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Southern Seafood Casserole with Crab and Shrimp

Southern Seafood Casserole with Crab and Shrimp

This Southern seafood casserole combines tender shrimp, lump crab, sautéed celery, bell pepper, onion, cheddar, and a creamy seasoned filling under a buttery Ritz cracker topping. Baked until bubbling and golden, it makes a comforting seafood dinner with rich Southern-style flavor.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 persons
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 500
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

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

Equipment

  • large skillet For sautéing the vegetables and briefly cooking the shrimp
  • large mixing bowl For preparing the creamy seafood filling
  • Baking dish For assembling and baking the casserole
  • Silicone spatula or wooden spoon For folding and mixing the filling

Method
 

  1. 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. 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. 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. 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 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.

Notes

Cook the vegetables until tender and fragrant, then let them cool slightly before mixing them into the creamy filling.
Briefly cook the shrimp only until the edges begin to turn pink so they stay tender after baking.
Fold the lump crab in gently to help preserve larger pieces.
Spread the seafood mixture evenly in the baking dish for even heating.
Mix the crushed Ritz crackers thoroughly with the melted butter before sprinkling them over the casserole.
Bake until the edges are bubbling and the topping is golden.
Finish with fresh parsley and serve warm.