Description
This Shrimp Casserole features tender, large shrimp coated in a creamy mayonnaise and cheese mixture, topped with a buttery panko breadcrumb crust. Cooked quickly by boiling the shrimp and finished with baking and broiling, this dish is perfect for a comforting seafood dinner that serves eight.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 2 pounds large shrimp (21-24 count), peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning, plus 1 tablespoon salt for cooking water
Mix-ins
- 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
- 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). Grease a 2 1/2 quart casserole dish with butter to prevent sticking and prepare for baking.
- Cook shrimp: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, adding 1 tablespoon of Old Bay seasoning to flavor the water. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp and cook until they turn opaque, about 30 seconds. Drain the shrimp and transfer them to a mixing bowl.
- Combine ingredients: Add mayonnaise, garlic powder, and ground black pepper to the shrimp bowl. Stir gently to fully coat the shrimp. Then, fold in the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses until evenly incorporated. Transfer this mixture to the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Make topping: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a small pan or microwave. Stir in the panko bread crumbs until they are thoroughly coated with the butter. Sprinkle this breadcrumb mixture evenly over the shrimp and cheese filling 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 reaches 145°F. For a golden brown breadcrumb topping, switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, keeping a close watch to prevent burning.
- Rest and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the dish to set before serving. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp as they cook quickly and can become tough.
- Using a mixture of mozzarella and cheddar cheese balances meltiness with flavor.
- Broiling at the end gives a crunchy, golden breadcrumb topping but watch closely to avoid burning.
- Make sure to let the casserole rest to help it hold together when serving.
