N. C. Coastal Seafood Casserole
A rich seafood casserole combining shrimp, crab meat, and mushrooms with cheesy topping, perfect for seafood lovers and special occasions, offering creamy, savory flavors.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. cream cheese ⓘ
- 1 stick butter or margarine
- 1 lb. shrimp, shelled and deveined ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 2 ribs celery, chopped ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 1 can mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 can drained mushrooms
- 1 Tbsp. garlic salt
- 1 tsp. Tabasco sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper ⓘ
- 1 pt. crab meat ⓘ
- 3/4 cup cooked rice ⓘ
- Grated sharp Cheddar ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt the cream cheese and butter using a double boiler or microwave.
- Saute shrimp, chopped onion, chopped green pepper, and chopped celery in 2 tablespoons butter until cooked.
- Add the sautéed mixture to the melted cream cheese and butter mixture.
- Stir in mushroom soup, drained mushrooms, garlic salt, Tabasco sauce, crushed red pepper, crab meat, and cooked rice.
- Mix well and transfer the mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Top with grated sharp Cheddar cheese and cracker crumbs.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes until bubbly and heated through.
- Cool slightly before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using mascarpone cheese instead of cream cheese. If you want to reduce calories, you can use low-fat cream cheese and margarine. You can also add other seafood like scallops or use frozen shrimp if fresh is unavailable. For added flavor, include fresh herbs such as parsley or dill. This dish is versatile and fits well within the realm of American seafood recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole with a side of garlic bread or a light salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Boiled Shrimp Salad for a refreshing contrast. Consider garnishing with fresh herbs or lemon wedges to enhance presentation. This dish is perfect for gatherings or family dinners, showcasing the delightful flavors of coastal cuisine.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating, but be careful not to overcook, as this can make the seafood tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of N. C. Coastal Seafood Casserole contains roughly 520 calories, with 18g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (112% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (89% of the Daily Value), and protein (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 989mg per serving (43% 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 shrimp for this casserole?
Yes, frozen shrimp can be used in this recipe. Just ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking. This will help prevent excess moisture in the casserole, ensuring a better texture and flavor.
What can I substitute for crab meat?
If you don't have crab meat, you can substitute with canned tuna or even lobster for a luxurious twist. Alternatively, you can simply increase the amount of shrimp for a seafood-focused casserole without crab.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
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).