Description
This Easy Seafood Casserole is a comforting dish that combines tender seafood with a rich, creamy sauce, all topped with a crispy golden crust. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, it brings gourmet flavors to your table effortlessly.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound white fish (cod, haddock, pollock, or tilapia), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 pound medium shrimp (31–40 count), peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons butter (for sautéing)
- 2 tablespoons butter (for topping)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 stalk celery, finely diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or dill, for garnish
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If using frozen fish or shrimp, ensure it’s completely thawed and pat it dry with paper towels. Cut your white fish into roughly 1-inch pieces and, if your shrimp are large, cut them in half. Finely dice your onion and celery. Get your milk, cheese, and seasonings measured out, and crush your crackers for the topping. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Sprinkle the flour over the softened vegetables in the pot and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to prevent lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens and comes to a gentle simmer, about 3-5 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat.
- Stir in the Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper into the hot sauce. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan until completely melted and smooth.
- Gently fold the prepared white fish and shrimp into the creamy sauce along with the frozen peas. Be careful not to overmix.
- Pour the entire seafood mixture evenly into your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a small bowl, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the crushed cracker crumbs and toss gently until evenly coated. Sprinkle this buttery crumb mixture evenly over the top of the seafood casserole.
- Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
- Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
Keywords: Don't overcook the seafood initially as it will continue to cook in the hot sauce and then bake in the oven. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill can elevate the dish, and a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the flavors. Consider adding more vegetables or a starch layer for a heartier casserole.