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Best Shrimp Casserole Recipe

Best Shrimp Casserole Recipe

This Best Shrimp Casserole Recipe features succulent shrimp tossed in a creamy, cheesy sauce and topped with golden, buttery breadcrumbs. In just 30 minutes, you can have a gourmet-style meal that is fancy enough for a holiday gathering yet simple enough for a busy weeknight.
Prep Time 12 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Seafood
Calories: 354

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs large shrimp (21-24 count) peeled and deveined
  • 1 Tbsp Old Bay Seasoning
  • 1 Tbsp salt for the cooking water
  • 2/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 Tbsp butter melted, plus extra for greasing the pan
  • 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
  • 4 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 4 oz shredded medium cheddar cheese

Equipment

  • 2 1/2 quart casserole dish
  • Large Pot
  • Paper Towels

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Take a 2 1/2 quart casserole dish, a 9x9 baking pan, or a 10-inch oven-safe skillet and grease it generously with butter.
  2. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt and 1 tablespoon of Old Bay Seasoning. Drop the shrimp into the water and cook for exactly 30 seconds until they are opaque. Immediately strain the shrimp and move them to a bowl to cool for 10 minutes.
    2 lbs large shrimp (21-24 count), 1 Tbsp Old Bay Seasoning, 1 Tbsp salt
  3. Once cooled slightly, use a paper towel to pat the shrimp dry and soak up any water that has collected at the bottom of the bowl. This prevents the casserole from becoming runny.
    2 lbs large shrimp (21-24 count)
  4. In the bowl with the shrimp, stir in the mayonnaise, garlic powder, and black pepper until every shrimp is well coated. Fold in the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
    2 lbs large shrimp (21-24 count), 2/3 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp ground black pepper, 4 oz shredded mozzarella cheese, 4 oz shredded medium cheddar cheese
  5. Transfer the creamy shrimp mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out into an even layer.
  6. In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of melted butter with the panko bread crumbs. Stir until the crumbs are evenly moistened, then sprinkle them over the top of the shrimp.
    1 Tbsp butter, 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
  7. Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 13 to 15 minutes, or until the center reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. Switch the oven to broil for 1 to 2 minutes to get the breadcrumbs perfectly golden brown.
  8. Let the casserole rest for 15 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set and the flavors to meld.

Notes

Ensure frozen shrimp are thoroughly thawed and patted dry to prevent the casserole from becoming watery. For the best texture and melt, use block cheese that you grate yourself rather than pre-shredded varieties.
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