This creamy shrimp bake combines tender seafood with a rich cheese blend and a crunchy golden topping. It is a versatile dish that prepares quickly, making it ideal for both holiday gatherings and simple weeknight meals.
List of ingredients
- 2 lbs large shrimp – peeled and deveined, preferably 21-24 count
- 1 Tbsp Old Bay Seasoning – used for both the boiling water and flavor
- 1 Tbsp salt – for the shrimp cooking water
- 2/3 cup mayonnaise – creates the creamy base
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder – adds a savory depth
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper – for a subtle spice
- 1 Tbsp butter – plus extra for greasing the baking pan
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs – for a light, crispy crust
- 4 oz shredded mozzarella – provides a gooey stretch
- 4 oz shredded medium cheddar cheese – adds a sharp, salty flavor
step-by-step instructions
- Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat your oven to 375 °F. Grease a 2 1/2 quart casserole dish or an oven-safe skillet with butter to prevent sticking.
- Boil the shrimp: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, stirring in 1 Tbsp of salt and 1 Tbsp of Old Bay Seasoning. Add the shrimp and cook for exactly 30 seconds or until they just become opaque and cooked through.
- Drain and dry: Immediately remove the shrimp with a strainer and place them in a large mixing bowl. Let them cool for several minutes, then drain any accumulated water or use paper towels to pat the shrimp completely dry.
- Mix the filling: Add the mayonnaise, garlic powder, and black pepper to the shrimp, stirring until they are evenly coated. Sprinkle in the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese, stirring again to combine.
- Fill the dish: Transfer the shrimp and cheese mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure consistent baking.
- Prepare the topping: In a small bowl or measuring cup, melt 1 Tbsp of butter and stir in the panko bread crumbs until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the shrimp.
- Bake and broil: Bake uncovered at 375 °F for 13-15 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer shows the center has reached 145 °F. Turn on the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes to brown the breadcrumbs.
- Rest and serve: Let the casserole rest for 15 minutes before serving. This dish can be served warm or at room temperature.
Expert Tips for Shrimp Preparation
Properly Thawing Frozen Shrimp
If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight or place them in a bowl of cold water for about 20 minutes. Ensure they are fully thawed before boiling to ensure they cook evenly in the short 30-second window.
Avoiding Rubbery Texture
Shrimp cook extremely fast and become rubbery if overexposed to heat. Stick to the 30-second boiling time and the 145 °F internal temperature to maintain a tender, succulent bite.
Removing Excess Moisture
Moisture is the enemy of a thick casserole filling. Always pat the boiled shrimp dry with paper towels before adding the mayonnaise and cheese to prevent the sauce from becoming runny or separating during baking.
Alternative Ingredient Options
Substituting Panko with Other Crumbs
If panko is unavailable, you can use traditional seasoned breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers. Panko provides a lighter crunch, while traditional crumbs offer a denser, more uniform crust.
Choosing Different Cheese Varieties
While mozzarella and cheddar are classic, you can substitute mozzarella with Monterey Jack for a milder flavor. For a sharper taste, try using extra-sharp white cheddar or a small amount of parmesan for extra saltiness.
Using Different Seasoning Blends
If you do not have Old Bay, a mixture of paprika, celery salt, and a pinch of cayenne pepper can mimic the flavor. Ensure any substitute is balanced and not overly salty, as the cheese already adds significant sodium.
Suggested Side Dishes
Best Grains for Pairing
Serve this casserole over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or quinoa to soak up the creamy cheese sauce. Mashed potatoes also work well as a hearty base for this rich seafood dish.
Fresh Vegetable Accompaniments
Balance the richness of the casserole with steamed green beans almondine or roasted carrots. A crisp Caesar salad or a tomato cucumber mozzarella salad adds a refreshing acidity that cuts through the mayonnaise base.
Adding a Crusty Bread Side
Warm sourdough bread or garlic focaccia is excellent for scooping up any remaining cheese sauce from the plate. Toast the bread with a bit of olive oil and garlic for extra flavor.
Storage and Preservation Guidelines
Refrigeration Instructions
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. Keep the container tightly sealed to prevent the shrimp from absorbing other odors in the fridge.
Why You Should Avoid Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this specific recipe. The mayonnaise-based sauce and the texture of the pre-cooked shrimp tend to degrade, leading to a watery consistency and rubbery seafood upon thawing.
Reheating for Optimal Quality
Oven Reheating Method
To maintain the crunch of the topping, reheat portions in the oven at 350 °F until warmed through. If the topping has softened, a quick broil for 60 seconds can restore the crispiness.
Using an Air Fryer
An air fryer is a fast way to reheat individual servings while keeping the panko topping crisp. Heat at 325 °F for 3-5 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
Advanced Preparation Advice
Assembling the Dish in Advance
You can prepare the shrimp and cheese filling and spread it into the dish up to 24 hours before baking. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and keep it refrigerated until you are ready to bake.
Adding the Topping at the Last Minute
If making the dish ahead of time, do not add the buttered breadcrumbs until just before the casserole goes into the oven. This prevents the crumbs from absorbing moisture from the filling and becoming soggy.
Common Troubleshooting Solutions
Managing Excess Liquid After Baking
Some shrimp release water during the baking process, especially if they were thawed improperly. If you see liquid pooling at the bottom of the dish, gently soak it up with a clean paper towel before serving.
Preventing Burnt Toppings
Since the broiler can heat up very quickly, stay by the oven during the final browning phase. Remove the casserole the moment the panko turns golden brown to avoid burning the butter in the crumbs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use small shrimp instead of large?
Yes, you can use small shrimp, but you must reduce the boiling time to 15-20 seconds. Small shrimp overcook almost instantly, so monitor them closely to prevent them from shrinking and becoming tough.
Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
You can substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative and use vegan shreds for the mozzarella and cheddar. Ensure the vegan cheese has a high melt point to achieve a similar creamy consistency.
How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?
The shrimp are done when they change from translucent to opaque and curl into a ‘C’ shape. If they curl tightly into an ‘O’ shape, they are likely overcooked.
Can I use a different baking dish?
Yes, a 9×9 inch square casserole dish or a 9-inch pie pan works well. Just ensure the filling is spread evenly to avoid some areas being undercooked while others are overdone.
Print
Cheesy Baked Shrimp Casserole with Panko Topping
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: General
Description
This Shrimp Casserole has creamy cheesy shrimp baked under crisp buttery bread crumbs. It’s so easy to throw this together – it’s done in about 30 minutes and it’s such a treat to make for the holidays but simple enough for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs large shrimp
- 1 Tbsp Old Bay Seasoning
- 1 Tbsp salt
- 2/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 Tbsp butter (plus more for greasing)
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
- 4 oz shredded mozzarella
- 4 oz shredded medium cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375 ̊F. Grease a 2 1/2 quart casserole dish or skillet with butter.
- Step 2: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1 Tbsp salt and 1 Tbsp Old Bay Seasoning. Add the shrimp and cook for 30 seconds or just when the shrimp are opaque and cooked through. Immediately remove with a strainer and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Let it cool for a few minutes then drain off any water that collects at the bottom of the bowl, or use a paper towel to soak up any liquid at the bottom of the bowl.
- Step 3: Into the shrimp, add mayo, garlic powder, and black pepper and stir to coat the shrimp. Sprinkle on the cheese and stir again to combine. Transfer the shrimp mixture to your prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly into the pan.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl or measuring cup, melt 1 Tbsp butter and stir in 1/2 cup bread crumbs until crumbs are evenly moistened. Sprinkle crumbs over the shrimp.
- Step 5: Bake uncovered at 375 ̊F for 13-15 minutes or until the center reaches 145 ̊F on an instant-read thermometer then broil for 1 to 2 minutes to brown the crumbs. Rest for 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
If you see excess liquid in your casserole, soak it up with a paper towel. Baking dish options include a 2 1/2 quart casserole dish, 10-inch deep dish oven-safe skillet, 9×9 casserole dish, or 9-inch pie pan. To make ahead, spread filling in the pan, cover, and refrigerate for up to 3 days before topping and baking. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and reheat in the oven or air fryer.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 354 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 474 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 220 mg
Keywords: shrimp bake, shrimp casserole, shrimp casserole recipe
