Crustacean Delight Casserole

Description

Indulge in the comforting flavors of the sea with the Crustacean Delight Casserole, a tantalizing dish featuring the rich tastes of shrimp and crabmeat bathed in a creamy, cheesy sauce, and crowned with a crunchy breadcrumb topping. This casserole is not only a palate pleaser but also a wonderful centerpiece for gatherings or a fulfilling family dinner. Follow this comprehensive guide to recreate this ocean-inspired delicacy in your kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 lb crabmeat, fresh or canned
• 1 cup celery, diced
• 1/2 cup onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 pinch salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Step-by-step Directions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the correct temperature when you’re ready to bake the casserole.

2. Combine the Seafood and Vegetables

In a large mixing bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp, fresh or canned crabmeat, diced celery, diced onion, and minced garlic. Mix these ingredients thoroughly to distribute evenly.

3. Prepare the Cheese Sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Next, stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns golden and bubbly. Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir for 3-5 minutes until the mixture thickens. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the mayonnaise, grated cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper until smooth.

4. Combine and Transfer to Baking Dish

Add the seafood mixture to the sauce, mixing well to ensure everything is evenly coated. Transfer this mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

5. Add the Topping and Bake

Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the casserole. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.

Servings & Preparation Time

This recipe serves 6-8 people and takes approximately 45 minutes to prepare and cook.

Tips for Storage & Reheating

• Storage: Allow the casserole to cool completely before covering it with plastic wrap or transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F until it is warm throughout. This typically takes about 15 minutes. Microwaving is also an option but might unevenly warm the dish.

Conclusion

The Crustacean Delight Casserole is a heartwarming dish that brings a slice of the sea to your dinner table. With its rich ensemble of shrimp, crab, and savory cheese sauce topped with a golden breadcrumb crust, this casserole is sure to satisfy seafood lovers and comfort food enthusiasts alike. Perfect for a cozy night in or a festive gathering, it’s a recipe that promises to delight and impress.

Crustacean Delight Casserole

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• Author: Dulcia
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6-8 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the comforting flavors of the sea with the Crustacean Delight Casserole, a tantalizing dish featuring the rich tastes of shrimp and crabmeat bathed in a creamy, cheesy sauce, and crowned with a crunchy breadcrumb topping. This casserole is not only a palate pleaser but also a wonderful centerpiece for gatherings or a fulfilling family dinner. Follow this comprehensive guide to recreate this ocean-inspired delicacy in your kitchen.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 lb crabmeat, fresh or canned
• 1 cup celery, diced
• 1/2 cup onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 pinch salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the correct temperature when you’re ready to bake the casserole.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp, fresh or canned crabmeat, diced celery, diced onion, and minced garlic. Mix these ingredients thoroughly to distribute evenly.
3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Next, stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns golden and bubbly. Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir for 3-5 minutes until the mixture thickens. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the mayonnaise, grated cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. Add the seafood mixture to the sauce, mixing well to ensure everything is evenly coated. Transfer this mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the casserole. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.