The Best Shrimp Casserole

Some recipes are more than just food; they’re woven into the fabric of our memories. For me, this is that recipe. I first created what would become The Best Shrimp Casserole on a whim during a chilly coastal vacation.

We had a bounty of fresh, plump shrimp from a local market and a pantry with just the basics. I wanted something warm, comforting, and utterly delicious to cap off a day of exploring. What emerged from the oven that evening was pure magic—a creamy, savory, and incredibly satisfying dish that had everyone asking for the recipe.

It has since become my go-to for potlucks, family dinners, and any occasion that calls for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. This baked shrimp casserole isn’t just a meal; it’s a feeling of comfort and togetherness. Over the years, I’ve perfected every element to ensure it truly lives up to its name. I’m so excited to share my version of the best shrimp casserole recipe with you, so you can make your own delicious memories.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Shrimp Casserole Recipe

There are countless reasons this dish will become a staple in your kitchen, but here are just a few that make it stand out as a truly exceptional baked shrimp casserole. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a solution for busy weeknights and special occasions alike.

• Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of succulent shrimp, a rich and creamy sauce, savory aromatics, and a crunchy, buttery topping creates a symphony of textures and tastes. This is what makes it the best shrimp casserole you’ll ever try.
• Simple to Prepare: Don’t let the elegant final result fool you! The steps are straightforward and perfect for cooks of all skill levels. You can whip up this easy shrimp casserole with minimal fuss.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you need a comforting weeknight dinner for the family, an impressive dish for a dinner party, or a reliable potluck contribution, this creamy shrimp casserole fits the bill perfectly.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Life gets busy, and recipes that can be prepped in advance are a lifesaver. You can assemble this casserole ahead of time, making dinner prep a total breeze. This flexibility is a key feature of the best shrimp casserole recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this creamy shrimp casserole, we use simple, high-quality ingredients to create a truly memorable dish. Each component plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor that define this recipe.

Substitutions & Variations

While I believe this is the best shrimp casserole as written, one of the joys of cooking is making a recipe your own! This baked shrimp casserole is wonderfully adaptable. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Different Grains: If you’re not a fan of white rice, you can easily substitute it. Try using brown rice for a nuttier flavor, quinoa for a protein boost, or even a short-cut pasta like elbow macaroni or shells to create a creamy shrimp pasta bake.
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to incorporate more vegetables into this easy shrimp casserole. Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or wilted spinach would all be fantastic additions. Simply stir them in with the cooked rice.
• Cheese Swaps: The cheese blend is flexible. Swap the sharp cheddar for Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or a spicy pepper jack for a little kick. A mix of cheeses often yields the most complex flavor.
• Spice It Up: If you enjoy more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the creamy sauce. A little bit goes a long way in enhancing the flavors of this seafood dish.
• Herbs and Flavors: Instead of parsley, you could use fresh dill or chives. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice stirred into the sauce at the end will also brighten up the entire dish, making it an even better shrimp casserole.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create the best shrimp casserole in your own kitchen. I’ll walk you through the process, from making the creamy sauce to achieving that perfect golden-brown topping. This easy shrimp casserole comes together in no time.

1. Prep Your Ingredients: First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Make sure your rice is cooked, your shrimp is thawed, peeled, and deveined, and your veggies are chopped. Proper prep is the key to a smooth cooking process.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Next, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Create the Creamy Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly to form a paste (this is a roux). Cook for one minute to eliminate any raw flour taste. Then, gradually whisk in the milk and broth until the mixture is smooth. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens, about 5-8 minutes.
4. Add Cheese and Seasonings: Once the sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar, Parmesan cheese, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Keep stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is velvety smooth. This is the heart of our creamy shrimp casserole.
5. Combine the Casserole Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, raw shrimp, and fresh parsley. Pour the prepared cheese sauce over the top. Gently fold everything together until the rice and shrimp are evenly coated in that delicious sauce.
6. Assemble Your Best Shrimp Casserole: Carefully pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
7. Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the Panko breadcrumbs and toss until they are evenly coated. Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the casserole.
8. Bake to Perfection: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Your baked shrimp casserole is ready when the filling is hot and bubbly and the topping is a beautiful golden brown. The shrimp should be pink and cooked through.
9. Rest and Garnish: Finally, let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set up slightly. Garnish with additional fresh parsley and enjoy your masterpiece! You have successfully made the best shrimp casserole.

Pro Tips for Success

Want to ensure your dish is absolutely flawless? Here are my top tips for making what I confidently call the best shrimp casserole every single time. These small details make a big difference.

• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: The shrimp go into the casserole raw. They will cook perfectly in the oven’s heat. If you use pre-cooked shrimp, they can become tough and rubbery during baking. Starting with raw shrimp is essential for a succulent, tender texture in this amazing shrimp casserole recipe.
• Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheeses are often coated with anti-caking agents that prevent them from melting smoothly. For the creamiest, most luscious sauce, always buy a block of cheese and shred it yourself. This is a game-changer for any cheesy dish, especially this creamy shrimp casserole.
• Use Room Temperature Milk: When making the sauce, using cold milk straight from the fridge can sometimes cause the sauce to become lumpy when it hits the hot roux. For a smoother sauce, let your milk sit out for about 20-30 minutes to take the chill off.
• Pat the Shrimp Dry: Before adding the shrimp to the casserole mixture, pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. Excess water can make the final casserole a bit soupy. This simple step ensures the best shrimp casserole has the perfect consistency.
• Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your sauce before you combine it with the other ingredients. The saltiness of cheese and broth can vary, so you may need to add more salt, pepper, or Old Bay to suit your taste. A well-seasoned sauce is the foundation of a fantastic meal.

Storage & Reheating Tips

This baked shrimp casserole is so delicious you might not have leftovers! But if you do, it reheats beautifully. Here’s how to store and enjoy it later.

• Storage: Allow the casserole to cool completely to room temperature. Then, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil, or transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: The best way to reheat this casserole is in the oven. This helps re-crisp the breadcrumb topping. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. For a single serving, you can also microwave it in 60-second intervals until warm, but you will lose the crispy topping.
• Freezing: While you can freeze this casserole, be aware that creamy, dairy-based sauces can sometimes separate a bit upon thawing. For best results, freeze the casserole *before* baking. Assemble it completely, cover tightly with a layer of plastic wrap and then a layer of foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

What to Serve With This Recipe

The Best Shrimp Casserole is a hearty and complete meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides. These additions can turn it into a full-fledged feast.

• A Crisp Green Salad: A simple salad with a bright, lemony vinaigrette is the perfect contrast to the rich, creamy casserole. Think mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber. Try our Lemon Herb Vinaigrette Recipe for a perfect pairing.
• Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Lightly steamed asparagus, green beans, or roasted broccoli add a nice touch of green and a healthy component to the meal.
• Crusty Bread: You’ll want something to mop up every last bit of that incredible creamy sauce! A loaf of crusty French bread or some warm garlic bread is an absolute must. Our Easy Homemade Garlic Bread is a great choice.
• White Wine: For the adults, a crisp glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the flavors of the shrimp beautifully.

FAQs

What kind of shrimp should I use for the best shrimp casserole?

For the best shrimp casserole, I recommend using medium or large raw shrimp (around 31-40 count per pound). Make sure they are peeled and deveined to save on prep time. While fresh is always lovely, high-quality frozen shrimp that has been properly thawed works perfectly well in this recipe.

Can I make this shrimp and rice casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! This is one of the reasons it’s such a great recipe for entertaining. You can assemble the entire casserole (without the breadcrumb topping) up to 24 hours in advance.

Cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, prepare the topping, sprinkle it over the casserole, and bake as directed, adding about 5-10 minutes to the cook time since it’s starting from cold.

My casserole came out watery. What did I do wrong?

A watery casserole is usually due to excess moisture. This can happen if you don’t pat the shrimp dry before adding them or if your cooked rice was overly wet. Also, ensure your cream sauce has thickened properly on the stovetop before you assemble the dish. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Can I use pasta instead of rice in this creamy shrimp casserole?

Yes, you certainly can! About 8 ounces of a short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells would be a great substitute. Cook the pasta until it is al dente (a minute or two less than the package directions), drain well, and then use it in place of the rice. This transforms it into a fantastic baked shrimp pasta dish.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Please note that these values are an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. This calculation is for one serving, assuming the casserole is divided into 8 servings.

The Best Shrimp Casserole

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• Author: Lena
• Total Time: 60 mins
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

This creamy, savory, and incredibly satisfying baked shrimp casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Combining succulent shrimp, cooked rice, and a rich cheese sauce made with cheddar and Parmesan, it’s topped with crunchy, buttery Panko breadcrumbs and baked to golden-brown perfection. Simple to prepare, make-ahead friendly, and perfect for any occasion from a busy weeknight dinner to a special potluck.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 ½ pounds Raw Shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup Long-Grain White Rice, cooked according to package directions
6 tablespoons Unsalted Butter, divided
1 medium Yellow Onion, finely chopped
3 cloves Garlic, minced
¼ cup All-Purpose Flour
2 cups Whole Milk
½ cup Chicken or Vegetable Broth
½ cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese, freshly shredded
½ cup Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated
1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs
¼ cup Fresh Parsley, chopped, plus more for garnish
Salt and Black Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Ensure your rice is cooked, shrimp is thawed, peeled, and deveined, and veggies are chopped
2. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant
3. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly to form a paste (roux). Cook for one minute to eliminate any raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the milk and broth until the mixture is smooth
4. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens, about 5-8 minutes. Remove it from the heat
5. Stir in the shredded cheddar, Parmesan cheese, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Keep stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is velvety smooth
6. In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, raw shrimp, and fresh parsley. Pour the prepared cheese sauce over the top and gently fold everything together until evenly coated
7. Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer
8. In a small bowl, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the Panko breadcrumbs and toss until they are evenly coated. Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the casserole
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the filling is hot and bubbly and the topping is a beautiful golden brown. The shrimp should be pink and cooked through
10. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh parsley and enjoy

Notes

Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: The shrimp go into the casserole raw and cook perfectly in the oven. Using pre-cooked shrimp can make them tough and rubbery.

Shred Your Own Cheese: For the creamiest sauce, buy a block of cheese and shred it yourself. Pre-shredded cheeses have anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.

Pat the Shrimp Dry: Before adding shrimp to the mixture, pat them dry with paper towels to prevent the casserole from becoming watery.

Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste your sauce before combining it with other ingredients and adjust salt, pepper, or Old Bay as needed.

Substitutions: You can use brown rice, quinoa, or short-cut pasta instead of white rice. Add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers. Swap cheddar for Gruyère or Monterey Jack.

Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cream sauce for extra heat.

Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole (without the topping) up to 24 hours in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator. Add the topping just before baking and add 5-10 minutes to the cook time.

• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 40 mins
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/8 of casserole
• Calories: 520 kcal
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 195mg