Southern Seafood Casserole with Crab and Shrimp

This is the kind of seafood casserole that comes to the table bubbling, creamy, and golden on top. Tender shrimp, lump crab, seasoned vegetables, cheddar, and buttery cracker crumbs come together for a comforting seafood dinner that’s full of flavor and easy to make ahead.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Shrimp and crab together. Both bring rich seafood flavor to the creamy filling.
• That buttery cracker topping. Crushed Ritz crackers bake up golden and add a satisfying crunch.
• Rich, cheesy filling. Mayonnaise, sour cream, and cheddar create a base that’s indulgent in every bite.
• A true Southern classic. The kind of casserole that feels like it’s been passed down through generations.

Ingredients

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled, deveined, and cut into chunks
• 1 lb lump crab meat, checked for shells
• 1 cup celery, finely chopped
• 1 cup green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp butter, for sautéing
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

How to Make Southern Seafood Casserole with Crab and Shrimp

1. Soften the vegetables. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the celery, green bell pepper, and onion. Cook until tender and fragrant, then let the vegetables cool slightly.

2. Briefly cook the shrimp. Season the shrimp with salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat just until the edges begin to turn pink. Remove promptly so the shrimp stay tender.

3. Make the creamy seafood filling. In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, Old Bay seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Gently fold in the cooked vegetables, cheddar cheese, and lump crab.

4. Assemble the casserole. Fold the shrimp into the creamy crab mixture and spread everything evenly in a greased baking dish. Combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the 4 tablespoons melted butter, then sprinkle the buttery crumbs evenly over the seafood casserole.

5. Bake until golden. Bake at 350°F for 30 to 35 minutes, until the creamy seafood casserole is bubbling around the edges and golden on top. Finish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Tips for the Best Southern Seafood Casserole

• Don’t overcook the shrimp in the initial step. Pulling them once the edges just turn pink keeps them tender through the bake.
• Let the vegetables cool slightly before mixing. This helps keep the mayonnaise-based filling from thinning out.
• Fold the crab in gently. A light hand keeps the lump pieces intact instead of shredding them.
• Check for shells thoroughly. Even pre-picked lump crab can hide small shell fragments, so it’s worth the extra minute.

What to Serve with Southern Seafood Casserole

A simple green salad and crusty bread round out the meal nicely, since the casserole itself is rich and filling.

Frequently Asked Questions