Cajun Country Casserole
A flavorful Cajun seafood casserole combining shrimp, crabmeat, and rice with bold spices, creamy cheese, and a crunchy topping—perfect for seafood lovers and comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
- 4 oz. cream cheese
- 4 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 1 lb. cleaned shrimp
- 1 c. chopped onion
- 1/2 c. chopped bell pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 can golden mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1/4 c. pimentos ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. garlic salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. hot pepper sauce
- 1/2 tsp. red pepper ⓘ
- 1 pt. crabmeat
- 2 c. cooked rice ⓘ
- 1/2 c. buttered bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1/4 c. grated Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt the cream cheese and 2 tablespoons of butter in a double boiler.
- In a skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and sauté the shrimp until they turn pink, about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Add chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery; continue to sauté until vegetables are wilted.
- Add the melted cream cheese, melted butter, and mushroom soup; mix well.
- Stir in pimentos, seasonings, crabmeat, and cooked rice; mix until combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Top with buttered bread crumbs and grated Cheddar cheese.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F for 20 to 30 minutes or until bubbly.
- Garnish with cherry tomatoes and parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream to the mixture before baking. If shrimp isn't available, you can substitute with cooked chicken or even crabmeat for a different flavor profile. To enhance the Cajun flair, feel free to add smoked sausage or andouille. Adjust the seasoning levels to your preference, especially if you're sensitive to heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Cajun Country Casserole with a fresh green salad or some crispy garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Mike'S Crab And Corn Chowder for a delightful seafood-themed dinner. For a festive touch, garnish with fresh parsley or serve with lemon wedges on the side to brighten the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture. This casserole can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cajun Country Casserole contains roughly 334 calories, with 10g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1004mg per serving (44% 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 a day in advance. Simply follow the instructions until the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven. This will help it cook evenly.
What can I use instead of crabmeat?
If you're looking for alternatives to crabmeat, cooked chicken or even canned tuna can be used. For a vegetarian option, consider using more vegetables or a plant-based seafood substitute. Just be sure to adjust the seasonings accordingly to maintain flavor.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can make this casserole gluten-free by using gluten-free bread crumbs and ensuring that the golden mushroom soup is gluten-free as well. There are several brands available that cater to this dietary need, making it easy to enjoy this delicious dish.
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).