Description
A creamy seafood casserole packed with shrimp, scallops, and crab meat for a delightful family meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 lb scallops (fresh or frozen)
- 1 lb crab meat (fresh or pasteurized)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (optional, for added flavor)
Instructions
- Prepare the seafood: If using frozen scallops, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. Peel and devein the shrimp, ensuring all shells and tails are removed. If using fresh crab meat, ensure there are no shell fragments. If you’re using pasteurized crab meat, simply drain it well.
- Sauté the vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Make the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream once the onion and garlic are softened. Stir gently to combine the cream with the sautéed vegetables. Add the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer for 5-7 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
- Add the seafood: Stir in the prepared shrimp, scallops, and crab meat into the creamy sauce. Let the seafood cook in the sauce for 5-7 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the mixture into a large casserole dish.
- Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, mix together the grated cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs. Sprinkle the cheese and breadcrumb mixture evenly over the seafood and sauce.
- Bake the casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes until the topping is golden and the casserole bubbles around the edges.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven once done and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and thyme for added flavor.
Notes
For a lighter option, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. Panko breadcrumbs will give an extra crunch on top.
