Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole: Amazing 20-Min Recipe

Baked stuffed shrimp casserole has a way of making any night feel special, and I’ve discovered it’s surprisingly simple to master. I remember the first time I tried making this dish for a dinner party; I was a bit nervous, but the aroma of garlic and butter filling my kitchen put me at ease. The shrimp cooked perfectly, nestled in a savory stuffing that had just the right amount of crunch. This easy baked stuffed shrimp is now my go-to when I want a delicious meal without a fuss. If you’ve ever wondered how to make baked stuffed shrimp casserole, you’re in for a treat! Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole

• The taste is absolutely divine – succulent shrimp enveloped in a flavorful, buttery stuffing.
• It’s incredibly quick to prepare, making it a perfect shrimp casserole for dinner on busy evenings.
• With a prep time of only 20 minutes, you’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.
• It’s a surprisingly budget-friendly way to enjoy seafood, proving that elegance doesn’t have to be expensive.
• This dish is a crowd-pleaser, sure to be a hit with both kids and adults at any family gathering.
• It’s a healthier seafood option compared to some richer casseroles, offering a good balance of protein and flavor.
• This versatile shrimp casserole for dinner recipe can be easily customized with your favorite herbs and spices.
• It’s an impressive dish that looks and tastes like something from a fancy restaurant, yet is so simple to make.

Ingredients for Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to this fantastic baked stuffed shrimp casserole. You’ll need about 1 to 1.5 pounds of large or jumbo shrimp, roughly 16-20 count per pound. Make sure they’re peeled, deveined, and butterflied – leaving the tails on adds a nice presentation! For the flavorful stuffing, grab 2 medium shallots and 3 cloves of garlic, both minced finely. We’ll use 4 tablespoons of melted butter to sauté these aromatics and bind the stuffing ingredients. Then, you’ll need 1 cup of breadcrumbs, which give this dish its signature texture; using shrimp casserole with cracker crumbs is also a great variation if you prefer! Freshness is key, so add 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley, 2 tablespoons of bright lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. For an optional touch of moisture and flavor, have 1/2 cup of white wine or seafood stock ready. You can also add an extra 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese on top for a golden, cheesy finish.

How to Make Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole

1. Step 1: Let’s get this delicious oven baked shrimp casserole started by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, prepare your shrimp. Peel them if they aren’t already, but leave those pretty tails intact! Then, carefully devein each shrimp and butterfly them by making a shallow cut along the back, opening them up like a book. This helps them cook evenly and absorb all that wonderful flavor.
2. Step 2: Now, let’s build the flavor base for our stuffing. Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in your minced shallots and garlic. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes, just until they soften and become wonderfully fragrant. You’ll know they’re ready when you can smell that sweet, aromatic goodness filling your kitchen.
3. Step 3: In a medium bowl, combine the sautéed shallots and garlic with 1 cup of breadcrumbs, the fresh chopped parsley, bright lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s all evenly coated. If you’re using the optional white wine or seafood stock, add it now and stir to combine. This mixture will form the flavorful coating for our shrimp.
4. Step 4: Lightly grease your baking dish. I like to spread a thin, even layer of the stuffing mixture right on the bottom of the dish. This creates a cozy bed for the shrimp.
5. Step 5: Arrange the butterflied shrimp in a single layer on top of the stuffing, making sure the cut-side is facing down.
6. Step 6: Now, generously spoon the remaining stuffing mixture over each shrimp, ensuring they are well-covered. This is what gives our oven baked shrimp casserole that signature texture and taste.
7. Step 7: Drizzle a little extra melted butter over the top of the stuffing. Sprinkle with paprika for a lovely color and a hint of warmth. If you opted for the extra breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, sprinkle those over the top now for an extra golden crust.
8. Step 8: Pop the casserole into the preheated oven. Bake for 18-20 minutes. You’re looking for the shrimp to turn opaque and pink, and the topping to become beautifully golden brown. The aroma from this oven baked shrimp casserole is absolutely divine!
9. Step 9: Once it’s done, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Let this amazing baked stuffed shrimp casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to settle, making it even more delicious.

Pro Tips for the Best Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole

Want to elevate your baked stuffed shrimp casserole game? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that guarantee delicious results every time.

• Always pat your shrimp completely dry before preparing the stuffing. This is crucial to prevent a soggy stuffing and ensure a lovely crisp topping.
• Don’t overstuff the shrimp! A gentle coating is perfect; too much stuffing can make it difficult for the shrimp to cook evenly.
• If you love a super golden and crispy topping, you can carefully place the casserole under the broiler for the last minute of baking, but watch it closely to prevent burning.
• Consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the stuffing mixture for a subtle kick that complements the seafood beautifully.

What’s the secret to perfect Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole?

The real secret to a perfect baked stuffed shrimp casserole lies in the balance of textures and flavors. Ensuring your shrimp are dry and not overcooked is key. I find that using fresh, good-quality ingredients for the stuffing, like fresh parsley and shallots, really makes a difference – it’s why this is the best shrimp casserole recipe I’ve found.

Can I make Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble this entire baked stuffed shrimp casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, you might need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time to ensure everything is heated through.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole?

The most common mistake is overcooking the shrimp, which makes them tough. Keep an eye on them; they only need about 18-20 minutes in the oven. Another pitfall is a soggy stuffing, which is easily avoided by patting the shrimp dry and ensuring the stuffing isn’t too wet. Finally, don’t skip the resting time after baking; it lets the flavors meld beautifully.

Best Ways to Serve Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole

This delightful baked stuffed shrimp casserole is fantastic on its own, but pairing it with the right sides truly makes it a meal. I love serving it with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a more substantial meal, consider a fluffy bed of rice or some crusty bread to soak up any extra buttery juices. A squeeze of fresh lemon over the top before serving really brightens everything up, making this shrimp casserole with lemon a perfect choice for a lighter, yet satisfying dinner. It’s also wonderful with steamed asparagus or green beans for a pop of color and freshness.

Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole Nutrition Facts

When you’re enjoying this delicious baked stuffed shrimp casserole, here’s a look at what you can expect per serving. It’s a flavorful dish that balances richness with good protein content. Remember that these are estimates, and your exact nutritional values might vary slightly based on the specific ingredients you use.

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 900 mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole

Properly storing your delicious baked stuffed shrimp casserole ensures you can enjoy its wonderful flavors later. Once it’s cooled down completely, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. This helps maintain the freshness and prevents any unwanted odors from the refrigerator from affecting your dish. You can typically keep it refrigerated for about 3 to 4 days. If you’re planning for longer storage, freezing is an excellent option. Wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, to protect it from freezer burn. It should stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, especially if you miss that fresh shrimp casserole with garlic butter flavor, reheating is straightforward. For refrigerated leftovers, bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. For frozen portions, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole

Can I add cheese to my Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole?

Absolutely! Adding cheese is a fantastic way to enhance the flavor and create a wonderfully cheesy baked stuffed shrimp experience. I love sprinkling a bit of Parmesan cheese over the stuffing before baking, but shredded cheddar or Gruyere also work beautifully. Just be mindful that adding cheese might slightly alter the cooking time, so keep an eye on it.

What kind of shrimp is best for Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole?

For the best results and ease of handling, I highly recommend using large or jumbo shrimp, typically sized 16-20 count per pound. They hold their shape well and provide a satisfying bite in every forkful. Using fresh shrimp is always ideal, but good quality frozen shrimp that have been properly thawed will work just as well for this recipe.

How do I make sure my Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole topping is crispy?

To achieve that perfect crispy topping for your baked stuffed shrimp casserole, make sure you pat your shrimp very dry before stuffing them. This helps prevent excess moisture from softening the breadcrumbs. Also, consider using panko breadcrumbs, as they tend to get crispier than regular breadcrumbs. If you like it extra crispy, a quick broil for the last minute of baking can do wonders, but watch it very closely!

Can I substitute the breadcrumbs in this shrimp casserole with stuffing recipe?

Yes, you certainly can! If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, using gluten-free breadcrumbs is a great substitute. You could also try using crushed cracker crumbs or even panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crispier texture. The key is to ensure the crumbs absorb some moisture from the other ingredients to create a cohesive stuffing.

Variations of Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole You Can Try

While this baked stuffed shrimp casserole is absolutely delicious as is, I love experimenting with different flavors and techniques! You can easily adapt it to suit your preferences or dietary needs. For a delightful creamy baked stuffed shrimp version, try mixing a couple of tablespoons of cream cheese or sour cream into the stuffing mixture before topping the shrimp. If you’re looking for a different flavor profile, consider adding a pinch of Old Bay seasoning or some finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the stuffing for a Mediterranean twist.

For a lighter option, you can swap the butter for olive oil and use whole wheat breadcrumbs or even crushed almonds. Another fun variation is to incorporate some finely diced roasted red peppers or sautéed spinach into the stuffing for added color and nutrition. And if you’re short on time, you could even try a simplified version using a good quality store-bought seafood stuffing mix, though I find homemade always tastes best!

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