This Shrimp & Crab Casserole is a comforting, creamy bake packed with succulent seafood and warm, savory flavor. It’s the kind of dish that feels special yet so simple to make.
A buttery rice base is layered with tender shrimp, sweet crabmeat, and a rich, seasoned cream sauce, then finished with melty cheese for a hearty casserole that impresses every time.
Star Ingredients That Make This Shrimp & Crab Casserole Shine
- Uncooked shrimp – Meaty and tender, shrimp bring a juicy bite and rich seafood flavor that holds up beautifully in a creamy bake.
- Lump crabmeat – Adds delicate sweetness and texture, making each forkful feel indulgent and coastal-inspired.
- Long grain and wild rice – A hearty, nutty base that soaks up the sauce while adding a satisfying bite and earthy undertone.
- Half-and-half cream – Creates the luxuriously thick sauce that binds everything together with a velvety finish.
- Colby-Monterey Jack cheese – Perfectly melty and mild, this cheese gives the casserole a golden top and creamy interior without overwhelming the seafood.
How to Make Shrimp & Crab Casserole in a Snap
Start by preparing a baking dish with a bed of cooked long grain and wild rice. Sauté onions and celery in butter until tender, then whisk in flour and cream to create a luscious sauce.
Season with seafood spice, hot pepper sauce, and black pepper. Gently fold in shrimp and crab, layering the mixture over the rice. Sprinkle with cheese and bake until bubbly and golden.
Let it rest briefly before serving to let the flavors settle and the sauce thicken slightly.
Tips & Tweaks to Perfect Your Casserole Game
For a punchier flavor, consider adding a dash more hot sauce or a splash of white wine to the cream sauce. Don’t overcook the shrimp on the stovetop—let the oven do the work to keep them juicy and tender.
You can swap the Colby-Jack for sharp cheddar or even Gruyère for a more pronounced flavor. If you’re a veggie lover, stir in some thawed frozen peas or chopped spinach for color and nutrition without disrupting the harmony of the dish.
To elevate it further for a dinner party, top the casserole with buttered breadcrumbs in the last 10 minutes of baking for a crunchy, golden topping.
Keeping It Fresh: How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Let the casserole cool to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will keep well for up to 3 days.
To reheat, cover loosely with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, or microwave individual portions on medium power to avoid overcooking the seafood.
This dish also freezes nicely—wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating as above for best results.
Shrimp & Crab Casserole
Ingredients
- 1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
- 1 cup shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese
- 1-1/2 pounds raw shrimp 31–40 count per pound, peeled and deveined
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup butter cubed
- 2 ribs celery finely chopped
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cans 6 ounces each lump crabmeat, drained
- 1 teaspoon seafood seasoning
- 1-1/2 cups half-and-half cream
- 2 packages 8.8 ounces each pre-cooked long grain and wild rice
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking dish and evenly distribute the rice in the bottom. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter, then sauté the chopped celery and onion until softened, approximately 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in the flour and cook briefly until incorporated. Gradually whisk in the half-and-half, continuing to stir until the mixture reaches a boil and thickens, about 1 to 2 minutes. Incorporate the seafood seasoning, salt, pepper, and hot pepper sauce into the sauce mixture. Gently fold in the shrimp and drained crabmeat until well combined. Pour this seafood mixture evenly over the rice. Top with the shredded cheese. Cover the dish and bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until the shrimp are fully cooked and pink. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
