Imagine walking into your kitchen and being greeted by the enticing aroma of a rich, creamy seafood casserole baking in the oven. It’s the kind of dish that speaks to both the heart and the palate—comforting yet sophisticated. I discovered this easy seafood casserole recipe during a whirlwind week of balancing work and family, and it quickly became my go-to for stress-free yet impressive dinners. With tender bites of flounder, succulent shrimp, and even a touch of crab, each forkful is a delightful surprise, making it easy to forget the lure of fast food.
This versatile recipe allows you to mix and match different seafood, ensuring you can tailor it to your family’s tastes. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just dipping your toes into seafood cuisine, this casserole promises simplicity without compromising flavor. Trust me, you’ll be hearing requests for seconds before you know it! Let’s get started on this culinary journey to a dish that will leave everyone asking for the recipe.
Why is this Easy Seafood Casserole Recipe a Must-Try?
Simplicity at Its Best: You’ll love how effortless this casserole is to whip up, perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavorful Layers: The creamy sauce infused with Old Bay and Dijon mustard elevates ordinary seafood into a gourmet delight.
Family-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will relish this dish, making it a sure hit at the dinner table.
Versatile Options: Feel free to swap in your favorite seafood—cod or lobster works beautifully—tailoring it to everyone’s preference.
Quick to Assemble: With minimal prep and cooking time, you can serve a satisfying meal in less than an hour!
Comfort Food Classic: Its inviting aroma will make your kitchen the heart of the home, drawing everyone in for a cozy gathering.
Easy Seafood Casserole Ingredients
• Let’s discover the essentials for this Easy Seafood Casserole Recipe that will warm your family’s hearts!
For the Seafood
• Flounder – the main protein base; substitute with cod, haddock, or sole for a lovely variation.
• Shrimp – adds sweetness and texture; opt for medium (21-25 count) or large (16-20 count) shrimp, peeled and deveined.
• Scallops – bring a luxurious touch; use dry sea scallops for the best flavor, avoiding wet ones treated with preservatives.
• Crabmeat – a rich source of flavor; lump crab is ideal, but backfin works as a budget-friendly choice.
For the Sauce
• Butter – used for sautéing and richness; olive oil can be swapped in for a lighter option.
• Heavy cream – for a luscious sauce; incorporate carefully to avoid breaking.
• Chicken broth – serves as the base, infusing depth of flavor into the sauce.
• Dijon mustard – enhances the overall taste with a zesty kick.
• Old Bay seasoning – adds classic seafood flavor that ties everything together.
For the Garnish
• Italian parsley – freshens up the dish when sprinkled on top, adding a bright note to your seafood masterpiece.
How to Make Easy Seafood Casserole
Melt Butter: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the shrimp and scallops, sautéing them briefly for about 1 minute until they start to sear and turn opaque.
Deglaze with Wine: Pour in ½ cup of white wine and let it simmer for a minute. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of chicken broth, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, and 2 teaspoons of Old Bay seasoning, blending everything together harmoniously.
Thicken the Sauce: Remove the shrimp and scallops with a slotted spoon. Gradually whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour that have been lightly dredged in butter, simmering the mixture until it thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
Prep the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Arrange 1 pound of flounder fillets in a casserole dish, lightly sprinkle them with Old Bay seasoning, and bake for 10 minutes to begin cooking the fish.
Layer the Ingredients: Once the flounder is partially cooked, drain any excess liquid. Pour the creamy seafood mixture over the flounder and sprinkle on some extra seasoning. Bake this beautiful creation for 25 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden brown on top.
Garnish and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for about 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. Sprinkle freshly chopped Italian parsley on top before serving to add a lovely touch of color and flavor.
Optional: Serve with a squeeze of lemon for a bright finish.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Easy Seafood Casserole
Don’t Rush Cooking: Seafood can become tough when overcooked. Aim for just 3-4 minutes for shrimp and scallops to keep them juicy in your easy seafood casserole.
Pat Your Seafood Dry: Before cooking, make sure to dry all seafood with paper towels. This prevents excess moisture and helps achieve a beautifully baked casserole.
Stabilize the Sauce: To avoid curdling, gradually add the heavy cream to the broth over medium-low heat. Stir gently as you incorporate to create a smooth sauce.
Rest Before Serving: Allow the casserole to cool for about 5 minutes after baking. This helps the flavors meld together and the sauce to thicken, enhancing each bite of your easy seafood casserole recipe.
Season as You Go: Don’t be shy with seasoning; taste as you prepare! Adjusting flavors throughout the cooking process ensures a perfect balance and satisfaction for everyone at the table.
How to Store and Freeze Easy Seafood Casserole
- Fridge: Store leftover seafood casserole in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Make sure to separate individual portions for easy reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also use the microwave, heating in 30-second intervals.
- Freezer: Not recommended for freezing due to potential changes in texture and flavor of seafood and sauce. It’s best enjoyed fresh for optimal taste!
Easy Seafood Casserole Variations
Feel free to get creative with this seafood casserole, adding your own personal touch to delight your family!
Fish Swap: Substitute flounder with cod or haddock for a different flavor profile while keeping a mild taste.
Mixed Seafood: Add in lobster or crab legs for a gourmet twist that elevates this dish to a seafood feast.
Veggie Boost: Toss in some spinach or bell peppers to enhance nutrition and add a lovely pop of color.
Spice it Up: Sprinkle in some cayenne pepper for a kick of heat that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
Cheesy Twist: Blend in shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese to the sauce for a rich, melty layer of flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the sauce for a gluten-free version everyone will enjoy.
Herbs Galore: Experiment with fresh dill or thyme instead of parsley for a subtly fragrant twist that brightens the dish.
Nutritional Boost: Mix in quinoa or brown rice before baking to turn this casserole into a hearty one-dish meal that’s satisfying and filling.
What to Serve with Easy Seafood Casserole?
Create a well-rounded meal that delights every palate, turning your dinner into a special occasion.
Steamed Asparagus: The bright, crisp texture of asparagus provides a lovely contrast, allowing the creamy casserole to shine.
Garlic Bread: Golden, buttery garlic bread makes for the perfect companion, soaking up the delicious sauce left on your plate.
Mixed Green Salad: A refreshing salad with a zesty vinaigrette adds a light touch, balancing the richness of the casserole beautifully.
White Rice: Serve over soft white rice to soak up the savory cream sauce, turning every bite into pure comfort.
Roasted Broccoli: Crispy, caramelized broccoli pairs perfectly, offering a crunchy texture that complements the soft casserole.
Chardonnay: A chilled glass of Chardonnay enhances the meal, its subtle fruitiness matching the seafood flavors splendidly.
Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lemon on top brightens the flavors, adding a citrusy zing to each spoonful.
Apple Crisp: End your meal on a sweet note with a warm apple crisp, balancing the savory seafood casserole with a cozy dessert.
Make Ahead Options
Preparing this Easy Seafood Casserole Recipe ahead of time is a fantastic way to simplify your meal planning and save precious time on busy nights. You can chop and sauté your seafood mixture up to 24 hours in advance—this ensures that all the flavors meld beautifully while preventing any seafood from becoming soggy. Simply refrigerate it in an airtight container overnight. When you’re ready to bake, layer the mixture over the flounder and bake according to the original instructions, adding an extra five minutes to the cooking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge. This method guarantees a delicious dish that’s just as creamy and comforting as if made fresh, giving you restaurant-quality results with minimal effort!
Easy Seafood Casserole Recipe FAQs
What type of seafood can I use in my Easy Seafood Casserole?
Absolutely! While this recipe features flounder, shrimp, scallops, and crabmeat, feel free to mix it up! You can substitute the flounder with other mild white fish like cod, haddock, or sole. Additionally, feel free to use different shellfish—lobster or even mussels would elevate this dish beautifully!
How should I store leftovers of the Easy Seafood Casserole?
Very! Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, place it back in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. This helps preserve the creamy texture and flavors!
Can I freeze Easy Seafood Casserole?
Not recommended! Freezing seafood casseroles can lead to undesirable changes in texture and flavor after thawing. Creamy sauces may separate, and seafood can become rubbery. It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh for the best experience.
How can I tell if my seafood is fresh enough?
Consider the look! Fresh seafood should have a clean, ocean-like smell. Flounder fillets should be bright and slightly shiny, with no dark spots all over. Shrimp should be firm and not have a slimy texture. Always check the sell-by date if buying pre-packaged!
Can I add vegetables to my Easy Seafood Casserole?
Absolutely! To enhance flavor and nutrition, consider adding veggies such as spinach, bell peppers, or even peas. Just be sure to sauté them briefly before adding them to the casserole to ensure they cook evenly.
Are there any dietary concerns with this Easy Seafood Casserole?
Great question! This recipe includes seafood, heavy cream, and possibly allergens such as shellfish for some people. If serving guests, make sure to ask about any allergies beforehand! You could also experiment with dairy-free cream alternatives for a lactose-intolerant-friendly version.
Easy Seafood Casserole Recipe for a Family-Friendly Feast
Equipment
- - Skillet
- - Oven
- - Casserole dish
- - Slotted spoon
- Whisk
Ingredients
Seafood
- 1 pound Flounder fillets or substitute with cod, haddock, or sole
- 1 cup Medium or large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 cup Dry sea scallops avoiding wet ones
- 1 cup Lump or backfin crabmeat
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons Butter or substitute with olive oil
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 1 cup Chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon Italian parsley freshly chopped
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the shrimp and scallops, sautéing them briefly for about 1 minute until they start to sear and turn opaque.
- Pour in ½ cup of white wine and let it simmer for a minute. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of chicken broth, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, and 2 teaspoons of Old Bay seasoning, blending everything together harmoniously.
- Remove the shrimp and scallops with a slotted spoon. Gradually whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour that have been lightly dredged in butter, simmering the mixture until it thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Arrange 1 pound of flounder fillets in a casserole dish, lightly sprinkle them with Old Bay seasoning, and bake for 10 minutes to begin cooking the fish.
- Once the flounder is partially cooked, drain any excess liquid. Pour the creamy seafood mixture over the flounder and sprinkle on some extra seasoning. Bake this beautiful creation for 25 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Allow the casserole to rest for about 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. Sprinkle freshly chopped Italian parsley on top before serving to add a lovely touch of color and flavor.
