Cheesy Crab And Shrimp Strata
A savory seafood strata layered with crab, shrimp, vegetables, and cheese, baked to perfection—ideal for brunch or a special breakfast gathering with rich, flavorful bites.
Ingredients
- 4 oz canned mushroom pieces, drained ⓘ
- 1/4 cup celery, chopped ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons pimientos, chopped ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons green onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons mustard ⓘ
- 1/2 cup Miracle Whip salad dressing
- 6 slices whole wheat bread ⓘ
- 1 cup crab, chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup shrimp, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 4 oz sharp process American cheese slices ⓘ
- 5 eggs, beaten ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups milk ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- Paprika for garnish ⓘ
Instructions
- Lightly sauté mushrooms and vegetables.
- Combine mustard and Miracle Whip salad dressing in a small bowl.
- Lightly spread one side of each bread slice with the mustard mixture.
- Cut the bread slices into 2-inch cubes.
- Arrange half of the bread cubes, mustard side up, in a greased 7 1/2 by 11 1/2 inch baking dish.
- Combine chopped crab, shrimp, and sautéed vegetables in a bowl.
- Season the seafood mixture with garlic powder and cayenne pepper.
- Sprinkle the seafood mixture over the bread in the prepared dish.
- Top with slices of sharp process American cheese.
- Place the remaining bread cubes, mustard side down, on top of the cheese.
- Beat eggs, milk, and salt together and pour over the assembled layers.
- Sprinkle paprika over the top.
- Cover and chill the casserole in the refrigerator for 4 to 24 hours before baking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of cream cheese to the egg mixture. If you don’t have crab, you can substitute with more shrimp or use canned tuna for a different flavor. Whole grain bread adds more fiber, but feel free to use any bread you prefer. Make sure to sauté the vegetables until soft to enhance their flavors.
Serving Suggestions
This Cheesy Crab And Shrimp Strata is perfect for brunch and pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or sliced fruit for a balanced meal. Serve it warm with a dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness. For a complete seafood meal, you might also enjoy it alongside recipes like Quick And Hearty Tuna Dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. Adding a sprinkle of cheese before reheating can enhance the flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheesy Crab And Shrimp Strata contains roughly 311 calories, with 21g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (95% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (44% of the Daily Value), and protein (42% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1072mg per serving (47% 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 strata ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the strata the night before and let it chill in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
What can I use instead of Miracle Whip?
If you prefer a different flavor profile, you can substitute Miracle Whip with mayonnaise for a richer taste. Greek yogurt can also work for a healthier, tangy alternative. Adjust the mustard quantity to balance the flavors based on your choice.
Is it possible to freeze the strata?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked strata for up to 2 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking as usual. This is a great option for meal prep!
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).