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Shrimp Casserole with Crispy Topping

Featured in Dinner Ideas Everyone Will Love.

This creamy shrimp casserole is perfect for any occasion, combining tender shrimp with a cheesy sauce and a golden breadcrumb topping. It’s an easy-to-make dish packed with flavor, suitable for weeknight dinners, gatherings, or even a comforting appetizer. The shrimp are seasoned with a hint of Old Bay, and the creaminess comes from mayonnaise mixed with mozzarella and cheddar cheese. The crispy panko topping is the perfect contrast to the gooey center. Whether served warm or cold, this casserole is versatile and satisfying. Make it ahead for convenience or enjoy freshly baked with your favorite side dishes.

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Updated on Thu, 03 Apr 2025 17:35:20 GMT
A plate of shrimp and rice. Pin it
A plate of shrimp and rice. | cookingkeys.com

This hearty shrimp casserole combines succulent seafood with a creamy, cheesy sauce and crispy topping for a dish that feels both indulgent and comforting. It's become my go-to recipe when I want to impress dinner guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

I first developed this recipe when hosting an impromptu dinner party during a beach vacation. With little time to prepare and limited kitchen equipment, this casserole saved the evening and earned more compliments than any elaborate meal I'd ever made.

Ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

A bowl of shrimp and rice. Pin it
A bowl of shrimp and rice. | cookingkeys.com

The Old Bay seasoning is truly the secret weapon in this dish. Growing up near the Chesapeake Bay, my grandmother insisted this spice blend was non-negotiable in any seafood dish. When I make this casserole, the distinctive aroma instantly transports me back to summer crab feasts on her screened porch, where seafood was always treated with reverence.

Storage and Make Ahead

Perfect Pairings

A bowl of shrimp and rice. Pin it
A bowl of shrimp and rice. | cookingkeys.com

Ingredient Substitutions

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I keep the shrimp from overcooking?

To prevent overcooking, boil the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque—this usually takes about 30 seconds.

→ Can I use another type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute mozzarella and cheddar with other cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for unique flavors.

→ Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the shrimp mixture and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking.

→ What’s the best way to get a crispy topping?

Broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking to achieve a perfectly golden and crispy breadcrumb topping.

→ Can this dish be frozen?

Yes, you can freeze the uncooked casserole. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed.

Shrimp Casserole Creamy Dish

Savor a creamy shrimp dish with a crispy breadcrumb topping, ready in just 35 minutes.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
20 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 2 pounds large shrimp (21-24 count), peeled and deveined
02 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
03 1 tablespoon salt for cooking water
04 2/3 cup mayonnaise
05 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
06 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
07 1 tablespoon butter, plus more to grease the pan
08 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
09 4 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
10 4 ounces shredded medium cheddar cheese

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 2.5-quart casserole dish with butter.

Step 02

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add Old Bay seasoning. Add shrimp and cook until opaque, about 30 seconds. Drain and transfer to a bowl.

Step 03

Add mayonnaise, garlic powder, and black pepper to the shrimp. Stir to coat. Add cheeses and stir again. Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish.

Step 04

Melt the butter and stir it into the panko bread crumbs. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the shrimp.

Step 05

Bake uncovered for 13-15 minutes, or until the center reaches 145°F. Broil for 1-2 minutes to brown the crumbs, then rest for 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

  1. Overcooking shrimp can make them rubbery, so ensure they are cooked just until opaque.
  2. Freshly shredded cheese melts better and enhances flavor.
  3. To achieve an extra crispy crust, broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes after baking.

Tools You'll Need

  • 2.5-quart casserole dish
  • Large pot
  • Mixing bowl

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains shellfish (shrimp)
  • Contains dairy (cheese, butter)
  • Contains gluten (panko bread crumbs)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 320
  • Total Fat: 24 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 8 g
  • Protein: 25 g