Creamy Shrimp Casserole with Cheddar and Mozzarella Recipe

Introduction

This shrimp casserole is a creamy, cheesy dish bursting with savory flavors and a crispy breadcrumb topping. It’s quick to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser for gatherings. Enjoy tender shrimp baked to perfection with a golden, bubbly crust.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 2 1/2 quart casserole dish with butter to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning to the water. Add the shrimp and cook until they turn opaque, about 30 seconds. Drain well and transfer the shrimp to a bowl.
3. Step 3: Add mayonnaise, garlic powder, and black pepper to the cooked shrimp. Stir gently to coat all the shrimp evenly. Then add shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, stirring again until combined.
4. Step 4: Transfer the shrimp mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
5. Step 5: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a small pan. Add the panko bread crumbs and stir to coat them thoroughly with the butter.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle the buttered bread crumbs evenly over the shrimp mixture in the casserole dish.
7. Step 7: Bake the casserole uncovered for 13 to 15 minutes, or until the center reaches 145°F and the cheese is bubbly. For a golden brown topping, broil for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
8. Step 8: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 15 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld and the dish set slightly.

Tips & Variations

• For added flavor, mix in a teaspoon of lemon zest or a splash of hot sauce into the shrimp mixture before baking.
• Substitute panko with crushed Ritz crackers for a buttery, richer topping.
• Use a mix of cheeses like Monterey Jack or Parmesan for a different taste profile.
• If fresh shrimp aren’t available, thawed frozen shrimp can be used; just adjust cooking times slightly.

Storage

Store any leftover shrimp casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat portions gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or in the microwave, covering to retain moisture. Avoid reheating more than once to keep shrimp tender.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a few hours ahead and refrigerate it unbaked. When ready to cook, bring it back to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking.

What can I serve with shrimp casserole?

This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, a simple green salad, or rice pilaf to balance the creamy richness of the casserole.

Creamy Shrimp Casserole with Cheddar and Mozzarella Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 85 reviews

This Shrimp Casserole is a creamy, cheesy baked dish featuring large, seasoned shrimp cooked to tender perfection. Coated in a flavorful combination of mayonnaise, garlic powder, and black pepper, then topped with a crunchy buttered panko breadcrumb layer and melted mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, it’s an easy yet elegant casserole perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

• Author: Ruby
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Shrimp Mixture

• 2 pounds large shrimp (21–24 count), peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning, plus 1 tablespoon salt for cooking water
• 2/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 4 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
• 4 ounces shredded medium cheddar cheese

Topping and Preparation

• 1 tablespoon butter, plus more to grease the pan
• 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously grease a 2 1/2 quart casserole dish with butter to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. Cook Shrimp: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1 tablespoon of salt plus 1 tablespoon of Old Bay seasoning. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the boiling water, cooking them just until they turn opaque, about 30 seconds. Remove the shrimp promptly, drain well, and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
3. Combine Ingredients: To the cooked shrimp in the bowl, add the mayonnaise, garlic powder, and ground black pepper. Stir gently to fully coat the shrimp with the creamy mixture. Next, fold in the shredded mozzarella and medium cheddar cheeses until the mixture is evenly combined. Transfer this cheesy shrimp mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it evenly.
4. Make Topping: In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted, stir in the panko bread crumbs until they are fully coated in butter. Evenly sprinkle this buttered breadcrumb topping over the shrimp mixture in the casserole dish.
5. Bake and Broil: Place the casserole dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 13 to 15 minutes, or until the center of the casserole reaches 145°F, indicating the shrimp is perfectly cooked. For a golden, crunchy topping, switch the oven to broil and broil for 1 to 2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning the breadcrumbs.
6. Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for about 15 minutes before serving. This resting period helps the flavors meld and the casserole to set for easier serving.

Notes

• Do not overcook the shrimp when boiling; they cook quickly and become rubbery if left too long.
• If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the shrimp mixture.
• For a lower-fat version, substitute light mayonnaise and reduce the butter used for the topping.
• Use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded for better melting texture.
• The casserole can be prepared ahead, covered, and refrigerated before baking; just increase baking time slightly if baking from cold.

Keywords: shrimp casserole, baked shrimp, cheesy shrimp casserole, seafood casserole, creamy shrimp bake, Old Bay seasoning shrimp