Creamy Shrimp Casserole with Cheddar and Mozzarella Recipe
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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
