ramekins for dinner parties? It’s a fun twist that makes plating effortless and elegant. For a buffet, spoon the hot casserole right onto fresh baguette slices or inside mini pastry shells for a luxurious appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow end up with leftovers, store your Crab and Shrimp Casserole tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors continue to meld, making it even more delicious the next day.

Freezing

Want to save some for a future treat? You absolutely can! Cover the unbaked casserole tightly with foil and freeze for up to two months. To bake from frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then cook as usual. You’ll have a homemade seafood delight ready anytime.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until bubbly and heated through, about 20 minutes. For individual portions, the microwave also works in a pinch—just use a lower setting so the seafood stays tender.

FAQs

Can I use canned crab or frozen shrimp?

Yes! If you’re pressed for time or working with what’s on hand, canned crab and thawed, pre-cooked frozen shrimp work just fine. Just be sure to drain and pat them dry well before adding to your Crab and Shrimp Casserole so the dish doesn’t get watery.

What’s the best way to prevent the casserole from getting watery?

Make sure to thoroughly drain your crab and shrimp, and pat them dry with paper towels. Also, avoid adding vegetables with a lot of moisture (like fresh tomatoes) unless they’ve been cooked down first.

Can I make Crab and Shrimp Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover tightly, and keep it in the fridge for a day ahead. When ready to serve, just add the panko topping and bake as directed.

Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?

Yes—just swap the panko breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs, and double-check that all your other ingredients (especially crab and seasonings) are gluten free. The casserole will still turn out irresistibly delicious.

What size baking dish should I use?

A 9×9-inch square baking dish is ideal, but any dish of similar capacity (about 2-2.5 quarts) will do. If you use a smaller or deeper dish, you may need to adjust the baking time slightly to ensure even heating throughout.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like sharing Crab and Shrimp Casserole around your table—each spoonful is a creamy, flavor-packed reminder of how satisfying home-cooked seafood can be. Give this recipe a try, and don’t be surprised when it earns a spot in your regular meal rotation! Enjoy every savory, golden bite.

Crab and Shrimp Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in this rich and creamy Crab and Shrimp Casserole, a delightful seafood dish that’s perfect for a special dinner or gathering. Loaded with succulent crab meat, tender shrimp, and a blend of savory seasonings, this casserole is a true crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale

Crab and Shrimp Casserole:

1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 red bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
8 oz cooked lump crab meat, drained and picked over
8 oz cooked shrimp, chopped
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon melted butter
1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×9-inch or similar baking dish.
Sauté vegetables: In a skillet, heat butter and olive oil. Sauté onion, celery, and bell pepper until softened. Add garlic and cook briefly.
Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix crab, shrimp, sautéed vegetables, mayonnaise, sour cream, Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, salt, pepper, cheddar cheese, and half of the Parmesan.
Assemble casserole: Transfer mixture to the baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan.
Top with breadcrumbs: Combine panko, melted butter, and Parmesan. Sprinkle over the casserole.
Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly. Garnish with parsley, if desired.