Lazy Friday Casserole
A creamy seafood casserole with tender shrimp, lobster, and clams, enhanced by rice and mushrooms, all baked to perfection with a crunchy almond topping. Perfect for a comforting family dinner or special occasion, this dish combines rich flavors and hearty textures for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups milk ⓘ
- 1/2 cup cooking sherry ⓘ
- 1 can cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 1 1/3 cups precooked rice
- 1 (4 1/2 oz.) can shrimp, drained and split lengthwise
- 1 (5 oz.) can lobster, drained and cut up ⓘ
- 1 (7 1/2 oz.) can minced clams, drained ⓘ
- 1 (3 oz.) can broiled, sliced mushrooms, drained ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon parsley flakes ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon minced garlic ⓘ
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted ⓘ
Instructions
- Gradually stir milk and sherry into the cream of chicken soup.
- Add the precooked rice, shrimp, lobster, minced clams, mushrooms, parsley flakes, and minced garlic.
- Pour the mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Sprinkle with paprika and toasted slivered almonds.
- Dot with butter.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of sour cream or cream cheese to the mixture. If you don't have cooking sherry, white wine or chicken broth can be used as substitutes. You can also swap out the seafood for cooked chicken or a combination of vegetables for a vegetarian version. To enhance flavors, add a dash of Old Bay seasoning or a sprinkle of lemon zest.
Serving Suggestions
This Lazy Friday Casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For added crunch, serve it alongside garlic bread or a light pasta dish. It's also delightful with a glass of chilled white wine, which complements the seafood flavors perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, covering them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lazy Friday Casserole contains roughly 336 calories, with 15g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (89% of the Daily Value), protein (31% of the Daily Value), and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 847mg per serving (37% 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 fresh seafood instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh shrimp, lobster, and clams if you prefer. Just ensure they are cooked through before adding to the casserole. Fresh seafood may require slight adjustments in cooking times, so keep an eye on it as it bakes.
What can I serve as a side dish?
For a side dish, consider serving a light vegetable medley or a simple mixed green salad. These options provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the casserole. You could also opt for a classic like garlic bread to soak up any remaining sauce.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Yes, this casserole can be frozen before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed. It may require a few extra minutes in the oven if baked from frozen.
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).