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A bubbling shrimp casserole in a baking dish

Creamy Golden Shrimp Casserole

A rich and creamy shrimp casserole baked to golden perfection with a crispy panko topping.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 6 people
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Oven
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • Small bowl

Ingredients
  

Casserole Base

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 2 stalks celery finely chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk whole milk or 2% works best for creaminess
  • 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine or extra broth optional, for depth of flavor
  • 8 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 lb large shrimp peeled, deveined, and tails removed
  • 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning or your favorite seafood seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper or to taste
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)

Topping

  • 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

Prep

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Pat the shrimp dry and season with Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Cook

  • Heat oil or butter in a large skillet, then sauté onion, celery, and bell pepper for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic for one minute until fragrant.
  • Sprinkle flour over vegetables to make a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes, then gradually whisk in milk, broth, and optional white wine until the sauce thickens and simmers.
  • Reduce heat to low, add softened cream cheese and cheddar, stirring until smooth, then season as needed.
  • Remove from heat, gently fold in the seasoned shrimp, and pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Topping & Bake

  • In a small bowl, combine panko, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese, then mix and sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly, shrimp are opaque, and the topping is golden and crispy.

Serve

  • Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, then garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle kick. Ensure shrimp is not overcooked to maintain tenderness; it should be opaque when done. This casserole pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed rice or a light green salad.