If you’re craving a crowd-pleasing seafood sensation, look no further than Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole. This classic dish transforms succulent shrimp with a savory, buttery cracker stuffing, baking them to golden, bubbling perfection. The combination of tender shrimp and crunchy topping makes every bite feel special, whether you’re entertaining for the holidays or simply treating yourself to a weeknight feast. Let me show you exactly why you’ll fall in love with this irresistible casserole!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole lies in its straightforward ingredient list. Each component plays a starring role, from the plump shrimp to the golden cracker crumbs, making this recipe shine with flavor, color, and texture.
- Shrimp: Large shrimp are perfect for stuffing and stay juicy as they bake—be sure to peel and devein them, keeping the tails on for extra flavor and presentation.
- Ritz cracker crumbs: These add that signature buttery crunch to the stuffing—don’t skip this classic touch!
- Panko breadcrumbs: For extra crispiness in the topping; panko gives every bite a delightful lightness.
- Melted butter: Adds richness and helps bind the stuffing while ensuring every crumb toasts up beautifully golden.
- Olive oil: A quick sauté in olive oil draws out the sweetness of the onions and the aroma of the garlic.
- Onion: Finely chopped onion brings warmth and subtle depth of flavor to the casserole stuffing.
- Garlic: Just a couple of cloves, freshly minced, add savory complexity and fragrance.
- Fresh parsley: Brings a pop of green and a fresh, vibrant note that brightens up the whole dish.
- Lemon juice: A splash of acidity balances the buttery richness and elevates the seafood flavors.
- Old Bay seasoning: Just half a teaspoon pulls the whole casserole together with that classic coastal spice.
- Salt and pepper: For seasoning, added to taste. Don’t forget to taste your stuffing before topping the shrimp!
- Lemon wedges: For serving—each squeeze right before eating really makes the flavors pop.
How to Make Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole
Step 1: Prep the Shrimp
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Butterfly each shrimp by cutting along the back and gently opening it up—this is what creates that perfect little pocket for your stuffing. Lay the shrimp flat in a single layer right in your prepared dish, tails up and ready for their savory crown.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a skillet over medium heat, pour in the olive oil and let it come to temperature. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking and stirring for about 3 minutes until both are beautifully soft and fragrant. This step infuses your dish with a rich foundation of flavor.
Step 3: Mix the Stuffing
Transfer the sautéed aromatics to a mixing bowl. Add the Ritz cracker crumbs, panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, chopped parsley, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir gently to create a crumbly, fragrant stuffing that’s moist enough to hold together but not soggy.
Step 4: Top and Bake the Casserole
Spoon the stuffing mixture evenly over each butterflied shrimp. Don’t be shy—make sure each shrimp gets a generous topping! Slide your casserole into the oven uncovered and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until the shrimp are pink and perfectly cooked, and the topping is crisp and golden brown.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
As soon as it emerges, serve your Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole hot and right out of the oven, with lemon wedges on the side. Nothing beats the combination of tender shrimp, buttery stuffing, and a bright splash of lemon!
How to Serve Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole
Garnishes
I love scattering a bit of extra fresh parsley over the top of the casserole just before serving for a burst of color. Lemon wedges are a must—they not only look beautiful but let everyone add a bright squeeze of citrus just the way they like it. If you want to get fancy, a tiny pinch of smoked paprika on top adds gorgeous color and a hint of smoky flavor.
Side Dishes
Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole is just made to be the star of the table, but it also plays nicely with a wide variety of sides. Try it with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette, buttery rice pilaf, or simple roasted vegetables for a dinner that feels both elegant and comforting. A glass of chilled white wine is always a good idea, too!
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, I like to arrange the baked shrimp on a platter over a bed of baby greens, with lemon wedges tucked around the edges for an inviting, shareable presentation. If you want a more casual feel, serve straight from the casserole dish at a family-style table—everyone can scoop up the crispy topping themselves. Individual ramekins are adorable for date night or special occasions, each with their own golden, bubbly shrimp topping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole (lucky you!), transfer it to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days, and the flavors actually meld together even more overnight. Just wait until it cools completely before popping it into the fridge to keep the topping crisp.
Freezing
While seafood can sometimes get a bit tricky in the freezer, this casserole does relatively well if you want to plan ahead. Assemble the dish but stop before baking; cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to one month. When ready to use, bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time and watching for doneness.
Reheating
To enjoy leftovers at their best, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), cover the casserole loosely with foil to keep the topping from over-browning, and heat until warmed through—usually about 15 minutes. If you prefer, pop individual servings in the microwave for a minute or two, but keep in mind the crispy topping is best from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use smaller shrimp for this casserole?
Absolutely! While large shrimp are ideal for a dramatic presentation and easier stuffing, you can use medium shrimp if you prefer or if that’s what you have on hand. Just note that the stuffing-to-shrimp ratio will shift a bit, and you might need to shorten the baking time by a few minutes.
Is it possible to make Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole gluten-free?
Definitely! Swap out the Ritz cracker crumbs and panko for your favorite gluten-free cracker and breadcrumb brands. The result will still be delicious and full of texture—your gluten-sensitive friends will thank you!
Can I add other seafood to the casserole?
Go for it! Some cooks love to toss in a handful of crabmeat or chopped scallops into the stuffing mixture for a luxurious twist. It’s a great way to elevate the dish for a special occasion or simply to use what you have on hand.
What’s the best way to butterfly shrimp?
Take each cleaned shrimp and use a small, sharp knife to slice lengthwise along the back, stopping before you cut all the way through. Gently open and flatten the shrimp—this “butterflying” technique creates more surface for stuffing and gives your casserole a beautiful, professional look.
Can I prepare Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole ahead?
Yes, you can assemble the entire casserole a few hours ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just let it sit on the counter for about 15 minutes to take the chill off before placing in the oven. This makes it a fantastic dish for stress-free entertaining!
Final Thoughts
Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole is pure comfort food, dressed up just enough to impress. Whether you’re celebrating or simply craving something extraordinary, I hope you’ll give this marinated, golden-topped casserole a try. Once you taste that first buttery, savory bite, I promise you’ll want to make Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole a new tradition in your kitchen!
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Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole is a delightful seafood dish that combines juicy shrimp with a flavorful stuffing, baked to perfection. A perfect main course for a special occasion or holiday feast.
Ingredients
Shrimp:
- 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on)
Stuffing:
- 1 cup Ritz cracker crumbs (about 1 sleeve)
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Additional:
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare Shrimp: Butterfly each shrimp and lay them flat in the baking dish.
- Make Stuffing: Sauté onion and garlic, then combine with cracker crumbs, panko, butter, parsley, lemon juice, Old Bay, salt, and pepper. Spoon mixture over shrimp.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 15–18 minutes until shrimp are cooked and topping is golden brown.
- Serve: Serve hot with lemon wedges.
Notes
- You can substitute Ritz crackers with crushed buttery breadcrumbs or saltines.
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper for a bit of heat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of casserole
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 760 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg
