Christmas Seafood Casserole Recipe

Shrimp: Peeled and deveined, these provide a tender and juicy texture to the casserole.

Crab meat: Lump crab meat adds a rich, sweet flavor and delicate texture.

Heavy cream: This creates a creamy base for the casserole, adding richness and depth.

Parmesan cheese: Grated parmesan brings a nutty, salty flavor that complements the seafood.

Breadcrumbs: Mixed with melted butter, they form a crispy, golden topping.

Butter: Melted and mixed with breadcrumbs to create a crunchy topping.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and balances the richness.

Garlic powder: Infuses the casserole with a subtle garlic flavor.

When preparing the shrimp and crab meat, ensure they are thoroughly dried with paper towels before mixing them with the heavy cream and parmesan cheese. This helps to prevent excess moisture from diluting the casserole and ensures a creamy, rich texture. Additionally, when mixing the breadcrumbs with the melted butter, make sure every crumb is evenly coated. This will create a perfectly golden and crispy topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy seafood filling.

• peeled and deveined shrimp - Substitute with scallops: Scallops have a similar texture and mild flavor, making them a great alternative to shrimp in a seafood casserole.

• lump crab meat - Substitute with imitation crab meat: Imitation crab meat is more affordable and widely available, though it has a slightly different texture and flavor.

• heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream provides a rich, creamy texture and is a good dairy-free alternative, though it will add a slight coconut flavor.

• grated parmesan cheese - Substitute with grated pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano has a similar salty and nutty flavor, making it a suitable substitute for Parmesan cheese.

• breadcrumbs - Substitute with panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and crispier, providing a similar texture to regular breadcrumbs in a casserole.

• melted butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a healthier alternative to butter, though it will impart a slightly different flavor.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a similar level of saltiness along with a depth of umami flavor.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat level but a slightly different flavor profile, making it a good alternative to black pepper.

• garlic powder - Substitute with fresh minced garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides a more intense and aromatic flavor compared to garlic powder.

• Allow the Christmas seafood casserole to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.
• Transfer the casserole to an airtight container. If you prefer, you can also cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store the casserole in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The shrimp and crab meat will remain fresh and flavorful within this timeframe.
• For longer storage, consider freezing the casserole. Portion the casserole into individual servings to make reheating easier.
• Wrap each portion tightly with plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
• The casserole can be frozen for up to 2 months. Beyond this period, the texture and flavor of the seafood may degrade.
• To reheat, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the quality of the heavy cream and parmesan cheese mixture.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the thawed casserole to an oven-safe dish if it was stored in a different container.
• Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the top from over-browning. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until heated through and bubbly.
• If you prefer a crispier topping, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of reheating. This will help the breadcrumbs regain their golden brown texture.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover Christmas Seafood Casserole in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the seafood from drying out.
  4. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is warmed through and bubbly.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the breadcrumb topping.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Transfer a portion of the casserole to a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
  3. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, then stir to ensure even heating.
  4. Continue heating in 1-minute intervals until the casserole is hot throughout.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Place a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil to the skillet.
  3. Add the leftover Christmas Seafood Casserole to the skillet.
  4. Stir occasionally, heating for about 5-7 minutes, or until the seafood is warmed through and the cream sauce is bubbly.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the casserole in a toaster oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover with aluminum foil to keep the seafood moist.
  4. Heat for 15-20 minutes, removing the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the breadcrumb topping.

• Steam Method:

  1. Place the casserole in a heatproof dish that fits inside a steamer basket.
  2. Fill a pot with a few inches of water and bring to a simmer.
  3. Place the steamer basket over the simmering water.
  4. Cover and steam for about 10-15 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through.

• Oven: Used to bake the casserole at a consistent temperature of 350°F (175°C).

• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining the shrimp, crab meat, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

• Baking dish: Used to transfer the mixed seafood and cream mixture for baking.

• Separate bowl: Needed to mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring the salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

• Spatula: Useful for mixing ingredients together in the bowls.

• Spoon: Handy for sprinkling the breadcrumb mixture over the seafood mixture.

• Knife: If any additional chopping or preparation is needed for the seafood.

• Cutting board: Provides a surface for any chopping or preparation of ingredients.

• Oven mitts: Important for safely handling the hot baking dish when removing it from the oven.

Pre-prep ingredients: Peel and devein the shrimp and pick through the crab meat the night before to save time.

Use pre-grated cheese: Opt for pre-grated parmesan cheese to cut down on prep work.

Ready-made breadcrumbs: Use store-bought breadcrumbs to avoid making your own.

Mix in advance: Combine the seafood mixture and cream ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.

One-bowl method: Mix everything in one bowl to minimize cleanup.