Baked Seafood Casserole with Cheese – A Creamy Classic

Introduction

A Baked Seafood Casserole with Cheese delivers the best of coastal cuisine to your dinner table—rich flavors, creamy textures, and cheesy goodness in every bite. This dish is a sure bet for impressing dinner guests or treating your family to something special that’s both indulgent and comforting. If you love layered flavors and crave a hearty, oven-baked meal, this creamy classic checks every box and even leaves room for your own creative twists.

Why This Baked Seafood Casserole Is a Crowd-Pleaser

This casserole recipe stands out for its versatility and flavor-packed layers—succulent shrimp and tender crab (or your favorite seafood blend), a silky cheese sauce, and a decadent golden crust. The combination of ocean-fresh seafood with a blend of creamy cheeses makes each forkful irresistible. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner, yet elegant enough to shine at festive gatherings or holiday celebrations.

Crafting the Perfect Cheesy Sauce

The creamy cheese sauce is the backbone of this casserole. Start by sautéing aromatics like garlic and shallot, then whisk in cream and just the right mix of shredded cheeses (cheddar and Gruyère work beautifully). Let everything bubble gently, and finish with a few dashes of lemon juice for brightness. The sauce should be velvety and ready to drape across your seafood mix—coating everything in smooth, savory perfection.

Building Your Seafood Casserole Layers

Layering is where the magic happens. Gently fold your seafood into the cheese sauce, then spoon the mixture into a casserole dish. For that classic finish, sprinkle on a generous topping of breadcrumbs tossed with a bit of melted butter and more cheese. Bake until the top is golden and bubbling, and you’ll unveil a show-stopping dish that’s ready to be served straight from the oven.

Serving Ideas for Baked Seafood Casserole with Cheese

Pair this casserole with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables to balance its richness. Fresh lemon wedges and chopped parsley make ideal garnishes—they add color and a burst of freshness that complement the creamy, decadent interior. Serve it with crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the cheesy sauce for a completely satisfying meal.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe serves 6, with each portion containing about 400 to 450 calories. Nutritional values vary based on seafood and cheese selections, but this dish provides a good source of protein and calcium—a treat that satisfies while offering classic, comforting flavors.

Baked Seafood Casserole with Cheese – A Creamy Classic (Recap)

Elevate your weeknight dinner or celebratory meal with this irresistible baked casserole. The creamy cheese sauce pairs perfectly with tender seafood, offering balanced flavors and a crunchy golden topping—a surefire recipe for applause at the table.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 2-quart casserole dish.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add the shallot and garlic; sauté until soft, about 2 minutes.
3. Sprinkle in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
4. Gradually whisk in the cream and milk. Cook, stirring, until slightly thickened—about 3 minutes.
5. Add the shredded cheddar and Gruyère (or mozzarella), lemon juice, Old Bay (or paprika), black pepper, and salt. Stir until the cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
6. Gently fold in the mixed seafood. Stir until evenly coated. Remove from the heat.
7. Pour the seafood mixture into your prepared casserole dish. In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the casserole, then dust with extra cheese if desired.
8. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top. Let stand for several minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Weekly Meal Planning

This Baked Seafood Casserole works brilliantly as a make-ahead meal—prep it the night before, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve. Save and schedule this recipe to your meal plan for smart shopping—CookifyAI automatically compiles ingredient amounts and creates an organized shopping list, helping you plan a week’s worth of delicious meals.

Planning Benefits:

• Auto-calculates total ingredient quantities across all planned recipes
• Sorts shopping lists by grocery store section for streamlined trips
• Reduces duplicate purchases and forgotten items
• Helps make weekly meal prep more efficient and organized

Pro tip: Planning several meals that use similar ingredients (like cheese, garlic, or milk) means you’ll always buy just the right amount—CookifyAI reduces food waste and saves money. Schedule your recipes to optimize your grocery list and simplify your week.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness of this seafood casserole—your new go-to for flavor-packed, fuss-free meals!