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If you’ve been searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing seafood dish that’s effortless to prepare but full of flavor and texture, look no further than this Shrimp Casserole with Cheesy Panko Topping Recipe. It’s the perfect combination of tender shrimp, a creamy garlicky base, and a golden, crunchy topping that adds just the right amount of indulgence to every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a potluck, or a casual get-together, this casserole knows how to make everyone feel right at home with its buttery, cheesy goodness and that delightful crunch on top.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Shrimp Casserole with Cheesy Panko Topping Recipe comes together with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Each one plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and crispy textures and deepening the overall taste with just the right seasoning.
- Large shrimp (2 lbs): Make sure they’re peeled and deveined for easy eating and a tender bite.
- Old Bay Seasoning (1 Tbsp plus 1 Tbsp salt for cooking water): This classic blend infuses the shrimp with a subtle spicy, herbal note that’s signature to seafood dishes.
- Mayonnaise (2/3 cup): Adds a creamy richness that coats the shrimp perfectly without overwhelming them.
- Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): Offers a mild garlic flavor that pairs perfectly with the shrimp and cheese.
- Ground black pepper (1/2 tsp): Adds a gentle kick to brighten the dish.
- Butter (1 Tbsp plus more for greasing): Enhances depth and richness, especially in the panko topping.
- Panko bread crumbs (1/2 cup): These create that irresistible crunch you’ll find on top of the casserole.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (4 oz): Melts beautifully and adds gooey creaminess.
- Shredded medium cheddar cheese (4 oz): Brings a sharp, bold flavor that balances the mozzarella and mayonnaise.
How to Make Shrimp Casserole with Cheesy Panko Topping Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Grease Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Then generously grease a 2 1/2-quart casserole dish or oven-safe skillet with butter. This little step ensures your casserole won’t stick and will have a lovely golden crust on the edges.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and season it with 1 tablespoon of salt and 1 tablespoon of Old Bay Seasoning. This seasons the shrimp right from the start, infusing them with flavor as they cook. Add the shrimp and let them cook for just about 30 seconds, or until they turn opaque. Be careful not to overcook them—they should stay tender and juicy. Quickly strain and transfer the shrimp to a large bowl to cool, then drain off any excess liquid so your casserole won’t become watery.
Step 3: Mix the Shrimp with Mayonnaise and Cheese
Now the fun part: add the mayonnaise, garlic powder, and black pepper directly into the bowl with the shrimp. Toss gently until every piece is beautifully coated in this creamy, slightly spiced mixture. Then sprinkle in your shredded mozzarella and cheddar, stirring once more to make sure the cheese is evenly distributed. This combo is what makes this Shrimp Casserole with Cheesy Panko Topping Recipe so darn irresistible.
Step 4: Add the Shrimp Mixture to the Dish
Transfer your cheesy shrimp mixture to the prepared casserole dish, smoothing it out evenly. This even layer ensures each bite has the perfect balance of shrimp and sauce underneath that crunchy topping.
Step 5: Prepare and Add the Panko Topping
In a small bowl or measuring cup, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and stir in the panko bread crumbs until they’re evenly coated. This step is key to giving you that toasty, golden topping. Sprinkle the buttery crumbs evenly over the shrimp mixture, creating that crave-worthy crunch layer.
Step 6: Bake and Broil to Perfection
Bake the casserole uncovered at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 13 to 15 minutes until the center reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit, making sure everything is heated through and the cheese is melty. For that finishing touch, switch to the broil setting and toast the panko topping for 1 to 2 minutes or until it’s deeply golden and crispy. Let the casserole rest for about 15 minutes before serving; this resting time lets the flavors meld beautifully.
How to Serve Shrimp Casserole with Cheesy Panko Topping Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few twists of cracked black pepper on top adds a pop of color and fresh flavor that contrasts nicely with the rich casserole. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving can also brighten every bite and add a lovely zestiness that pairs perfectly with shrimp.
Side Dishes
This shrimp casserole shines when paired with simple, fresh sides. Think a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette, roasted asparagus, or steamed green beans. If you want something heartier, buttery mashed potatoes or fragrant rice pilaf soak up the creamy sauce beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party option, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or small cast-iron skillets so everyone has their own perfectly portioned dish. You can also spoon it over toasted baguette slices for an upscale appetizer or serve alongside a chilled glass of crisp white wine for a cozy weekend dinner that feels special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Shrimp Casserole with Cheesy Panko Topping Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cool it completely before storing to maintain the creamy texture and prevent sogginess.
Freezing
If you’d like to save some for later, this casserole freezes nicely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, bake the casserole covered with foil at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through, about 15 to 20 minutes. Removing the foil in the last few minutes of reheating will help revive that crisp panko topping. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crunchy texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking. This helps prevent excess moisture in your casserole, keeping it from getting watery.
Is this dish spicy?
Not overly. The Old Bay Seasoning adds a gentle warmth and aromatic quality, but it’s far from spicy hot. You can adjust the seasoning to suit your taste or add a pinch of cayenne if you like a little extra kick.
Can I substitute the mayonnaise with something else?
You can try using sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangier twist, but mayonnaise provides the best creamy texture and helps bind the shrimp and cheese together. If substituting, be mindful that the overall flavor and consistency may change slightly.
What type of cheese works best for the topping?
The cheese in this recipe is mixed into the shrimp, not the topping. But using shredded mozzarella and medium cheddar gives you the perfect gooey melt and bold flavor. For the topping, only panko and butter are used to keep it light and crispy.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Simply replace regular panko bread crumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free crackers. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this Shrimp Casserole with Cheesy Panko Topping Recipe enough—it’s truly one of those dishes that always delivers comfort, flavor, and a little bit of wow on your dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for guests or a cozy night in, its creamy layers and crunchy topping always get rave reviews. Give it a try and watch this classic get added to your regular rotation in no time!
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Shrimp Casserole with Cheesy Panko Topping Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This delicious Shrimp Casserole is an easy-to-make dish featuring tender, lightly seasoned shrimp combined with creamy mayonnaise and cheese, topped with buttery panko breadcrumbs baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a family dinner or gathering, this casserole offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 2 lbs large shrimp
- 1 Tbsp Old Bay Seasoning (plus 1 Tbsp salt for the cooking water)
Mix-Ins
- 2/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 4 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 oz shredded medium cheddar cheese
Topping
- 1 Tbsp butter (plus more to grease the pan)
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Butter a 2 1/2 quart casserole dish or skillet to prevent sticking and for extra flavor.
- Cook Shrimp: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1 Tbsp salt along with 1 Tbsp Old Bay Seasoning. Add the shrimp and cook for only 30 seconds, or just until the shrimp turn opaque and are cooked through. Quickly strain and transfer the shrimp to a large mixing bowl. Allow them to cool slightly, then drain any excess water either by pouring off or blotting with paper towels.
- Mix Shrimp with Seasonings and Cheese: Add mayonnaise, garlic powder, and black pepper to the shrimp and stir well to coat. Sprinkle in the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses and stir again until fully combined. Transfer this mixture into your prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
- Prepare Topping: Melt 1 Tbsp butter in a separate bowl or measuring cup, then stir in the panko bread crumbs until they are evenly moistened. Sprinkle this breadcrumb mixture evenly over the shrimp layer.
- Bake and Broil: Bake the casserole uncovered at 375°F for 13-15 minutes, or until the center reaches 145°F on an instant-read thermometer. For a beautifully browned crust, broil the casserole for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before serving. This dish can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making it convenient for transporting to dinners.
Notes
- Use fresh or thawed shrimp for best results; avoid overcooking shrimp to keep them tender.
- Resting the casserole before serving helps the flavors meld and the cheese to set.
- You can substitute the cheeses with your favorites, but mozzarella and cheddar provide a great balance of melt and sharpness.
- Greasing the casserole dish with butter adds flavor and helps prevent sticking.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead and reheated gently before serving.
