In our Shrimp Casserole recipe, we top a cheesy and creamy shrimp with crunchy bread crumbs that bake up perfectly in the oven. This 30-minute meal is perfect for a holiday table, but easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
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Shrimp Casserole Video Tutorial
This 30-minute Shrimp Casserole comes together quickly for a cheesy, crunchy shrimp bake. Watch me cook and layer this casserole in no time at all!
Easy Shrimp Casserole Recipe
Some of my favorite holiday and party dishes are shrimp, such as Shrimp Cucumber Bites, Shrimp Cakes, and Ceviche – they feel fancy but are super simple to make. This shrimp casserole dish was created from our Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Appetizer, one of our favorite starters to take to potluck events, except this casserole is even easier!
I brought this 30-minute shrimp casserole to my parent’s house to celebrate my Dad’s birthday with my sisters and their families—the ultimate test for my new recipes. He loved it—they all loved it, and nothing was left in the dish! I knew it was a winner.
Tips for Making Shrimp Casserole
This beginner-friendly shrimp casserole comes together in just moments, but here are a few tips to make it even easier:
- Thaw the shrimp properly– If you live near water, fresh shrimp is great, but frozen shrimp work great too for those of us who are land-locked, just be sure to thaw according to package instructions.
- Don’t overcook shrimp – Shrimp cook quickly! I boil for literally 30 seconds. Overcooked shrimp will turn rubbery.
- Remove excess water – the filling won’t stick well to the shrimp and can get runny if they are wet, so be sure to drain any water after boiling. If the shrimp release more water in the oven, use a paper towel to soak up the excess water.
How to Make Shrimp Casserole
This 30-minute shrimp bake comes together quickly and easily. Be sure to keep the shrimp as dry as possible before mixing the filling.
- Prep the baking dish/skillet/casserole with butter, preheat the oven to 375°F. Note on baking dishes: Use either a 2 1/2 qt casserole dish or a 10” deep dish oven-safe skillet. You can also use a 9×9 casserole dish or 9” pie pan.
- Boil Shrimp – Bring a large pot of water to a boil (I filled a 6-qt pot 3/4 full). Add 1 Tbsp each of salt and Old Bay Seasoning to the water, and then add shrimp to the boiling water for 30 seconds. They should be just cooked and opaque, but not overcooked. Remove shrimp with a strainer to a bowl to cool for 10 minutes, then pat dry any liquid on the bottom with a paper towel.
- Mix mayo, garlic powder, and pepper into the shrimp and then stir to be sure the shrimp are covered. Mix the cheeses into the shrimp filling. Spread the shrimp casserole filling into the prepared dish or skillet.
- Melt 1 Tbsp of butter in a measuring cup or bowl, and then mix the breadcrumbs into the melted butter until evenly covered. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the shrimp filling.
- Bake the casserole uncovered in the oven until the center reaches 145°F, around 15 minutes. Then Broil for 1-2 minutes until the breadcrumbs are lightly browned. Rest for 15 minutes before serving.
Pro Tip:
Sometimes, shrimp release extra water when they are overcooked or thawed improperly. If you see extra liquid at the bottom of your casserole after baking, don’t worry—just use a paper towel to soak it up.
What to Serve with Shrimp Casserole
Serve shrimp casserole warm or room temperature, so it is easy to transport to a potluck. We like to serve it alongside starch, such as Rice, Quinoa, Mashed Potatoes, veggies, and crusty bread. Here are a few of our favorite sides:
- Roasted Carrots
- Green Beans Almondine
- Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad
- Caesar Salad
- Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
- Spaghetti Squash
- Sourdough Bread
- Focaccia Bread
Make-Ahead
- Make-Ahead: Spread the filling into the dish in step 3 and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, mix the butter and breadcrumbs to be sure your topping stays crisp.
- To Refrigerate: cover and store leftovers in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days.
- Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing the cooked shrimp casserole.
- To Reheat: Add breadcrumb topping if not already added and reheat in the oven or air fryer.
Try this Shrimp Casserole for your holiday or party menu this year since casseroles are so easy to make, take, and serve a crowd. Your guests will love the decadent, creamy 30-minute casserole recipe with the crispy breadcrumb topping.
More Shrimp Recipes
If you love this shrimp casserole recipe, I know you’ll love these other shrimp recipe favorites.
- Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
- Shrimp Cobb Salad
- Creamy Shrimp Pasta
- Shrimp Fried Rice
- Coconut Shrimp with Dipping Sauce
- Shrimp Alfredo Fettuccine
- Grilled Garlic Cajun Shrimp Skewers
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Shrimp Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs large shrimp, 21-24 count, peeled and deveined
- 1 Tbsp Old Bay Seasoning, plus 1 Tbsp salt for the cooking water
- 2/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 Tbsp butter, plus more to grease the pan
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
- 4 oz shredded mozzarella
- 4 oz shredded medium cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat the oven to 375 ̊F. Grease a 2 1/2 quart casserole dish* or skillet with butter.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.* You can serve it warm or at room temperature. It’s still delicious if you have to transport it to someone’s house for dinner!
Notes
Nutrition Per Serving
Filed Under
Delicious & easy, I followed the recipe exactly as stated and it came out perfect!
I had a small dinner party yesterday and this was part of the starter line up! Thank you for this winning recipe:)
This meal was fantastic! So easy to put together and so creamy delicious! My husband tried it and instantly said, “MAKE MORE!” Thanks for the recipe.
This was amazing, my husband was impressed & that’s a good thing. Thank you!
Was able to cut in half and very tasty. Bought the blackened Old Bay by mistake and think that gave it a little different flavor. Not bad but not what I wanted. Will try with classic Bay next time. Think rice would be a good side. Easy and calls for things most have on hand. Gave a 4 as it was really good but not fantastic. (I am a hard grader!)
Any suggestions on how to increase flavoring as I am allergic to pepper and any products containing it ,ie. paprika etc.
Hi Monica! You could use a Combination of your favorite seasonings. It’s pretty versatile, so you could use garlic powder, onion powder, celery salt, herbs, and omit any pepper seasoning.
This was amazing! So delicious. I used cooked shrimp, but dipped them in boiling water 30 seconds for the Old Bay added flavor. I paper toweled them dry. Everything else as detailed in your recipe. Served over lightly buttered spaghetti. Perfect, so easy, quick, minimal clean-up and delicious! Thank you, love your YT videos…
You’re so Welcome, Dave! I’m so glad you loved it!
Even though I boiled the cooked shrimp for 30 seconds, it came out perfect for me, tender and not rubbery. I baked in a NinjaFoodi at 375 for 15 minutes, no broiling required. Came out perfect!
I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us, Dave!
How did you make it as an appetizer? Both versions look great!
This shrimp casserole dish was created from our Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Appetizer recipe.
Made this for the family today and it was a HIT!!! Everyone raved about how tasty it is and are already requesting I make it again. I love how quick it is the make! Looking forward to the next time we enjoy it!!
It’s in the oven now…smells yummy.
Serving with a cold crispy garlicky Caesar salad.
Made this tonight for dinner and it was a big hit with my friend. Changed some things, use fresh mozzarella cut up very small, and taco cheese mix . Added red pepper flakes. Didn’t have panko bread crumbs , so used ground up Ritz crackers. Sprinkled paprika on top did not need to pop under broiler. Top was buttery and crispy. Served with rice and sautéed spinach.
I feel like this is more of a side than a main, but it was super easy and yummy.
Hi Natasha! I didn’t see the link to the giant pepper grinder…Thanks.
Hi Cindy! You can select SHOP from the menu option at the top of the page where I link my tools in my Amazon shop.
We love shrimp but I have one person who really dislikes mayonnaise. Can you suggest a substitution?
Hi Sue! I haven’t tested an alternative but Greek yogurt or sour cream would likely be the next best options.
How would you modify this dish if you start with cooked shrimp? Thanks 🙂 I love all your recipes that I have tried so far 🙂
Hi Sandy. You could thaw your cooked frozen shrimp under warm water and once it’s thawed and drained well just continue with the recipe.
I am also a shrimp lover. I could eat it every day. I cut this recipe in half. I didn’t have garlic powder, so substituted Salt-Free Garlic and Herb seasoning and Garlic Pepper seasoning. Skipped the mozzarella and subbed Mexican blend shreds. You use what you have, right? I baked it for 8 minutes in my Cuisinart toaster oven/air fryer (on Air Fry) 325°F. (They tend to run hot.) Oh. My. Yumminess! Thank you!!
Thank you for sharing!
Hi!! Thanks for giving what you did in an air fryer. I have an Emerald dutch door combo air fryer and was wondering how long. I also have Mexican blend shredded cheese. I will be using pre-cooked deveined shrimp. Can’t wait to make this. Thanks again for your changes.
Can thawed cooked shrimp be used instead if cooking the shrimp?
Hi! You could thaw your cooked frozen shrimp under warm water and once it’s thawed and drained well just continue with the recipe.
This recipe is absolutely amazing, and will please any seafood lover! Making it again soon!
So glad to hear you loved it, Tatyana!
Delicious 😋 I served this over jasmine rice and topped it with sour cream on top. Definitely make again recipe!
That sounds delicious. Thank you for sharing.
This recipe for shrimp casserole looking great! Must be a good dish for serving,as a meal before hot diner. Thank you,Natasha,I will try for thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving! I hope it’s a hit!
Love shrimp so without any doubt this is a hit with me especially if red pepper flakes are added