Louisiana Shrimp Bake
A flavorful Louisiana-inspired shrimp bake featuring tender shrimp, seasoned vegetables, melty cheese, and rice, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests with bold, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Saute sliced celery, sliced onion, and chopped green pepper in a medium saucepan for about 15 minutes.
- Blend in flour and salt; cook until bubbly.
- Stir in canned tomatoes, frozen shrimp, and cooking sherry.
- Bring to a boil; then simmer, covered, for 10 minutes.
- Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded Cheddar cheese and add sliced hard-cooked eggs.
- Pour the mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Top with cooked rice and sprinkle with remaining 1 cup of shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding Cajun seasoning or diced jalapeños when sautéing the vegetables. If you don’t have cooking sherry, white wine or chicken broth can be used as a substitute. For a lighter version, swap the butter for olive oil and use brown rice instead of white. This dish pairs well with a fresh salad, like Seafood Salad Dressing, for a balanced meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Louisiana Shrimp Bake with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. It also pairs beautifully with Elaine'S Crawfish Fettucini if you're looking to expand your seafood menu. Consider garnishing with fresh parsley or green onions for added color and flavor before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for convenience, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Louisiana Shrimp Bake contains roughly 667 calories, with 26g protein, 94g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (51% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (35% of the Daily Value), and calcium (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1596mg per serving (69% 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 shrimp instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh shrimp can be used in this recipe. Just ensure they are peeled and deveined, and adjust cooking time accordingly, as fresh shrimp will cook faster than frozen. Add them to the saucepan after the vegetables are sautéed to avoid overcooking.
What can I substitute for the Cheddar cheese?
If you want a different flavor, you can substitute Cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a bit of heat. Cream cheese can also be mixed in to create a creamy texture. Just remember to adjust the amount based on your taste preference.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge for about 30 minutes to bring it to room temperature before placing it in the oven.
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).