Easy Seafood Casserole

Name: Easy Seafood Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-484717H32M41S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Seafood mix (shrimp, scallops, white fish); Cream of mushroom soup; Mayonnaise; Sour cream; Shredded cheddar cheese; Plain breadcrumbs; Melted butter; Salt; Pepper; Seafood seasoning (optional, e.g., Old Bay or paprika)

Recipe By:

jesseca

Posted:

April 14, 2025

Updated:

April 14, 2025

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Easy Seafood Casserole: A Cozy Recipe for Any Night

There’s something truly delightful about the aroma of creamy, cheesy seafood roasting in the oven that transforms any evening into a special occasion. This Easy Seafood Casserole is warm, indulgent, and filled with succulent shrimp, flaky fish, and a rich sauce that melds it all perfectly.

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Easy Seafood Casserole: A Cozy Recipe for Any Night
Why You’ll Love This Easy Seafood Casserole
Ingredients Notes
How To Make This Easy Seafood Casserole
Storage Options
Variations and Substitutions
More Easy Main Dishes Recipes:
📖 Recipe Card

The first time I prepared this dish was on a whim, aiming to use a mix of frozen seafood before it went bad. What I thought would be a simple meal turned into a family favorite, making regular appearances at our dining table. It’s quick, comforting, and simple enough for a weeknight, yet it looks impressive enough for guests.

Let’s explore why this casserole deserves a consistent place in your dinner lineup.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Seafood Casserole

Get ready to adore a meal that’s as comforting as it is straightforward to prepare. This Easy Seafood Casserole fulfills all the requirements for a family-friendly feast.

First off, this recipe is incredibly easy. With just a bit of chopping and a quick blend of ingredients, your oven handles the rest. No elaborate preparations or tricky techniques—just layer, bake, and enjoy.

It’s also remarkably budget-friendly, especially when you opt for frozen mixed seafood. You get the luxurious taste of a restaurant dish without a hefty price tag. Perfect for satisfying seafood cravings without overspending.

Another significant advantage? It’s family-friendly. Even the pickiest of eaters usually relish this casserole due to its creamy consistency and mild, reassuring flavor. Pair it with garlic bread or a refreshing green salad, and you have a well-rounded meal ready in under an hour.

Lastly, this dish is versatile. Feel free to swap in different types of seafood, adjust the creaminess levels, or add some heat if your family enjoys a kick. The fundamental recipe is adaptable to your preferences and pantry items.

Once you discover how easy and rewarding this casserole is, it’ll become a staple in your meal rotation. Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that contribute to its deliciousness.

Ingredients Notes

What makes this casserole exceptional is how a handful of basic ingredients come together to form a hearty and flavorful dish. Each component plays a vital role in creating a creamy, savory bake that feels indulgent yet effortless.

Seafood mix serves as the cornerstone of the recipe. I typically use a frozen blend of shrimp, scallops, and flaky white fish, but feel free to use any combination you prefer. Just ensure everything is completely thawed and patted dry before cooking to avoid a watery casserole.

Cream of mushroom soup introduces that classic casserole creaminess without much effort. It melds beautifully with the seafood and offers a subtle umami richness. If you’re not a fan, consider using cream of celery or cream of shrimp soup as great alternatives.

Mayonnaise and sour cream contribute a creamy, tangy foundation that unites all the ingredients. This combination adds richness without overshadowing the delicate seafood flavor. It’s important not to skip either—these ingredients are essential for the casserole’s luxurious texture.

Cheddar cheese provides that irresistible golden, gooey top layer. I recommend sharp cheddar for an added flavor punch that contrasts nicely with the creamy base. A light sprinkle on top before baking makes all the difference.

You’ll also need a simple breadcrumb topping for added texture. Just mix plain breadcrumbs with melted butter and some seasoning. It introduces a crunchy contrast to the tender, creamy center.

No specialized equipment is necessary—just a 9×13-inch baking dish and a mixing bowl. If anyone in your household has a seafood allergy, be sure to check the labels on all canned or packaged ingredients.

How To Make This Easy Seafood Casserole

Crafting this seafood casserole couldn’t be simpler. With just a few steps and minimal cleanup, you’ll have a comforting dish ready for dinner in no time.

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. While the oven warms up, gently thaw your seafood if it’s frozen. Drain any excess moisture and pat it dry with paper towels to prevent a soggy casserole.

In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, sour cream, and a handful of shredded cheddar cheese. Season with a few dashes of salt, pepper, and your preferred seafood seasoning (like Old Bay or paprika) to taste.

Gently fold in your seafood mix, ensuring everything is well-coated in the creamy sauce. Transfer the entire mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.

Now it’s time for the cheesy, crunchy topping. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar on top, followed by a mixture of breadcrumbs and melted butter. For a finishing touch, I like to sprinkle a little paprika for both color and flavor.

Bake uncovered for about 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole bubbles around the edges. If you desire an extra-crispy top, you can broil it for 2-3 minutes at the end—just keep an eye on it.

From start to finish, you’ll be looking at a total time of about 45 minutes. Once it’s out of the oven, allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the sauce set, making it easier to scoop out portions.

Storage Options

One of the greatest benefits of this dish is how well it stores, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers.

If you have any leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day.

To freeze, portion the cooled casserole into individual servings and store in freezer-safe containers. It can last for up to 2 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat portions in the microwave on medium power to avoid overcooking the seafood. For a crispier top, place it in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes instead.

Try to avoid reheating more than once to maintain the delicate texture of the seafood.

Variations and Substitutions

This casserole is incredibly forgiving and easy to adjust based on what you have on hand—or what you’re craving.

If seafood isn’t your preference, consider making this with cooked chicken or turkey. Just shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces before mixing it into the creamy base.

For a lighter version, replace the mayo and sour cream with plain Greek yogurt. This keeps the dish creamy while reducing fat content and adding a hint of tang.

Want to incorporate some veggies? Toss in a layer of steamed broccoli, peas, or spinach before adding the cheese topping. They blend in beautifully and enhance the nutrition of the dish.

If cheddar isn’t your favorite, try grated Parmesan, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses. Each option provides a different flavor and melt quality to the casserole.

If you enjoy a little spice, mix in a teaspoon of hot sauce or a dash of cayenne pepper into the creamy base. It imparts a gentle heat that pairs remarkably with the seafood.

No matter how you decide to tweak it, this casserole is a true winner. Don’t hesitate to experiment—after all, the best recipes are the ones you make your own!

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