Name: Crab and Shrimp Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound lump crabmeat; 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 3 tablespoons butter; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1 small bell pepper, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup mayonnaise or sour cream; 2 large eggs, lightly beaten; 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or seafood seasoning); ½ teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon salt (to taste); ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided); ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided); ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided); ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping); Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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This Crab and Shrimp Casserole is one of my favorite seafood comfort dishes. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender crabmeat and juicy shrimp, all baked together into a golden, bubbly casserole. It feels rich and indulgent, yet it’s easy enough to make for a weeknight dinner or special enough to serve at a gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this casserole because it brings the best of both worlds: hearty seafood flavor and cozy, oven-baked comfort. The shrimp and crab are perfectly balanced with a creamy sauce and a cheesy topping that gets crisp in the oven. It’s versatile, too—I can serve it with rice, pasta, or just a simple green salad.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 pound lump crabmeat
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 small bell pepper, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup mayonnaise or sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or seafood seasoning)
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt (to taste)
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

I preheat my oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a skillet, I melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the onion, bell pepper, and garlic until softened, about 3–4 minutes. I let it cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, I combine the crabmeat, shrimp, mayonnaise (or sour cream), eggs, sautéed vegetables, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. I fold everything together gently so I don’t break up the crab too much.
I stir in half of the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, reserving the rest for the topping.
I spread the mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish. I top it with the remaining cheeses and sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top if I want extra crunch.
I bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and golden on top.
I let it cool for about 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings. From start to finish, it takes around 50 minutes—15 minutes of prep and 35 minutes to bake.

Variations

I sometimes add a splash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper for a spicier version.
When I want more depth, I mix in sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
Ritz cracker crumbs make a delicious topping instead of breadcrumbs.
I’ve swapped cheddar for Gruyère or Swiss cheese for a more elegant flavor.
For a lighter take, I’ve used Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise.

Storage/Reheating

Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I reheat them in the oven at 325°F until warmed through to keep the topping crisp, though the microwave works in a pinch. I don’t recommend freezing since seafood can become rubbery after thawing.

FAQs

Can I use canned crabmeat?

Yes, I sometimes use good-quality canned crabmeat when fresh isn’t available. I just make sure to drain it well.

Should I cook the shrimp before adding to the casserole?

No, I add them raw since they cook perfectly in the oven with the casserole.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, I assemble it up to a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. I bake it the next day, adding a few extra minutes of cook time.

What can I serve with crab and shrimp casserole?

I usually pair it with rice, garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.

Can I make this without mayonnaise?

Yes, sour cream or Greek yogurt works as a creamy binder. It slightly changes the flavor but keeps the texture rich.

Conclusion

This Crab and Shrimp Casserole is one of those dishes that feels special yet comes together with little effort. The creamy sauce, melty cheese, and tender seafood make every bite comforting and satisfying. Whether I’m cooking for family, friends, or just treating myself, this casserole always feels like a celebration.