Royal Seafood Casserole
A rich seafood casserole featuring shrimp, crab, and rice, blended with creamy soup and seasoned to perfection, ideal for elegant dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 (10 1/2 oz.) cans cream of shrimp soup ⓘ
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1 small onion, grated
- 3/4 cup milk ⓘ
- dash salt
- dash white pepper ⓘ
- dash ground nutmeg ⓘ
- dash cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 3 lb. raw shrimp, cleaned, cooked, and peeled ⓘ
- 1 1/3 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 (7 1/2 oz.) can crabmeat, drained ⓘ
- 1 (5 oz.) can water chestnuts, drained and sliced ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. minced fresh parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook rice according to directions until dry and fluffy.
- Blend cream of shrimp soup with mayonnaise in a large bowl until smooth.
- Add grated onion to the mixture, then stir in milk.
- Season generously with salt, white pepper, ground nutmeg, and cayenne pepper.
- When the mixture is well seasoned, combine it with cooked shrimp, chopped celery, crabmeat, water chestnuts, and minced parsley.
- Taste for seasoning and add a few tablespoons of milk if too dry; the mixture should be moist.
- Turn the mixture into a large shallow buttered casserole dish.
- Sprinkle with paprika and scatter slivered almonds over the top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 40 minutes until heated through and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of sherry or white wine to the soup mixture. If you want to substitute ingredients, Greek yogurt can replace mayonnaise for a lighter option, and you can use canned tuna or cooked lobster instead of shrimp or crab. Enhance the dish by incorporating sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra texture.
Serving Suggestions
This Royal Seafood Casserole is perfect as a main dish paired with a crisp green salad or crusty bread for a delightful meal. Consider serving it alongside a light seafood dish, like Barbecue Roasted Salmon, to complement the flavors. A refreshing white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, pairs beautifully with this rich casserole.
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. For quicker reheating, you can use the microwave, but be cautious to avoid overcooking, which can make the seafood tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Royal Seafood Casserole contains roughly 1032 calories, with 24g protein, 162g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (147% of the Daily Value), iron (112% of the Daily Value), and calcium (66% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1775mg per serving (77% 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 recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp can be used, but make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before cooking. This prevents excess moisture from affecting the casserole's texture. If using frozen shrimp, it’s best to cook them slightly longer to ensure they are fully heated through.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make the Royal Seafood Casserole gluten-free, choose a gluten-free cream of shrimp soup or make your own from scratch. Additionally, ensure that any additional seasonings or ingredients used are certified gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the dish without any gluten concerns.
What can I serve with the casserole?
This casserole pairs well with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a more substantial side, consider serving it with rice or quinoa. You could also offer a side of garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce, enhancing the overall dining experience.
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).