Blend Of The Bayou Seafood Casserole
A flavorful seafood casserole featuring shrimp, crab meat, and mushrooms, baked with cheese and cracker crumbs for a hearty, savory dish perfect for seafood lovers and family dinners.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. cream cheese ⓘ
- 1 stick margarine or butter ⓘ
- 1 lb. shrimp peeled
- 1 large onion chopped ⓘ
- 1 bell pepper chopped ⓘ
- 2 ribs celery chopped ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 can mushrooms drained ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. garlic salt
- 1 tsp. Tabasco
- 1/2 tsp. red pepper ⓘ
- 1 pt. crab meat or imitation crab meat ⓘ
- 3/4 cup cooked rice ⓘ
- grated sharp cheese ⓘ
- cracker crumbs ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt cream cheese and butter using a double boiler.
- Sauté shrimp, chopped onion, chopped bell pepper, and chopped celery in 2 tablespoons butter.
- Add the sautéed mixture to the melted cream cheese and butter.
- Stir in cream of mushroom soup, drained mushrooms, garlic salt, Tabasco, red pepper, crab meat or imitation crab, and cooked rice.
- Mix well until combined.
- Pour the mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Top with grated sharp cheese and cracker crumbs.
- Bake at 350°F for about 20 to 30 minutes or until bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or sour cream to the mixture. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of Tabasco and red pepper. You can substitute the shrimp with other seafood like crawfish or scallops for a different flavor. If you're short on time, pre-cooked shrimp can be used to speed up the preparation.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is a hearty dish that pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For added flavor, serve it with a squeeze of lemon juice or a side of tartar sauce. It also makes for an impressive dish at gatherings, just like other American recipes such as the Zesty Salmon Loaf.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be cautious not to overheat to maintain the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Blend Of The Bayou Seafood Casserole contains roughly 350 calories, with 10g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (43% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 963mg per serving (42% 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 use frozen seafood in this casserole?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp or crab meat. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess water before adding them to the mixture. This will help maintain the consistency of the casserole and prevent it from becoming watery.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! You can increase the amount of Tabasco sauce or add diced jalapeños to the sautéed vegetables for an extra kick. Additionally, using spicy cheese instead of sharp cheese can enhance the heat level.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Just assemble it up to the baking step, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the cover and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
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).