Shrimp and Scallop Casserole: A Delicious Seafood Dish for Any Occasion

If you're a seafood lover, you're in for a treat with this delicious shrimp and scallop casserole recipe. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner. With its creamy sauce and succulent seafood, it's sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Before you get started, make sure you have all your ingredients prepared. You'll need shrimp, scallops, white wine, leeks, carrots, saffron, and a few other ingredients. Once you have everything ready, you can begin assembling the casserole.

To make the casserole, you'll need to layer the seafood and vegetables in a baking dish, pour over the cream sauce, and bake in the oven until golden brown. The end result is a delicious, comforting dish that's perfect for any occasion.

Key Takeaways

• Shrimp and scallop casserole is a delicious dish that's perfect for seafood lovers.
• Preparing your ingredients ahead of time is key to making this dish quickly and easily.
• Assembling and cooking the casserole is simple and straightforward, resulting in a delicious and comforting meal.

Preparing Your Ingredients

Before you start making your shrimp and scallop casserole, you need to make sure that you have all the ingredients you need. Here are some tips on selecting the best seafood, vegetables and aromatics, and creating the perfect sauce.

Selecting the Best Seafood

When it comes to seafood, freshness is key. Make sure you buy fresh or frozen seafood from a reputable source. Look for shrimp and scallops that are firm and have a sweet smell. If you're using crab meat, make sure it's lump crab meat and not imitation crab meat.

Vegetables and Aromatics

The vegetables and aromatics you use can really enhance the flavour of your casserole. For this recipe, you'll need onions, garlic, parsley, and lemon. Make sure you chop your onions and garlic finely so that they cook evenly. You can also add other vegetables like carrots and leeks to add more depth to the flavour.

Creating the Perfect Sauce

The sauce is what brings all the ingredients together in your casserole. To make the perfect sauce, you'll need butter, flour, white wine, and cheese. Melt the butter in a saucepan and whisk in the flour to make a roux. Gradually add the white wine and whisk until the sauce thickens. Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and Old Bay seasoning to taste.

Assembling and Cooking

Layering the Casserole

Now that you have prepared all the ingredients for your delicious shrimp and scallop casserole, it's time to assemble it. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Take a 9x13 inch casserole dish and lightly grease it with some melted butter. Then, spread a thin layer of breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers on the bottom of the dish. This will help absorb any excess moisture and give your casserole a nice crunch.

Next, add a layer of the cooked shrimp and scallops to the dish. Make sure to spread them out evenly. Then, add a layer of sliced lemons on top of the seafood.

Repeat the layers until you have used up all the ingredients, finishing with a layer of breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers on top.

Baking to Perfection

Once your casserole is assembled, cover it with foil and bake it in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.

You can check if your casserole is fully cooked by inserting a knife in the middle. If it comes out clean, your casserole is ready.

Serving Suggestions

Your easy seafood casserole is now ready to be served. Garnish it with some fresh chopped parsley and a lemon wedge on the side. This dish serves six people and is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion.

Pair your casserole with a side salad or some crusty bread to complete the meal. Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best way to get a creamy texture in a seafood casserole?

If you want a creamy texture in your seafood casserole, you can use cream or milk. You can also add a small amount of flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce. Be sure to whisk the flour or cornstarch into the liquid to avoid lumps.

Can you recommend a simple method for making a shrimp and scallop casserole?

Yes, you can make a simple shrimp and scallop casserole by combining cooked shrimp and scallops with a creamy sauce, such as a mixture of cream and cheese. Top the casserole with breadcrumbs or Ritz crackers and bake until golden brown.

Is it possible to freeze a seafood casserole after baking?

Yes, you can freeze a seafood casserole after baking. Let the casserole cool to room temperature, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Label the casserole with the date and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, let the casserole thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake in the oven until heated through.

How can I incorporate rice into a shrimp and scallop casserole?

To incorporate rice into a shrimp and scallop casserole, cook the rice separately and then mix it with the seafood and sauce before baking. Alternatively, you can layer the cooked rice in the bottom of the casserole dish and then top it with the seafood and sauce.

What's the secret to a perfect Old fashioned shrimp and scallop casserole?

The secret to a perfect Old fashioned shrimp and scallop casserole is to use fresh seafood and a creamy sauce that complements the delicate flavours of the shrimp and scallops. You can also add a touch of sherry or white wine to the sauce for extra flavour.

Do you have any tips for using Ritz crackers as a topping in a seafood casserole?

To use Ritz crackers as a topping in a seafood casserole, crush the crackers into small pieces and mix with melted butter. Sprinkle the mixture over the top of the casserole before baking. You can also add grated cheese to the cracker mixture for extra flavour.