Creamy Shrimp and Rice Casserole with Cheddar and Breadcrumb Topping Recipe
Introduction
This shrimp casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering. Combining tender shrimp, fluffy rice, and a flavorful sauce, it’s easy to prepare and sure to please seafood lovers.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the shrimp for 2–3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are fully cooked. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until well blended.
- Step 3: Fold the cooked rice and shredded cheddar cheese into the sauce mixture, stirring to coat the rice evenly.
- Step 4: Gently stir the cooked shrimp into the rice and cheese mixture, ensuring the shrimp is evenly distributed.
- Step 5: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the shrimp and rice mixture evenly in the dish.
- Step 6: In a small bowl, mix melted butter with breadcrumbs, then sprinkle this topping evenly over the casserole.
- Step 7: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the casserole for 25–30 minutes until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbly.
- Step 8: Remove from oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor, but frozen shrimp can work well if thawed properly.
- Try adding diced bell peppers or a handful of spinach for extra color and nutrition.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the sauce mixture.
- Parmesan cheese can be sprinkled on top along with the breadcrumbs for an extra cheesy crust.
Storage
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions until hot.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, brown rice works well and adds a nuttier flavor and more fiber. Just be sure it’s fully cooked before mixing into the casserole.
Can this casserole be made ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
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Creamy Shrimp and Rice Casserole with Cheddar and Breadcrumb Topping Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Shrimp Casserole recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender shrimp baked with creamy sour cream, mayonnaise, and cheddar cheese, combined with cooked white rice and topped with a buttery breadcrumb crust. It’s an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing casserole that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Shrimp Casserole Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the peeled and deveined shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are fully cooked. Remove shrimp from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Casserole Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well until the sauce is smooth and evenly blended.
- Add Rice and Cheese: Fold the cooked white rice and shredded cheddar cheese into the sauce mixture, stirring until the rice is fully coated and the mixture is uniform.
- Combine Shrimp with Mixture: Gently stir the cooked shrimp into the rice and cheese mixture, ensuring the shrimp are evenly distributed throughout the casserole base.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the shrimp and rice mixture evenly in the dish.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with the breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole to create a crunchy crust.
- Bake the Casserole: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot with sides like a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- Use cooked rice leftover from a previous meal or freshly cooked rice cooled to room temperature.
- Adjust garlic and onion powder quantities to your taste for a milder or stronger flavor.
- For a healthier option, use low-fat sour cream and reduced-fat cheese.
- Breadcrumb topping can be substituted with crushed crackers or panko for a different texture.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: shrimp casserole, baked shrimp dish, cheesy shrimp casserole, easy shrimp recipe, seafood casserole, comfort food, baked casserole
