Buffet Party Seafood
A decadent seafood casserole combining shrimp, crab, and lobster in a creamy cheese sauce, perfect for buffet parties and seafood lovers seeking rich, flavorful dishes.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter or margarine ⓘ
- 2 onions, peeled and diced ⓘ
- 2 green peppers, diced ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can mushrooms ⓘ
- 2/3 cup flour ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheese ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 16 oz. crab meat
- 16 oz. cooked shrimp ⓘ
- 16 oz. lobster or bay scallops ⓘ
- 4 to 5 tablespoons chopped parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large pot over moderate heat.
- Stir in diced onions, green peppers, and mushrooms.
- Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat.
- Blend in flour, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Gradually stir in milk.
- Return the pan to heat and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened.
- Stir in shredded cheese and mix until melted.
- Add lemon juice, dry mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Cook until cheese is fully melted and mixture is smooth.
- Break seafood into bite-sized pieces and add to the mixture.
- Mix well and heat until the mixture reaches a boil.
- Serve over pastry shells or cooked macaroni.
- Garnish with chopped parsley.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine while cooking the vegetables. If you prefer a lighter dish, swap half of the butter for olive oil. You can also use frozen seafood, just ensure it's fully thawed and drained. For a creamy texture, incorporate a bit of cream cheese when adding the shredded cheese. Pair with a fresh salad for balance.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this seafood mixture over flaky pastry shells for an elegant touch, or try it over cooked macaroni for a comforting twist. Pair with a crisp green salad and a glass of white wine for a complete meal. This dish also makes a great appetizer for gatherings and can be accompanied by garlic bread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to maintain creaminess. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently to prevent uneven heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Buffet Party Seafood contains roughly 505 calories, with 11g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (61% of the Daily Value) and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 880mg per serving (38% 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 different types of seafood in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute any seafood you prefer or have on hand. Just ensure you adjust the cooking time based on the seafood used to ensure everything is cooked through. For example, shrimp and scallops cook quickly, while chunks of fish may take slightly longer.
What can I do if the mixture is too thick?
If your mixture turns out too thick, simply add a little bit of milk or seafood stock to loosen it up. Stir continuously over low heat until you achieve your desired consistency. Adjust seasoning as needed after adding the liquid.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the seafood mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat gently before serving. However, it's best to add the seafood right before serving to maintain its texture and freshness.
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).