New England Christmas Eve Seafood Casserole
A hearty seafood casserole featuring shrimp, lobster, scallops, and vegetables, baked in a creamy curry mayonnaise sauce—perfect for festive gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cook seafood and peas until just done.
- Cut scallops in half and shrimp if they are large.
- Cook rice for 30 minutes.
- Sauté green pepper, onion, and mushrooms.
- Mix mayonnaise, curry powder, and Worcestershire sauce together.
- Combine the cooked rice, sautéed vegetables, seafood, peas, salt, and pepper.
- Place the mixture in a lightly greased 3-quart casserole dish.
- Bake for 35 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream to the mayonnaise mixture. If you want a bit more spice, feel free to increase the curry powder or add a dash of cayenne. You can substitute the seafood with other shellfish like crab or use frozen seafood mix for convenience. To save time, prepare the rice ahead of time or use minute rice for a quicker option.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this festive casserole with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread to complement the rich flavors. A chilled white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, pairs beautifully with the seafood. This dish is perfect for Christmas Eve, but you can enjoy it any time of year. For more delightful seafood options, browse more seafood recipes on our site.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, covering them to retain moisture, for about 2-3 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of New England Christmas Eve Seafood Casserole contains roughly 334 calories, with 23g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (175% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (119% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (81% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 797mg per serving (35% 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 works well in this casserole. Just ensure to thaw it properly before cooking, and adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure everything is cooked through. This can save time and is often more convenient.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
If you prefer a lighter option, Greek yogurt can be used instead of mayonnaise. This will still provide creaminess while adding a tangy flavor. You could also try a vegan mayonnaise for a dairy-free version.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat to your casserole, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce into the mixture. Additionally, increasing the amount of curry powder can enhance the overall flavor and spice level.
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).