Name: Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 38 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on, butterflied); 1 cup Ritz cracker crumbs or buttery breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; Lemon wedges

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If you’re searching for the ultimate crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for special occasions and simple weeknights alike, look no further than this Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole. Imagine plump, tender shrimp hugging a rich, buttery cracker and Parmesan stuffing, all baked until golden and aromatic, then finished with a zesty splash of lemon. This delightful dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor straight from your own kitchen, and it’s surprisingly easy to pull together. Whether you’re hosting a festive holiday dinner or just craving something special, this Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is in its straightforward list of ingredients. Each element brings something vital to the table, whether it’s the crunch of buttery crumbs, the zing of fresh lemon, or the unmistakable sweetness of shrimp. Here’s what you’ll need, and why you shouldn’t skip any of them:

Large shrimp (1 1/2 pounds, peeled and deveined, tails on, butterflied): Choose large shrimp for easy stuffing and a juicy bite in every forkful.
Ritz cracker crumbs or buttery breadcrumbs (1 cup): These form the crisp, golden topping that makes every bite irresistible; Ritz crackers give a rich, nostalgic flavor, while panko will add even more crunch if you like.
Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Adds a nutty, salty layer that plays perfectly against the sweetness of the shrimp.
Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons, melted): Infuses the topping with richness and helps everything crisp up beautifully in the oven.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Balances the richness of the butter and keeps the casserole moist without being heavy.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Offers up that savory kick every good seafood dish needs—don’t skimp!
Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Brings color and a pop of freshness that brightens up the whole casserole.
Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Just the right amount of citrus to wake up all the flavors in the dish.
Old Bay seasoning (1 teaspoon): Delivers classic seafood flavor with a gentle, aromatic heat that’s never overpowering.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds just a touch of warmth and depth to both the shrimp and the stuffing.
Lemon wedges (for serving): Essential for that final squeeze of brightness just before serving.

How to Make Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing your favorite 9×13-inch baking dish. This little step ensures the shrimp won’t stick, and cleanup is a breeze. A generously sized dish also gives enough room for all the shrimp to lie flat in a single layer, which helps them cook evenly and lets the topping crisp up just right.

Step 2: Arrange the Shrimp

Lay out your butterflied shrimp in the prepared dish, cut side up and tails left on for a lovely presentation. By opening up each shrimp, you create a perfect little pocket for the savory stuffing to sit, so make sure they’re nestled close but not overlapping.

Step 3: Make the Stuffing

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cracker crumbs or buttery breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir until it looks well mixed and every crumb is glistening with flavor. This mixture is the heart and soul of your Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole, bringing richness, crunch, and layers of seasoning.

Step 4: Stuff the Shrimp

Use a heaping teaspoon of stuffing for each butterflied shrimp, pressing it gently into the opening to secure it. Don’t worry if a little spills off to the side—those extra crispy bits are irresistible! Drizzle any leftover stuffing mixture over the shrimp for even more flavor and texture throughout the casserole.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide your casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until the shrimp are pink and opaque and the topping is golden brown and crispy. Your kitchen will fill with the most incredible aroma, signaling your Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole is just about ready to serve.

How to Serve Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole

Garnishes

For an elegant finishing touch, shower your casserole with extra chopped parsley and set out plenty of fresh lemon wedges. A bit of citrus squeezed over each serving brightens up the richness and perfectly complements the savory stuffing and shrimp. If you’re feeling fancy, a light dusting of additional Parmesan cheese on top just before serving is always welcome!

Side Dishes

This Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad (think arugula, spinach, or mixed greens with a light vinaigrette). For something hearty, try it with buttered rice pilaf or a medley of roasted seasonal vegetables. Garlic bread or warm baguette slices are perfect for scooping up every bit of buttery, herby goodness from the dish.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to make this dish the centerpiece of your next gathering? Serve individual shrimp portions on small appetizer plates or layer them atop a bed of lemony linguine for a restaurant-style presentation. Another fun idea: spoon a little extra stuffing into sea shell-shaped ramekins, place a stuffed shrimp on top, and bake for personal-size servings that are as adorable as they are impressive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be sure to cool the casserole completely before storing, and gently spoon it into a container to help preserve the crispy topping as much as possible.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze this casserole, assemble the dish up to the point of baking, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake it straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time, until the shrimp are fully cooked and the topping is golden.

Reheating

To reheat, place leftovers in a baking dish, cover loosely with foil, and warm in a 325°F (163°C) oven for about 10-12 minutes. Removing the foil for the last couple of minutes will help the topping reclaim some of its original crispness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the topping soggy and the shrimp rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole?

Absolutely! Just thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before butterflying and arranging in the baking dish. Drain off any excess liquid to ensure the stuffing stays crisp and not soggy.

Is it okay to substitute panko for the Ritz cracker crumbs?

Yes, panko makes a wonderfully crispy topping if you want extra crunch. Ritz crackers, however, bring a buttery, nostalgic flavor that’s hard to beat. Both work beautifully, so go with your personal favorite!

How do I butterfly shrimp for this recipe?

To butterfly shrimp, slice into the back of each peeled shrimp (leave the tail on) with a sharp knife, cutting almost all the way through, and then gently open it up like a book. This gives plenty of space for the stuffing and helps the shrimp stay juicy as they bake.

Can I prepare Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole ahead of time?

You can assemble the casserole up to a day before you plan to serve it. Simply cover and refrigerate, then bake as directed when you’re ready. It makes entertaining a breeze and lets you enjoy the party, too.

What can I do if I don’t have Old Bay seasoning?

If Old Bay isn’t on hand, you can use a mix of paprika, celery salt, ground mustard, and a dash of cayenne pepper instead. It won’t be exactly the same, but you’ll still get wonderful savory flavor that works beautifully with shrimp.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about sharing a bubbling, golden Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole with the people you love. So whether you’re planning a celebratory meal or just looking for a way to brighten up your dinner routine, don’t hesitate to give this dish a try. I promise it’ll become one of your seafood favorites in no time!

Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 38 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in this flavorful Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole that features succulent shrimp topped with a crispy, savory mixture. A delightful seafood dish perfect for a special dinner or holiday feast.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Shrimp:

1 1/2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on, butterflied)

For the Stuffing:

1 cup Ritz cracker crumbs or buttery breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For Serving:

Lemon wedges

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Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare shrimp: Arrange butterflied shrimp in the dish.
Make stuffing: Mix cracker crumbs, Parmesan cheese, butter, olive oil, garlic, parsley, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, and pepper. Spoon mixture onto shrimp.
Bake: Bake for 15–18 minutes until shrimp are pink and topping is golden.
Serve: Serve hot with lemon wedges.