The Best Baked Seafood Casserole You’ll Ever Bring to a Party
Some recipes earn a permanent spot in your rotation, and this baked seafood casserole is absolutely one of them. With its golden, crispy breadcrumb topping and rich, savory filling packed with tender shrimp and delicate pieces of fish, it’s the kind of dish that makes people stop mid-conversation to ask, “Who made this?” Whether you’re heading to a potluck, a holiday gathering, or a casual dinner with friends, this casserole is guaranteed to steal the show every single time.
It comes together with simple, wholesome ingredients and bakes up beautifully in a single dish — which also means less cleanup and more time enjoying the company around you. Once you make it, don’t be surprised if it becomes the most-requested item on your cooking menu.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 pound white fish fillets (such as cod, haddock, or tilapia), cut into chunks
- 1/2 pound bay scallops (optional but recommended)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of shrimp or cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt to taste
- 1 1/2 cups crushed buttery crackers (such as Ritz) or seasoned breadcrumbs
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish and set it aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, and cream of shrimp soup. Stir until smooth and well blended.
- Add the diced celery, green bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic to the bowl. Mix everything together.
- Season the mixture with Old Bay seasoning, black pepper, paprika, and salt. Taste and adjust as needed.
- Gently fold in the shrimp, fish chunks, and scallops until everything is evenly coated in the creamy mixture.
- Transfer the seafood mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer.
- In a small bowl, combine the crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are fully coated and crumbly.
- Sprinkle the buttery crumb topping evenly over the seafood filling, making sure to cover the entire surface.
- Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the topping is deep golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve warm.
Tips for the Best Results
Pat your seafood dry with paper towels before mixing it in. This helps prevent extra moisture from making the casserole watery during baking. If you prefer a crunchier topping, place the casserole under the broiler for the last 2 to 3 minutes — just keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
This dish reheats wonderfully the next day, making it a great make-ahead option for busy schedules. Simply cover it with foil and warm it in a 325°F oven until heated through. Leftovers rarely last long, though — consider that fair warning.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole alongside a crisp green salad, buttered dinner rolls, or a simple side of steamed rice to soak up all that incredible creamy sauce. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the top just before eating brightens everything up beautifully. Whether it’s a weeknight family dinner or a festive celebration, this baked seafood casserole never disappoints.
