In our Shrimp Casserole recipe, we top a cheesy and creamy shrimp with crunchy bread crumbs that bake up perfectly in the oven. This 30-minute meal is perfect for a holiday table, but easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
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Shrimp Casserole Video Tutorial
This 30-minute Shrimp Casserole comes together quickly for a cheesy, crunchy shrimp bake. Watch me cook and layer this casserole in no time at all!
Easy Shrimp Casserole Recipe
Some of my favorite holiday and party dishes are shrimp, such as Shrimp Cucumber Bites, Shrimp Cakes, and Ceviche – they feel fancy but are super simple to make. This shrimp casserole dish was created from our Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Appetizer, one of our favorite starters to take to potluck events, except this casserole is even easier!
I brought this 30-minute shrimp casserole to my parent’s house to celebrate my Dad’s birthday with my sisters and their families—the ultimate test for my new recipes. He loved it—they all loved it, and nothing was left in the dish! I knew it was a winner.
Tips for Making Shrimp Casserole
This beginner-friendly shrimp casserole comes together in just moments, but here are a few tips to make it even easier:
- Thaw the shrimp properly– If you live near water, fresh shrimp is great, but frozen shrimp work great too for those of us who are land-locked, just be sure to thaw according to package instructions.
- Don’t overcook shrimp – Shrimp cook quickly! I boil for literally 30 seconds. Overcooked shrimp will turn rubbery.
- Remove excess water – the filling won’t stick well to the shrimp and can get runny if they are wet, so be sure to drain any water after boiling. If the shrimp release more water in the oven, use a paper towel to soak up the excess water.
How to Make Shrimp Casserole
This 30-minute shrimp bake comes together quickly and easily. Be sure to keep the shrimp as dry as possible before mixing the filling.
- Prep the baking dish/skillet/casserole with butter, preheat the oven to 375°F. Note on baking dishes: Use either a 2 1/2 qt casserole dish or a 10” deep dish oven-safe skillet. You can also use a 9×9 casserole dish or 9” pie pan.
- Boil Shrimp – Bring a large pot of water to a boil (I filled a 6-qt pot 3/4 full). Add 1 Tbsp each of salt and Old Bay Seasoning to the water, and then add shrimp to the boiling water for 30 seconds. They should be just cooked and opaque, but not overcooked. Remove shrimp with a strainer to a bowl to cool for 10 minutes, then pat dry any liquid on the bottom with a paper towel.
- Mix mayo, garlic powder, and pepper into the shrimp and then stir to be sure the shrimp are covered. Mix the cheeses into the shrimp filling. Spread the shrimp casserole filling into the prepared dish or skillet.
- Melt 1 Tbsp of butter in a measuring cup or bowl, and then mix the breadcrumbs into the melted butter until evenly covered. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the shrimp filling.
- Bake the casserole uncovered in the oven until the center reaches 145°F, around 15 minutes. Then Broil for 1-2 minutes until the breadcrumbs are lightly browned. Rest for 15 minutes before serving.
Pro Tip:
Sometimes, shrimp release extra water when they are overcooked or thawed improperly. If you see extra liquid at the bottom of your casserole after baking, don’t worry—just use a paper towel to soak it up.
What to Serve with Shrimp Casserole
Serve shrimp casserole warm or room temperature, so it is easy to transport to a potluck. We like to serve it alongside starch, such as Rice, Quinoa, Mashed Potatoes, veggies, and crusty bread. Here are a few of our favorite sides:
Make-Ahead
- Make-Ahead: Spread the filling into the dish in step 3 and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, mix the butter and breadcrumbs to be sure your topping stays crisp.
- To Refrigerate: cover and store leftovers in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days.
- Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing the cooked shrimp casserole.
- To Reheat: Add breadcrumb topping if not already added and reheat in the oven or air fryer.
Try this Shrimp Casserole for your holiday or party menu this year since casseroles are so easy to make, take, and serve a crowd. Your guests will love the decadent, creamy 30-minute casserole recipe with the crispy breadcrumb topping.
More Shrimp Recipes
If you love this shrimp casserole recipe, I know you’ll love these other shrimp recipe favorites.
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Shrimp Casserole Recipe
This Shrimp Casserole has creamy cheesy shrimp baked under crisp buttery bread crumbs. It’s so easy to throw this together – it’s done in about 30 minutes and it’s such a treat to make for the holidays but simple enough for a weeknight dinner.
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Prep: Preheat the oven to 375 ̊F. Grease a 2 1/2 quart casserole dish* or skillet with butter.
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Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1 Tbsp salt and 1 Tbsp Old Bay Seasoning. Add the shrimp and cook for 30 seconds or just when the shrimp are opaque and cooked through. Immediately remove with a strainer and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Let it cool for a few minutes then drain off any water that collects at the bottom of the bowl, or use a paper towel to soak up any liquid at the bottom of the bowl.
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Into the shrimp, add mayo, garlic powder, and black pepper and stir to coat the shrimp. Sprinkle on the cheese and stir again to combine. Transfer the shrimp mixture to your prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly into the pan.
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In a separate bowl or measuring cup, melt 1 Tbsp butter and stir in 1/2 cup bread crumbs until crumbs are evenly moistened. Sprinkle crumbs over the shrimp.
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Bake uncovered at 375 ̊F for 13-15 minutes or until the center reaches 145 ̊F on an instant-read thermometer then broil for 1 to 2 minutes to brown the crumbs. Rest for 15 minutes before serving.* You can serve it warm or at room temperature. It’s still delicious if you have to transport it to someone’s house for dinner!
*Note on baking dishes: Try a 2 1/2 quart casserole dish or a deep 10-inch skillet. You can also use a 9×9 square casserole dish or a 9-inch pie pan.
*Make ahead – spread the shrimp filling in the pan in step 3, cover the pan with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 3 days, then top with breadcrumb mixture and bake as directed.
*Leftovers – cover and refrigerate for 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer.
354kcal Calories4g Carbs30g Protein24g Fat
Nutrition Facts
Shrimp Casserole Recipe
Amount per Serving
% Daily Value*
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
