Bayou Seafood Casserole
Bayou Seafood Casserole combines tender shrimp, crab meat, and flavorful seasonings with a creamy cheese sauce, baked to perfection with a crispy topping. This hearty dish offers a taste of Louisiana's bayou cuisine, perfect for seafood lovers and family gatherings seeking a comforting, savory meal.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. cream cheese
- 1 stick oleo ⓘ
- 1 lb. peeled shrimp
- 1 pint crab meat ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 bell pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 2 ribs celery, chopped
- 1 cup cooked rice ⓘ
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 small can mushrooms, drained ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon garlic salt
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper ⓘ
- 1 cup sharp grated cheese ⓘ
- 1 c. sharp grated cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt the cream cheese and oleo in the top of a double boiler.
- Sauté the shrimp, chopped onion, chopped bell pepper, and chopped celery in 2 tablespoons of oleo.
- Add the melted cream cheese and oleo to the sautéed mixture.
- Blend well until combined.
- Add the cream of mushroom soup, drained mushrooms, seasonings, crab meat, and cooked rice.
- Blend all ingredients thoroughly.
- Pour the mixture into an oiled 2-quart casserole dish.
- Top with grated sharp cheese and cracker crumbs.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 to 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of milk or cream to the mixture before baking. If you don’t have crab meat on hand, canned tuna can be a good substitute, though it will alter the flavor profile. To save time, pre-cooked shrimp can be used. This casserole is a great way to utilize leftovers from dishes like Easy Baked Shrimp.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For a more festive touch, serve it alongside some Shrimp Toasts for an elevated seafood experience. A chilled white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, complements the richness of the dish perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bayou Seafood Casserole contains roughly 402 calories, with 16g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (56% of the Daily Value), protein (31% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1058mg per serving (46% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature before placing it in the oven. This makes it a perfect dish for meal prepping or entertaining.
What can I substitute for the cream of mushroom soup?
If you want to avoid canned soups, you can make a homemade cream sauce by melting 2 tablespoons of butter, whisking in 2 tablespoons of flour, and gradually adding 1 cup of milk until thickened. This homemade version can add a fresher taste to your casserole.
Can I freeze the Bayou Seafood Casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Make sure it’s completely cooled, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).