Newport Seafood Bake
A rich and flavorful seafood casserole featuring tender fish, succulent shrimp, and lobster in a cheesy, creamy sauce. Topped with buttery bread crumbs, it's perfect for special occasions or family dinners, offering a delightful blend of oceanic flavors and comforting textures that impress every palate.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. margarine ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. milk ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. celery salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 2 tsp. chopped chives ⓘ
- 2 c. shredded Cracker Barrel sharp natural Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 lb. cod or haddock ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen shrimp, cooked
- 1 (5 oz.) can lobster, drained and cubed ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. sherry ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. fresh bread crumbs ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Make a white sauce by melting margarine, then stirring in flour, milk, salt, celery salt, and pepper until smooth and thickened.
- Add shredded Cheddar cheese to the sauce, stirring until melted and well combined.
- Cook the fish, then skin, bone, and cut it into pieces.
- Add the cooked fish, shrimp, drained and cubed lobster, and sherry to the sauce, mixing gently.
- Pour the mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Toss the bread crumbs with margarine and sprinkle evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes until bubbling and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of margarine. You can substitute the cod or haddock with other firm white fish, or even use a mix of seafood like crab or scallops. If you prefer a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. To ensure a creamy texture, whisk the sauce continuously while adding the cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Newport Seafood Bake with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine or a light beer. For an appetizer, consider starting with Stuffed Mushroom Appetizers to complement the seafood theme.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, but be careful not to overheat as this can dry out the seafood.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Newport Seafood Bake contains roughly 773 calories, with 16g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 56g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (140% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (80% of the Daily Value), and iron (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1614mg per serving (70% 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 make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the seafood mixture and sauce a day in advance. Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, just add the bread crumbs and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to ensure it's heated through.
What can I use instead of sherry?
If you don’t have sherry, you can substitute with white wine or even a splash of lemon juice to maintain the acidity. For a non-alcoholic option, consider using chicken broth with a dash of vinegar for a similar flavor profile.
Can I use frozen seafood in this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen shrimp and fish can be used in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before adding them to the sauce. This will help prevent excess moisture from affecting the texture of the bake.
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).