Company Fish Casserole Or "Let'S Make The Family Feel Special
A rich and comforting fish casserole featuring tender fish fillets, flaky crab meat, and a creamy mushroom sauce topped with Swiss cheese and crunchy crackers. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, it combines savory flavors with a hint of wine and paprika for an elegant touch.
Ingredients
- 2 pkg. fresh or frozen fish fillets ⓘ
- 1 (3 oz.) can chopped mushrooms ⓘ
- milk ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/4 cup butter ⓘ
- 1 (7 oz.) can crab meat ⓘ
- 1/2 cup coarsely crushed saltine crackers
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- dash of pepper ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1/3 cup white wine ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika ⓘ
Instructions
- Thaw fish if frozen and separate fillets; cut and piece together to make eight 6 x 2 1/2-inch strips.
- Drain mushrooms, reserving the liquid, and add enough milk to the reserved mushroom liquid to make 1 1/2 cups total liquid.
- In a skillet, melt butter and sauté chopped onion until tender.
- Add flour and cook, stirring constantly, until blended and bubbly.
- Gradually stir in mushroom liquid mixture and white wine; cook until thickened.
- Add chopped mushrooms, crab meat, salt, pepper, and paprika; heat through.
- Place fish strips in a buttered baking dish and pour the mushroom sauce over them.
- Sprinkle shredded Swiss cheese and crushed saltine crackers on top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 40 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using tilapia or cod instead of the traditional fish fillets. You can substitute half-and-half for milk to add creaminess. For added flavor, include a sprinkle of lemon zest or fresh herbs like dill or parsley. If you prefer a crunchier topping, mix the crushed saltines with melted butter before sprinkling it over the cheese. This dish also pairs beautifully with a side of steamed vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the fish casserole hot, garnished with fresh parsley for added color. It goes well with a crisp green salad or steamed asparagus on the side. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with rice or a buttery pasta dish, such as Salmon Noodles Romanoff. This dish also makes a great centerpiece for a family gathering or special occasion.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover fish casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, but be sure to cover them to prevent drying out. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Company Fish Casserole Or "Let'S Make The Family Feel Special contains roughly 575 calories, with 11g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 50g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (45% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (41% of the Daily Value), and iron (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 893mg per serving (39% 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 canned fish instead of fresh or frozen fillets?
Yes, you can use canned fish like tuna or salmon, but be sure to drain it well and adjust the cooking time accordingly. Canned fish is already cooked, so you can skip the initial baking step and simply warm the casserole until heated through.
What types of fish work best for this casserole?
Mild-flavored fish like cod, haddock, or tilapia work best for this casserole, as they absorb the flavors of the sauce well. Avoid strong-tasting fish, which may overpower the dish. You can also mix different types of fish for variety.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking stage and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply increase the baking time slightly to ensure it heats through completely. This is a great option for entertaining.
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).