Easy Seafood Casserole

The Easy Seafood Casserole is a one-dish wonder that brings together shrimp, scallops, and crab in a luscious, creamy base topped with golden melted cheese and buttery breadcrumbs. It’s rich, indulgent, and incredibly simple to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or impressing guests during the holidays.

This seafood medley delivers comforting coastal flavors with every bite. The blend of shellfish paired with crunchy vegetables and the velvety sour cream-mayo sauce is elevated with a splash of lemon and classic Old Bay seasoning. Topped with cheese and baked until bubbling, it’s a luxurious yet accessible dish that’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1 lb scallops

• 1 cup cooked crab meat

• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed

• 1/2 cup chopped celery

• 1/4 cup chopped green onions

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

• 2 tbsp melted butter

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a large bowl, combine shrimp, scallops, crab, vegetables, celery, and green onions.

3. In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well blended.

4. Pour the sauce over the seafood mixture and stir until fully coated.

5. Transfer to a greased 9×13 baking dish and spread evenly.

6. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.

7. Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top.

8. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden and bubbly.

9. Let cool slightly before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes

Kcal: 360 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

The Easy Seafood Casserole is a celebration of the ocean’s bounty, a creamy, comforting dish that brings together the delicate flavors of shrimp, scallops, and crab into one irresistible bake. It’s the kind of hearty, indulgent meal that feels both luxurious and simple, perfect for weeknight dinners, special family gatherings, or cozy weekend treats.

This seafood casserole stands out because it strikes a balance between richness and lightness. The seafood is gently folded into a creamy sauce made with mayonnaise and sour cream, subtly seasoned with lemon and Old Bay to enhance the natural flavors of the seafood without overpowering them. Topped with golden, melted cheese and a crisp breadcrumb crust, the dish finishes in the oven, bubbling and golden, ready to impress.

Whether you’re a seafood lover or looking to bring something elegant yet comforting to the dinner table, this casserole is sure to win hearts.

Why This Seafood Casserole Works So Well

This recipe is a crowd-pleaser because it takes the elegance of seafood and simplifies it into a casserole form that anyone can master. It’s a harmonious blend of creamy textures and savory seafood, with a touch of crunch from the buttery breadcrumbs on top. The preparation is easy, but the end result looks and tastes like a dish that required hours in the kitchen.

Flavor Profile:
The trio of seafood shrimp, scallops, and crab brings sweetness and brininess, complemented by the richness of the creamy base. The sour cream adds tang, the mayo gives body, and the Old Bay seasoning provides just enough spice to round things out. The lemon juice brightens the entire dish, keeping it from feeling too heavy.

Texture Contrast:
Seafood can become soft or rubbery if not treated well, but this recipe maintains perfect texture due to the quick baking process. The creamy sauce envelopes the seafood without drowning it, and the crispy, cheesy topping gives each bite a pleasant crunch.

Ease of Preparation:
No complicated cooking techniques are needed. It’s mostly a mix, layer, and bake kind of recipe making it ideal for busy home cooks or beginner chefs. With minimal prep and hands-on time, it’s a fuss-free way to enjoy a sophisticated-tasting dish.

Perfect Occasions for Seafood Casserole

This casserole is incredibly versatile when it comes to occasions:

• Weeknight Family Dinners: It’s hearty enough to feed a family of four to six with leftovers to spare.
• Holiday Meals: It can be a standout dish at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter, offering an elegant alternative to heavier meat-based dishes.
• Potlucks and Dinner Parties: Its creamy texture and cheesy topping make it instantly appealing and travel-friendly.
• Romantic Dinners or Date Nights: Served with wine and a simple side salad, it becomes a gourmet experience without all the effort.

No matter the setting, this dish brings comfort and a sense of celebration to the table.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

One of the best features of this seafood casserole is that it can be prepped ahead of time. You can assemble it earlier in the day or even the night before and keep it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. This makes it an ideal recipe for entertaining or meal planning.

It also stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days and reheats beautifully. While the seafood may firm up slightly upon reheating, the creaminess of the sauce helps to keep everything moist and flavorful. For freezing, it’s best to freeze the casserole before baking; thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

Best Side Dishes to Pair With

To complement the richness of the casserole, consider serving it with fresh, crisp, and light sides. Some great options include:

• Steamed or Roasted Vegetables – Think green beans, asparagus, or a medley of zucchini and squash.
• Crisp Garden Salad – A mix of greens with a light vinaigrette will balance the creaminess of the casserole.
• Garlic Bread or Baguette – Perfect for scooping up the extra sauce!
• Lemon Rice or Herbed Quinoa – These sides soak up the flavors while adding texture and variety.

These additions round out the meal and keep it feeling complete without overpowering the star of the show.

Tips for Perfecting Your Seafood Casserole

To ensure the best results each time you make this dish, here are some helpful tips:

• Use Fresh or Properly Thawed Seafood: For the best texture and flavor, use fresh seafood when possible. If using frozen, thaw thoroughly and pat dry to avoid excess water in the casserole.
• Do Not Overcook the Seafood: The casserole bakes quickly, and the seafood only needs to cook through in the oven. Pre-cooking it can lead to a rubbery texture.
• Add Fresh Herbs or Spices: For extra flavor, consider adding chopped parsley, dill, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.
• Customize the Topping: While cheddar and breadcrumbs are classic, you can swap in parmesan, panko, or crushed crackers for different textures and flavors.

Variations and Customization Ideas

This casserole is forgiving and flexible. You can tailor it to what you have in your kitchen or your personal preferences:

• Different Seafood: Swap scallops for chopped white fish, or use all shrimp or all crab depending on availability.
• Add Veggies: Mix in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrients and color.
• Make it Low-Carb: Omit the breadcrumbs and cheese topping, or use crushed pork rinds and keto-friendly cheese for a low-carb alternative.
• Add a Layer of Pasta or Rice: Make the casserole heartier by incorporating a layer of cooked pasta, rice, or even mashed potatoes at the bottom.

These tweaks make the dish uniquely yours while still maintaining its core comforting appeal.

Nutritional Notes

While this dish leans toward indulgence with its creamy and cheesy base, seafood itself is incredibly nutritious. Shrimp, scallops, and crab are all high in protein and low in fat, and they provide essential nutrients like:

• Omega-3 fatty acids (especially in crab)
• Vitamin B12
• Selenium
• Zinc

By balancing this casserole with veggie-heavy sides or reducing the cheese and mayo slightly, it can easily fit into a balanced weekly meal plan.

A Dish That Feels Like a Coastal Getaway

There’s something about creamy seafood casseroles that evokes comfort, nostalgia, and a touch of seaside elegance. Whether it reminds you of a family trip to the coast or a warm meal on a chilly evening, this dish has a timeless quality that appeals to all generations.

You don’t have to live near the ocean to enjoy the briny sweetness of shellfish baked in a velvety sauce this casserole brings the sea to your table, no matter where you are.

Conclusion: Why You Should Try This Seafood Casserole Tonight

If you’re looking for a recipe that offers comfort, elegance, and crowd-pleasing flavor all in one, this Easy Seafood Casserole delivers on every level. It’s simple enough for a weeknight meal but special enough for guests. From the tender shrimp and succulent scallops to the creamy sauce and golden cheese crust, every element complements the other for a dish that’s truly satisfying.

Beyond its flavor, the recipe is versatile, adaptable, and forgiving ideal for cooks of any skill level. You can make it ahead, freeze it, reheat it, and even customize it to suit different diets and preferences. That’s the hallmark of a truly great recipe: one that fits effortlessly into real life while still making you feel like a gourmet chef.

So the next time you want to bring the flavors of the sea into your kitchen, let this easy casserole be your go-to. It’s warm, welcoming, and packed with the kind of flavor that makes people ask for seconds.

Let this dish be the centerpiece of your next comforting meal you won’t regret it.