Royal Seafood Casserole(May Be Prepared Ahead Of Time.)
A creamy seafood casserole combining crab, shrimp, and rice with a crunchy almond topping, perfect for entertaining or family dinners, offering rich flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
- 1 can condensed cream soup ⓘ
- 1 cup water chestnuts, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg ⓘ
- 1 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 pound crabmeat
- 1 cup celery, chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- Paprika, for sprinkling ⓘ
- 1 cup milk ⓘ
- 2 cups cooked rice ⓘ
- 1 pound shrimp, cooked and chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup almonds, chopped ⓘ
- Salt, to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large bowl, blend condensed cream soup into mayonnaise until smooth.
- Add chopped onion, then pour in milk.
- Season heavily with salt, ground nutmeg, and other seasonings, then combine with cooked rice, crabmeat, shrimp, water chestnuts, celery, and chopped almonds, excluding paprika and almonds for topping.
- Check seasonings; add a few tablespoons of milk if mixture seems dry; it should be moist.
- Turn mixture into a large, shallow, buttered casserole dish.
- Sprinkle generously with paprika over the top.
- Scatter chopped almonds evenly over the casserole.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving. Can be prepared ahead and frozen.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of different seafood, such as scallops or lobster, in addition to the crab and shrimp. If you prefer a lighter version, replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. Ensure the mixture remains moist; add more milk if needed. For added crunch, toss in some crushed crackers or breadcrumbs before baking, similar to what you might find in American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Royal Seafood Casserole alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Cold Cucumber Soup With Shrimp And Crabmeat for a refreshing appetizer. For a more filling option, consider serving it with crusty bread or a side of Angie'S Broccoli With Cheese Sauce.
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 20-25 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, but be cautious not to overcook, as seafood can become tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Royal Seafood Casserole(May Be Prepared Ahead Of Time.) contains roughly 525 calories, with 17g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (34% of the Daily Value) and iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1504mg per serving (65% 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 casserole?
Yes, frozen seafood works well in this recipe. Just ensure it is fully thawed and drained before adding it to the mixture. This will help maintain the right texture and prevent excess moisture from affecting the casserole's consistency.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make the Royal Seafood Casserole gluten-free, use gluten-free condensed cream soup and ensure any added ingredients, like mayonnaise and rice, are also gluten-free. You can also substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives or omit them altogether for a satisfying texture.
What can I serve with this casserole?
This casserole is quite versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a light salad, roasted vegetables, or even a simple rice pilaf. For a unique twist, try pairing it with Mahi Mahi On The Grill for a delightful seafood feast.
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).