Fruit Of The Bayou
A rich seafood casserole blending crab, shrimp, fish, and mushrooms with a creamy, cheesy sauce, perfect for seafood lovers and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 qt. milk ⓘ
- 1 stick oleo or butter
- 2 lb. white crab meat
- 2 c. chopped celery ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. fresh chopped parsley ⓘ
- 2 egg yolks ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. grated American cheese ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1 large can mushrooms ⓘ
- 5 lb. chopped, boiled shrimp ⓘ
- 2 small trout or catfish ⓘ
- 1 small bell pepper ⓘ
- 1 pkg. green onions ⓘ
- 3/4 c. cooking sherry ⓘ
- 2 tsp. paprika ⓘ
- juice of 1 lemon ⓘ
- salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Make a white sauce with milk, flour, and butter. Add seafood and sauté gently.
- In a separate pan, sauté chopped celery, bell pepper, parsley, and green onions in butter.
- Add sherry, canned mushrooms, seasoned egg yolks, and seasonings to the sautéed vegetables.
- Combine the seafood mixture with the cream sauce and fish pieces.
- Fold in grated American cheese until melted and well incorporated.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish. Top with buttered bread crumbs.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35 minutes until the bread crumbs are lightly browned and the casserole is bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using heavy cream instead of milk for the white sauce. If you can't find white crab meat, lump crab meat or even canned crab will work in a pinch. Fresh seafood is ideal, but frozen shrimp and fish can also be substituted if thawed properly. Add a splash of hot sauce for a kick, or try pairing with a light salad for balance.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is perfect for a gathering and pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread. Consider serving it alongside a glass of chilled white wine to enhance the flavors. For a fun twist, try serving it in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation. It also makes a great filling for Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored 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. Avoid microwaving as it can result in a rubbery texture. For longer storage, freeze in a suitable container for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fruit Of The Bayou contains roughly 1282 calories, with 35g protein, 216g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (167% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (153% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (135% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1448mg per serving (63% 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 for this recipe?
Yes, frozen seafood can be used if thawed properly before cooking. Just ensure that it is well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the dish. This will help maintain the texture and flavor of the casserole.
What can I substitute for American cheese?
If you prefer a different flavor, you can substitute American cheese with cheddar or Monterey Jack. Both will melt nicely and add a different depth of flavor to the casserole. For a sharper taste, consider using Gruyère cheese.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Absolutely! You can create a vegetarian version by omitting the seafood and adding more vegetables such as zucchini, asparagus, or artichokes. Use vegetable broth instead of milk for the white sauce to keep it flavorful.
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).