Baked Shrimp Casserole with Buttery Crumb Topping is a wonderful mix of tender shrimp, creamy sauce, and a crunchy, buttery topping that gives every bite a satisfying texture. The golden crumb crust adds a perfect contrast to the soft, flavorful shrimp underneath, making it a comforting and tasty dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
I love how easy this casserole comes together and how it fills the kitchen with such a warm, inviting smell as it bakes. The buttery crumb topping is my favorite part—it adds that little bit of crunch and richness that makes the whole dish feel special without any fuss. It’s a great recipe to have on hand when I want something cozy but also a little fancy.
Serving this shrimp casserole is always a hit at our dinner table. I like to pair it with a simple green salad or some steamed vegetables to balance the richness. Sometimes, I even serve it with crusty bread to soak up any creamy sauce leftover on the plate. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug and keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp work best here for their meaty texture. Fresh or thawed frozen shrimp are great—just be sure to peel and devein. If you prefer, you can swap shrimp for cooked crab meat or chunks of firm fish.
Butter: Butter adds rich flavor especially in the crumb topping. Unsalted butter lets you control the salt level better. For a dairy-free option, try a plant-based butter substitute.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a nice tang, while Parmesan boosts flavor and helps the sauce bind. You can use any melting cheese you like; Gruyère or mozzarella are tasty alternatives.
Heavy Cream & Sour Cream: These make the sauce creamy and smooth. For a lighter dish, try half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or Greek yogurt instead of sour cream (just add it off the heat to avoid curdling).
Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are perfect for that crispy topping. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs work too. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free crumbs or crushed nuts.
How Do I Make Sure the Shrimp Stay Tender and Don’t Overcook?
Shrimp cook very quickly and can get rubbery if left too long. Here’s how to keep them tender:
- Add shrimp to the sauce just before baking—they’ll finish cooking in the oven.
- Watch the baking time closely; 20-25 minutes is usually enough to cook shrimp through without drying them out.
- Look for shrimp to turn pink and opaque, which means they’re done.
- If you’re using pre-cooked shrimp, reduce baking time to avoid toughening.
- Let the casserole rest a few minutes after baking to keep juices inside the shrimp.
Following these tips, your shrimp will stay juicy and tender, complementing the creamy sauce and crispy topping perfectly.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Oven-safe casserole dish – I use this because it goes from oven to table, keeping everything warm.
- Skillet – a good-sized skillet is perfect for sautéing the onion and garlic without extra dishes.
- Mixing bowls – for combining bread crumbs, herbs, and melted butter easily.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to keep your ingredients precise and ensure everything turns out just right.
- Rubber spatula or spoon – helps you stir the sauce and gently fold in the shrimp without breaking them apart.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use cooked crab meat or cooked lobster instead of shrimp for a seafood mix that’s extra fancy.
- Add a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for some heat.
- Mix in chopped cooked bacon or pancetta for smoky, savory bites.
- Top with chopped fresh herbs like thyme or basil before baking for a bright, fresh flavor.
How to Make Baked Shrimp Casserole with Buttery Crumb Topping
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Shrimp and Sauce:
- 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika, plus extra for topping
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Buttery Crumb Topping:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Time Needed
This dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare plus 20-25 minutes baking time. Allow a few extra minutes to let the casserole rest before serving, so the flavors settle perfectly.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Your Oven and Casserole Ready
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly butter a medium-sized casserole dish so your shrimp casserole won’t stick and will bake evenly.
2. Cook Onion and Garlic
In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until you smell its lovely aroma.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce
Now stir in the heavy cream, sour cream, Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce gently simmer for about 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens just a bit.
4. Add Cheese
Take the skillet off the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan until the cheeses melt smoothly into the sauce.
5. Mix in the Shrimp
Gently fold the peeled and deveined shrimp into the creamy sauce, making sure they’re well coated.
6. Assemble the Casserole
Pour the shrimp and sauce mixture into your prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
7. Prepare the Buttery Crumb Topping
In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter, chopped parsley, and a pinch of paprika. Toss together until the crumbs are nicely coated with butter.
8. Add the Topping and Bake
Sprinkle the buttery breadcrumb topping evenly over the shrimp casserole. Place it uncovered in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and shrimp are fully cooked—shrimps will be pink and opaque.
9. Let it Rest and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps the sauce settle and the shrimp stay tender.
This baked shrimp casserole is perfect served warm with steamed vegetables, a crisp green salad, or some fresh crusty bread. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Casserole?
Yes, frozen shrimp works perfectly! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight or quickly in cold water, then pat dry before cooking to avoid extra moisture in the casserole.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to step 8, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed since it will be cold from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to maintain the creamy texture and crispy topping.
Can I Substitute Different Cheeses in the Recipe?
Yes! Feel free to swap cheddar and Parmesan for other melty cheeses like Gruyère, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack to change the flavor profile.
