Imagine walking into your kitchen, where the delightful aroma of savory seafood wafts through the air, instantly transporting you to a cozy seaside bistro. That’s the experience you can create with this Easy Seafood Casserole recipe—a dish that’s not just about indulgence; it’s about efficiency, flavor, and versatility. I first stumbled onto this comforting gem after a particularly hectic week when I craved something fresh yet effortless.
Packed with tender shrimp, succulent scallops, and delicate fish enveloped in a creamy, rich sauce, this casserole not only satisfies your taste buds but also makes for a crowd-pleasing family dinner. What’s more, you can easily switch ingredients based on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences—transforming flounder into cod or adding a splash of your favorite mustard for an exciting twist. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out, this dish is a simple yet impressive way to elevate weeknight meals. So, are you ready to dive into a seafood delight that promises to impress? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Seafood Casserole Recipe
Simplicity at its finest: This recipe takes minimal time and effort, perfect for busy weeknights.
Irresistible flavor: A rich, creamy sauce combined with savory seafood makes each bite unforgettable.
Versatile ingredients: Swap seafood according to your pantry or prefered taste—cod or salmon work beautifully!
Family-friendly appeal: Even picky eaters will enjoy this comforting dish, making it a hit at the dinner table.
Gourmet experience at home: You’ll feel like a chef in a seaside restaurant without the hassle—just pure deliciousness right from your kitchen!
Easy Seafood Casserole Ingredients
For the Seafood
• Flounder Fillets – A mild base for the casserole. Can substitute with cod, haddock, or sole.
• Shrimp (medium or large) – Adds a sweet seafood flavor. Peeled and deveined; you can adjust the size based on preference.
• Scallops (dry sea) – Provide sweetness and a well-browned texture; avoid wet scallops due to preservatives.
• Crabmeat (lump) – Delivers richness and luxury; use jumbo lump for upscale or backfin for budget-friendly options.
For the Sauce
• Heavy Cream – Essential for a rich, creamy sauce that envelops the seafood beautifully.
• Chicken Broth – Serves as the base for the cream sauce, enhancing overall flavor.
• Dijon Mustard – Adds depth to the sauce; feel free to swap for other mustards for a new twist.
• Old Bay Seasoning – A classic seafood spice blend; adjust the quantity to suit your taste.
For Cooking
• Butter – Ideal for sautéing seafood; can be replaced with olive oil if desired.
• Flour (for thickening) – Essential for creating a beurre manié that thickens the sauce to perfection.
Get ready to create a comforting Easy Seafood Casserole that will make your family smile!
How to Make Easy Seafood Casserole
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Prep Seafood: Start by melting butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the shrimp and scallops for about 1 minute until slightly browned. Remove from heat and set them aside; this step adds a beautiful flavor to your casserole.
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Make Sauce: In the same skillet, deglaze the pan with white wine, scraping up any browned bits. Add heavy cream, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, and Old Bay seasoning. Mix in the flour-coated butter and simmer until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
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Bake Fish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lay the flounder fillets in a casserole dish, sprinkle with Old Bay seasoning, and bake for 10 minutes until just cooked through.
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Combine: Gently pour the prepared seafood mixture atop the flounder. Sprinkle a little more seasoning if desired and bake for another 25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and golden on top.
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Finish: Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to thicken up a bit. Garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color and flavor!
Optional: Serve it with a fresh green salad or buttery garlic bread for a complete meal.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Easy Seafood Casserole
• Seafood Selection: Choose fresh or frozen seafood to enhance flavor. Avoid overcooked seafood by adding it to the sauce only after it’s been prepared.
• Brown Wisely: Sear seafood quickly to avoid rubbery textures. Cooking them for just 1 minute creates a desirable golden crust.
• Thickening Trick: Ensure the flour is well-coated with butter before adding to the sauce. This prevents lumps and helps achieve the perfect creamy consistency in your Easy Seafood Casserole.
• Seasoning Balance: Taste your sauce before adding more Old Bay seasoning; adjusting to personal preference keeps flavors appealing for everyone.
• Cooling Time: Let the casserole cool slightly after baking. This step allows flavors to meld beautifully and the sauce to thicken for optimal serving.
Make Ahead Options
These Easy Seafood Casserole preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can prepare the seafood mixture (shrimp, scallops, and crabmeat) and the creamy sauce up to 24 hours in advance; just store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This not only enhances the flavors but also makes assembly a breeze. When you’re ready to bake, simply assemble the casserole by placing the baked flounder at the bottom, layering the prepared seafood mixture on top, and baking for the suggested time. This way, you’ll enjoy a delicious homemade meal with minimal effort, just as comforting and flavorful as if you made it fresh!
What to Serve with Easy Seafood Casserole?
Transform your dining experience with delightful pairings that accentuate the creamy, rich flavors of this comforting dish.
- Butter Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky crunch perfectly complements the creamy casserole, inviting everyone to savor each bite.
- Mixed Green Salad: A light, fresh salad with vinaigrette offers a beautiful contrast to the richness and enhances the overall meal experience.
- Lemon Rice: Fluffy rice infused with lemon zest adds a zesty brightness and absorbs the luscious sauce beautifully, making every forkful a delight.
- Roasted Asparagus: Tender, roasted asparagus brings a delightful snap and vibrant color to your plate, balancing the creaminess with its earthy flavor.
- Steamed Broccoli: This nutrient-packed side is both simple and flavorful, adding green freshness that pairs well with the seafood flavors.
- Chardonnay: A crisp white wine like Chardonnay enhances the seafood notes, complementing the dish’s richness without overpowering it.
- Fruit Sorbet: A light, refreshing dessert, such as fruit sorbet, can cleanse the palate and provide a sweet ending to this hearty meal.
- Classic Coleslaw: Crunchy, tangy coleslaw makes for a satisfying side, its crunchy texture adding contrast to the creamy casserole.
- Pesto Pasta: A light dish of pesto pasta complements the seafood’s flavor profile while introducing a delightful herby element to the meal.
- Herbed Quinoa: Nutty, fluffy quinoa mixed with fresh herbs makes a wholesome side that offers texture and pairs wonderfully with the casserole’s richness.
Easy Seafood Casserole Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to explore these delightful twists as you create your own version of this rich, creamy dish!
- Salmon Swap: Use salmon fillets instead of flounder for a richer flavor profile that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Vegetable Boost: Add sautéed spinach or bell peppers for a nutritious punch and a pop of color, making your casserole even heartier.
- Creamy Alternative: Replace heavy cream with a blend of Greek yogurt and chicken broth for a lighter, tangy version that still retains creaminess.
- Herb Infusion: Integrate fresh herbs like dill or parsley into the sauce for an aromatic lift that will delight your senses.
- Cheesy Delight: Stir in some cheddar or Parmesan cheese just before baking for a melty, indulgent finish that elevates the dish further.
- Spicy Kick: Toss in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for those who love a little heat in their seafood.
- Seafood Medley: Combine different seafood like mussels, clams, or lobster for a luxurious variety that transforms your casserole into an upscale dish.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend to thicken the sauce if you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative.
Each variation brings its own flair and can turn this Easy Seafood Casserole into a whole new experience! Enjoy experimenting!
How to Store and Freeze Easy Seafood Casserole
Fridge: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. This keeps the flavors fresh and delicious for your next meal.
Freezer: Not recommended for freezing due to potential texture degradation of seafood and separation of sauce. For best taste, consume promptly.
Reheating: Reheat in a covered oven at 325°F for about 15-20 minutes. This method retains moisture and prevents the seafood from becoming rubbery.
Serving Tip: For best flavor, enjoy the Easy Seafood Casserole while it’s fresh and warm!
Easy Seafood Casserole Recipe FAQs
What type of seafood should I use for the Easy Seafood Casserole?
Absolutely! You can use fresh or frozen seafood. I recommend flounder, shrimp, scallops, and crabmeat for a well-rounded flavor. If you don’t have flounder, cod, haddock, or sole work beautifully as alternatives. Keep in mind that shrimp and scallops should be peeled and deveined, with dry scallops preferred for their superior flavor.
How should I store leftovers from the Easy Seafood Casserole?
Very simple! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This helps maintain freshness and flavor. When ready, reheat in a covered oven at 325°F for about 15-20 minutes to keep the texture delightful.
Can I freeze Easy Seafood Casserole?
Unfortunately, I’m not a fan of freezing this dish. Freezing is not recommended due to potential texture changes in the seafood and sauce separation after thawing. To enjoy the best flavor, I suggest consuming it fresh within a couple of days.
What if my sauce is too thick?
If your sauce turns out too thick, don’t worry! Simply whisk in a little warm chicken broth or milk, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Remember to stir well to combine before adding more liquid, ensuring you get that creamy texture we all love.
Is this Easy Seafood Casserole suitable for someone with seafood allergies?
If the person you’re serving has seafood allergies, it’s best to avoid this dish altogether. Alternatively, you could make a similar casserole with cooked chicken or vegetables instead of seafood; keep in mind this will change the flavor profile but can still offer a comforting experience!
How long should I let my Easy Seafood Casserole cool before serving?
I recommend letting the casserole rest for about 5 minutes after baking. This cooling period allows the flavors to meld beautifully and lets the sauce thicken slightly, making it easier to serve and enjoy!
Easy Seafood Casserole Recipe: Comfort in Every Bite
Equipment
- - Skillet
- casserole dish
- Oven
Ingredients
For the Seafood
- 1 pound Flounder Fillets Can substitute with cod, haddock, or sole.
- 1 pound Shrimp (medium or large) Peeled and deveined.
- 1 pound Scallops (dry sea) Avoid wet scallops.
- 1 cup Crabmeat (lump) Use jumbo lump for upscale or backfin for budget-friendly.
For the Sauce
- 1 cup Heavy Cream Essential for a rich, creamy sauce.
- 1 cup Chicken Broth Enhances overall flavor.
- 2 tablespoons Dijon Mustard Feel free to swap for other mustards.
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning Adjust quantity to suit your taste.
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons Butter Ideal for sautéing seafood.
- 2 tablespoons Flour (for thickening) Essential for the sauce.
Instructions
How to Make Easy Seafood Casserole
- Start by melting butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the shrimp and scallops for about 1 minute until slightly browned. Remove from heat and set them aside.
- In the same skillet, deglaze the pan with white wine, scraping up any browned bits. Add heavy cream, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, and Old Bay seasoning. Mix in the flour-coated butter and simmer until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lay the flounder fillets in a casserole dish, sprinkle with Old Bay seasoning, and bake for 10 minutes until just cooked through.
- Gently pour the prepared seafood mixture atop the flounder. Sprinkle a little more seasoning if desired and bake for another 25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and golden on top.
- Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to thicken up a bit. Garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color and flavor!