Vidalia Onion Seafood Casserole
A creamy seafood casserole featuring tender shrimp, sweet Vidalia onions, and aromatic green peppers, all blended with pimento and a savory cheese sauce. Topped with crispy cracker crumbs, it offers comforting flavors perfect for a family dinner or special occasion, highlighting the sweetness of onions and the richness of seafood.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute onions, celery, and green pepper in margarine until tender.
- Add chopped pimento, cream of celery soup, milk, and cream cheese.
- Heat slowly until blended and smooth.
- Add cooked rice and frozen popcorn shrimp; mix well.
- Transfer mixture to a baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
- During the last 10 minutes of baking, place crushed cracker crumbs on top of the casserole.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider substituting sour cream or Greek yogurt for the cream cheese. If you're looking for a bit more flavor, add a splash of hot sauce or some Old Bay seasoning. You can also use fresh shrimp instead of frozen, but make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. If you're short on time, pre-cooked shrimp can be a great shortcut.
Serving Suggestions
This Vidalia Onion Seafood Casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or some buttery garlic bread for a complete meal. For a more substantial side, try serving it with roasted vegetables or steamed asparagus. A glass of chilled white wine complements the flavors well, making it a perfect dinner option.
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 for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vidalia Onion Seafood Casserole contains roughly 678 calories, with 10g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 66g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (94% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (28% of the Daily Value), and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1020mg per serving (44% 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 other types of seafood in this casserole?
Yes, you can definitely substitute other seafood like crab meat or scallops for the shrimp. Just ensure that the seafood is cooked or partially cooked before adding it to the casserole, as it will finish cooking in the oven.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just increase the baking time by a few minutes if baking from cold.
What can I serve as a vegetarian alternative?
For a vegetarian version, consider replacing the shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or a mix of your favorite vegetables. You can also explore using a plant-based cream cheese alternative and adding some cooked beans for protein.
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).