The moment I took a bite of this recipe, I knew I had to get seconds

 

Baked Shrimp Casserole

Elegant enough for a dinner party yet simple enough for a weeknight, this casserole is the epitome of comfort food. Plump, juicy shrimp are nestled in a velvety, herb-infused cream sauce, topped with a golden, buttery crust. It’s a decadent and satisfying dish that is sure to impress.

Yields: 4-6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

For the Casserole Base:

• 1 lb (450 g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth

• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• 1 tsp paprika

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 1 cup (100 g) grated cheddar cheese

• ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese

For the Breadcrumb Topping:

• 1 cup (100 g) breadcrumbs (Panko recommended for extra crunch)

• 2 tbsp butter, melted

For Garnish:

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

1. Prep and Preheat: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch (or similar) baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

2. Sauté Aromatics: In a small skillet or saucepan, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Create the Cream Sauce: To the garlic butter, whisk in the chicken broth, heavy cream, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then remove from heat.

4. Assemble the Casserole: Arrange the raw shrimp in a single layer at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the shrimp. Sprinkle the grated cheddar and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top.

5. Add the Crunchy Topping: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the 2 tablespoons of melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle this mixture over the cheese layer.

6. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the shrimp are cooked through, the sauce is bubbly, and the breadcrumb topping is a deep golden brown.

7. Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly. Garnish generously with fresh parsley before serving.

Chef's Notes

• Shrimp Size: For best results, use large (21/25 count) shrimp to prevent overcooking.

• Make it Lighter: You can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream for a slightly lighter sauce, though it will be less rich.

• Fresh Herbs: If you have them on hand, 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves will provide a more vibrant flavor than dried.

• Serving Suggestion: This casserole is fantastic served over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread to soak up every bit of the delicious sauce.