Description
This Shrimp Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish packed with juicy shrimp, flavorful spices, and a crispy golden topping. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this easy-to-make casserole offers a rich and satisfying meal with a blend of tender shrimp, fluffy rice, and savory seasonings, all baked to perfection with melted cheddar and a buttery breadcrumb crust.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Base
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup cooked white rice
Cheese and Dairy
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
Seasonings and Flavoring
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Topping
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are fully cooked. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Make the Casserole Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Combine Ingredients: Gently fold the cooked rice and shrimp into the creamy mixture, ensuring everything is evenly distributed without breaking the shrimp.
- Assemble the Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and transfer the mixture into it. Spread it out evenly.
- Add Cheese Layer: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole mixture to form a cheesy layer.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with the breadcrumbs until the crumbs are thoroughly coated.
- Add Breadcrumb Topping: Sprinkle the buttery breadcrumb mixture over the cheese layer to create a crispy topping after baking.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and bubbly around the edges.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to set. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, then serve warm.
Notes
- Make it Spicy: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the casserole mixture for a spicy kick.
- Cheese Blend: Substitute or mix cheddar with mozzarella, Parmesan, or Monterey Jack cheese for extra richness and flavor.
- Vegetable Additions: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach into the casserole for added nutrition and texture.
- Low-Carb Option: Use cauliflower rice instead of white rice to reduce carbohydrates.
- Extra Crispy Topping: Broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of baking to crisp up the breadcrumb topping further.
