Name: Shrimp Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 2 pounds large shrimp (21-24 count) (peeled and deveined); 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning; 1 tablespoon salt (for cooking water); 2/3 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded); 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded); 1 tablespoon butter (melted, plus more for greasing); 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs

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There’s something magical about pulling a bubbling Shrimp Casserole from the oven, its golden breadcrumb topping crackling as it cools. This dish has become my go-to whenever I want something that feels special but doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen. The first time I made it for a family gathering, I watched as everyone went back for seconds, scraping the dish clean and asking for the recipe[ What I love most is how the tender shrimp nestle into a creamy, cheesy sauce that’s rich without being heavy, while the panko topping adds that perfect crispy contrast. It’s comfort food at its finest, ready in about half an hour from start to finish.

Why This Recipe Works

This Shrimp Casserole succeeds because it balances simplicity with impressive results[ The shrimp cook quickly in boiling water seasoned with Old Bay, which infuses them with classic seafood flavor without overpowering their natural sweetness. Mixing them with mayonnaise creates a creamy base that stays luscious during baking rather than separating or drying out. The combination of mozzarella and cheddar cheese melts into stretchy, gooey perfection while adding depth to the sauce. That buttery panko topping transforms from plain breadcrumbs into a golden, crispy crown that provides textural contrast in every bite.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. You can assemble it ahead, refrigerate it, and bake it when you’re ready to eat. The ingredient list stays short and manageable, with items you likely already have on hand. Despite its elegant appearance, this casserole requires no special techniques or expensive equipment – just a pot for boiling shrimp, a bowl for mixing, and a casserole dish for baking. It scales easily for feeding a crowd or preparing smaller portions for weeknight meals.

Essential Ingredients

Each ingredient in this Shrimp Casserole plays a specific role in creating the final dish[

Large shrimp (21-24 count): This size strikes the perfect balance between meatiness and quick cooking. Peel and devein them yourself for better flavor, or buy them already prepared to save time. Look for shrimp that smell fresh and ocean-like, never fishy or ammonia-scented.
Old Bay seasoning: This iconic blend brings paprika, celery salt, and warm spices that complement seafood beautifully. Use it both in the cooking water and mixed into the casserole for layers of flavor.
Mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base that holds everything together. Full-fat mayonnaise works best here – light versions can make the sauce watery and less flavorful.
Garlic powder: Adds savory depth without the moisture that fresh garlic would introduce. It distributes evenly throughout the sauce for consistent flavor in every bite.
Black pepper: Freshly ground pepper adds a subtle heat that enhances the other flavors without overwhelming them.
Butter: Melted and mixed with panko, it helps the breadcrumbs toast to golden perfection while adding rich flavor. You’ll also use it to grease your baking dish.
Panko bread crumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs stay crispier than regular breadcrumbs because of their larger, airier texture. They create a light, crunchy topping that doesn’t get soggy.
Mozzarella and cheddar cheese: Mozzarella provides stretch and mild creaminess, while cheddar brings sharp, tangy flavor. Shred them fresh from blocks rather than using pre-shredded cheese, which contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this Shrimp Casserole follows a straightforward process that builds flavor at each stage[

Cooking the Shrimp

Fill a large pot with water and add a tablespoon of salt along with a tablespoon of Old Bay seasoning. Bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp, stirring gently to ensure even cooking. Watch them carefully – they cook quickly, usually in just two to three minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they turn pink and opaque throughout, curling into loose C shapes. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery and tough, so pull them from the heat as soon as they’re just cooked through. Drain them in a colander and let them cool slightly while you prepare the other components.

Creating the Creamy Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir until the seasonings distribute evenly throughout the mayo. Add your cooled shrimp and both cheeses to the bowl. Fold everything together gently but thoroughly, making sure each shrimp gets coated in the creamy mixture and the cheese distributes evenly. The residual warmth from the shrimp will start to soften the cheese slightly, which is exactly what you want. This mixture should look creamy and cohesive, with the shrimp suspended throughout.

Assembling and Baking

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Generously butter a 9×13-inch casserole dish or similar-sized baking dish. Spread the shrimp mixture evenly in the prepared dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. In a small bowl, melt the tablespoon of butter and toss it with the panko breadcrumbs until they’re evenly coated. Sprinkle this mixture over the shrimp in an even layer, making sure to cover the entire surface. Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for about fifteen minutes, until the topping turns golden brown and the filling bubbles around the edges. For an extra-crispy top, switch your oven to broil for the last minute or two, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Tips for Perfect Results

Don’t overcook the shrimp during the initial boiling. They’ll cook more in the oven, so slightly undercooking them at first prevents rubbery texture.
Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest, creamiest sauce. Pre-shredded cheese contains additives that can make your filling grainy.
Let the shrimp cool for a few minutes before mixing with the mayonnaise and cheese. If they’re too hot, they’ll make the mayo separate.
Spread the panko topping evenly for consistent browning. Thin spots will burn while thick spots stay pale.
Watch the casserole during broiling if you choose to crisp the top further. It can go from perfectly golden to burnt in seconds.
Let the casserole rest for five minutes after baking. This allows the filling to set slightly, making it easier to serve neat portions.

Creative Variations

Once you’ve mastered the basic Shrimp Casserole, there are countless ways to customize it to your tastes. Stir in some chopped bell peppers or diced celery for added crunch and vegetable content. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightened with lemon zest brings a citrusy brightness that cuts through the richness. For heat lovers, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the filling. Crumbled bacon mixed into the breadcrumb topping adds smoky, salty flavor. Fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives folded into the mixture or sprinkled on top provide color and fresh flavor. For a Cajun twist, swap the Old Bay for Cajun seasoning and add diced andouille sausage. You could even make individual servings by dividing the mixture among ramekins for an elegant presentation.

Serving Suggestions

This Shrimp Casserole shines as a main course but adapts easily to different roles[ Serve it over fluffy rice pilaf or buttered pasta to soak up the creamy sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or green beans provide colorful, healthy sides that complement the richness. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette offers refreshing contrast. Crusty bread or garlic toast works perfectly for mopping up every last bit of sauce. For brunch, spoon it over toasted English muffins or biscuits for a luxurious take on eggs Benedict.

When serving for a party, this casserole can function as an impressive appetizer. Spoon it into individual ramekins before baking for personal portions that guests can enjoy with crackers or toasted baguette slices. The casserole also travels well to potlucks – just cover it with foil and reheat before serving. For special occasions, garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges to elevate the presentation.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover Shrimp Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days[ The breadcrumb topping will soften as it sits, but the flavors remain delicious. For best results, store the topping separately if you’re planning to make this ahead – keep the shrimp mixture refrigerated and add fresh breadcrumbs just before baking. You can assemble the entire casserole up to a day in advance, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.

This casserole freezes reasonably well before baking[ Assemble it completely but don’t add the breadcrumb topping. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil and freeze for up to two months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, add fresh breadcrumbs, and bake as directed. For reheating leftovers, the oven works better than the microwave. Cover the casserole with foil and warm it at 325°F until heated through, about fifteen to twenty minutes. Remove the foil for the last few minutes to re-crisp the topping slightly, or pop it under the broiler briefly[

Common Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, frozen shrimp work perfectly well[ Thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight or run them under cold water for quicker thawing. Pat them thoroughly dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture in your casserole.

Can I substitute the breadcrumbs?

Regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers can replace panko[ They won’t be quite as light and crispy, but they’ll still create a nice topping. Crushed Ritz crackers add buttery flavor that many people love.

How can I add more flavor?

Try adding different herbs and spices to the shrimp mixture[ A squeeze of lemon juice, fresh chopped herbs like dill or parsley, or a dash of Worcestershire sauce can all enhance the flavor. Hot sauce or cayenne pepper adds heat if you like things spicy.

Can I make this ahead?

Absolutely. Assemble the casserole completely and refrigerate it for up to three days before baking[ This makes it perfect for entertaining since you can prep it in advance and just pop it in the oven when guests arrive.

What size shrimp should I use?

Large shrimp in the 21-24 count range work best[ They’re big enough to provide substantial bites without being overwhelming, and they cook evenly. You can use slightly larger or smaller shrimp, but adjust cooking times accordingly.

Can I serve this cold?

This casserole can be enjoyed warm, at room temperature, or even cold[ It makes a wonderful addition to buffet tables where it might sit out for a while, though it’s definitely at its best fresh from the oven.

What can I serve it with?

Rice pilaf, roasted vegetables, and simple green salads all pair beautifully[ For a heartier meal, serve it alongside garlic bread or over pasta. As an appetizer, offer it with crackers or toasted baguette slices.