Busy evenings demand simple, satisfying meals. This Shrimp Casserole Recipe gives you tender, seasoned shrimp covered in melty cheese and a crunchy panko topping. It cooks quickly and looks like you spent more time on it than you did.
You can pull this together on a weeknight or serve it for a low-key weekend dinner. Kids usually love the cheesy top, and adults will appreciate the flavor.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Shrimp Casserole Recipe
This dish cooks fast. Most of the work takes about 10 minutes and the oven finishes the rest. You do not need fancy ingredients. Simple pantry staples and good shrimp make this a winner.
It fits picky eaters and family dinners. The mayo and cheese keep the shrimp moist. The panko adds texture that kids and adults both enjoy.
How to Make It
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
Directions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 2 1/2 quart casserole dish with butter., 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., Add mayonnaise, garlic powder, and pepper to the shrimp. Stir to coat. Add cheeses and stir again. Transfer to the prepared casserole dish., Melt butter and stir in bread crumbs. Sprinkle over the shrimp mixture., Bake uncovered for 13-15 minutes, or until the center reaches 145°F. Broil for 1-2 minutes to brown the crumbs. Rest for 15 minutes before serving.
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Shrimp Casserole
A quick and easy shrimp casserole topped with melty cheese and crispy panko for a satisfying meal.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 pounds large shrimp (21–24 count), peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
- 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
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 2 1/2 quart casserole dish with butter.
- 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.
- Add mayonnaise, garlic powder, and pepper to the shrimp. Stir to coat.
- Add cheeses and stir again. Transfer to the prepared casserole dish.
- Melt butter and stir in bread crumbs. Sprinkle over the shrimp mixture.
- Bake uncovered for 13-15 minutes, or until the center reaches 145°F. Broil for 1-2 minutes to brown the crumbs.
- Rest for 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
To save time, serve with simple sides like steamed rice or buttered noodles. Pair with a salad or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
How to Serve Shrimp Casserole
Keep the sides simple to save time. Serve the casserole over steamed rice for a filling meal. Spoon it onto buttered noodles for a kid-friendly plate.
Pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to round out the meal. For a lighter option, serve it atop a bed of mixed greens or baby spinach.
If you want to make it feel special, add lemon wedges at the table. A squeeze of lemon brightens the flavors without extra work.
How to Store
Cool the casserole to room temperature for no more than two hours. Cover tightly with foil or an airtight lid and refrigerate up to 3 days.
To reheat, bake at 350°F until warmed through, about 10 to 15 minutes. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for 60 to 90 seconds, stirring halfway through.
Freeze leftovers in an airtight container up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tips and Variations
- Use frozen shrimp thawed and patted dry if fresh shrimp are not available.
- Add a small squeeze of lemon to the mayo mixture for extra brightness.
- Stir in 1/4 cup chopped green onions or a tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley for color.
- Swap panko for crushed buttery crackers if you prefer a softer topping.
- For a smoky touch, use smoked paprika in place of some black pepper.
Keep a thermometer on hand if you like to be precise. Shrimp cooks fast. Watch the bake time to avoid overcooking.
FAQs
Q: Can I use smaller shrimp?
A: Yes. Reduce the cooking time in the boiling step to avoid overcooking. Smaller shrimp become opaque faster.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: You can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the bake time if it goes into the oven cold.
Q: Is mayonnaise necessary?
A: Mayo keeps the casserole creamy and helps the cheese stick to the shrimp. You could use plain Greek yogurt as a lighter swap, but the texture will change.
Q: Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
A: Yes. Fold in quick-cooking veggies like thawed peas or chopped cooked mushrooms. Make sure they are not overly watery.
Conclusion
This Shrimp Casserole Recipe gives you a quick, family-friendly meal with minimal fuss. It looks great, tastes comforting, and leaves you time for other things. Give it a try tonight and save this for busy weeks when you need a fast, crowd-pleasing dinner.
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