Shrimp And Cheese Delight
A creamy shrimp and cheese casserole with rice, topped with buttery crumbs, perfect for family dinners or special occasions with rich, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut cheese into small pieces and melt over hot water.
- Gradually stir in evaporated milk, beating until smooth.
- Add salt and pepper to the cheese sauce.
- Pour half of the cheese sauce into a greased casserole dish.
- Place half of the cooked rice over the cheese sauce.
- Add the cooked and peeled shrimp over the rice.
- Layer the remaining rice over the shrimp.
- Top with the remaining cheese sauce.
- Sprinkle buttered bread crumbs over the top.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 20 to 30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, use a combination of cheddar and cream cheese in the sauce. If you need a lighter dish, consider substituting half of the buttered bread crumbs with crushed crackers or panko. To save time, pre-cooked shrimp can be used, but ensure they are thawed if frozen. Remember to taste the cheese sauce before adding salt, as some cheeses can be quite salty.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Shrimp And Cheese Delight alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It also pairs beautifully with a side of garlic bread or a light soup, like Oyster Soup Of The Tribes From N.E. Coast. For an appetizer, consider serving it alongside Tuna Roll-Ups Appetizer to complement the seafood flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish covered with foil at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be cautious as the rice may dry out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shrimp And Cheese Delight contains roughly 338 calories, with 20g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (40% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2026mg per serving (88% 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 raw shrimp instead of cooked?
Using raw shrimp is possible, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time. Ensure the shrimp are fully cooked before serving, which may require adding them to the dish earlier in the baking process.
What type of cheese works best for this recipe?
Cheddar is a great choice, but feel free to mix it with mozzarella for a gooey texture. Avoid overly strong cheeses that might overwhelm the dish. A mild cheese will complement the shrimp nicely.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just add the bread crumbs right before baking to keep them crunchy. Allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking for even cooking.
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).