Seafood Casserole with Crackers: A Delicious and Easy Recipe to Try

Seafood Casserole with Crackers is a delightful dish that brings the ocean’s bounty right to your dinner table. This comforting casserole is not only a feast for the eyes but also a symphony of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing. Originating from coastal regions where fresh seafood is abundant, this dish has become a beloved staple in many households, especially during family gatherings and festive occasions.

What I love most about Seafood Casserole with Crackers is its incredible versatility; you can easily customize it with your favorite seafood and seasonings. The creamy texture combined with the crunchy cracker topping creates a perfect balance that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, it’s a convenient dish that can be prepared ahead of time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or special celebrations. Join me as we dive into this delicious recipe that is sure to become a cherished favorite in your home!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, and crab meat)
• 1 cup of cooked white rice
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup of diced onion
• 1 cup of diced bell pepper (any color)
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 cup of crushed saltine crackers
• 2 tablespoons of melted butter
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Seafood Mixture

1. Start by gathering all your ingredients. It’s always easier to have everything ready before you begin cooking.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and translucent.
3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
4. Next, add the mixed seafood to the skillet. If you’re using frozen seafood, make sure it’s thawed and drained. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through and opaque.
5. Sprinkle in the Old Bay seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the flavors. Remove the skillet from heat and let it cool slightly.

Preparing the Casserole Base

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked white rice and heavy cream. Stir until the rice is well coated.
2. Add the sautéed seafood mixture to the bowl with the rice and cream. Gently fold everything together until evenly mixed.
3. Now, fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, reserving a small handful for topping later. Make sure the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Assembling the Casserole

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your casserole cooks evenly.
2. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with a little butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3. Pour the seafood and rice mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the crushed saltine crackers with the melted butter. Mix until the crackers are well coated with butter.
5. Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. This will create a delicious crunchy topping.
6. Finally, sprinkle the reserved cheddar cheese over the cracker topping for an extra cheesy finish.

Cooking the Casserole

1. Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
2. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking to ensure the topping doesn’t burn. If it’s browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
3. Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This will help it set and make it easier to serve.

Serving Suggestions

1. When ready to serve, garnish the casserole with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
2. Pair the seafood casserole with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
3. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or potlucks, and it’s sure to impress your guests with its rich flavors and comforting texture.

Storage and Reheating

1. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. To reheat, simply place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C

   Conclusion:

   In wrapping up this delightful journey through the Seafood Casserole with Crackers recipe, I can’t emphasize enough why this dish is a must-try for anyone looking to impress family and friends or simply indulge in a comforting meal. The combination of fresh seafood, creamy sauce, and the satisfying crunch of crackers creates a symphony of flavors and textures that is hard to resist. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can easily swap out the seafood for your favorites, add in some vegetables for extra nutrition, or even experiment with different types of crackers to find your perfect pairing. When serving this casserole, consider garnishing it with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a pop of color and flavor. Pair it with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables to round out the meal. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a splash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of cheese on top before baking for an extra kick! I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this Seafood Casserole with Crackers a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed! And once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear about your experience. Did you make any fun variations? How did your family react? Share your thoughts and photos with me, and let’s celebrate the joy of cooking together! Happy cooking! Print
   

   Seafood Casserole with Crackers: A Delicious and Easy Recipe to Try

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   • Author: Dottie
   • Total Time: It looks like you’re sharing a recipe for a seafood casserole! Here’s a concise summary of the key points from your text: ### Seafood Casserole Recipe Summary **Reheating Instructions:** – Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. – For quicker reheating, microwave individual portions. – Cover with aluminum foil while reheating to prevent drying out. **Tips and Variations:** 1. Customize the seafood mix (lobster, clams, or fish). 2. Use lighter cream or milk and reduced-fat cheese for a lighter version. 3. Add diced tomatoes or spinach for extra flavor. 4. Spice it up with hot sauce or diced jalapeños. **Enjoyment:** This seafood casserole is a rich and creamy dish with a crunchy topping, perfect for any occasion and sure to impress at your dinner table! If you need any more details or specific instructions, feel free to ask!
   • Yield: It looks like you’re sharing a recipe for a seafood casserole! Here’s a concise summary of the key points from your text: ### Seafood Casserole Recipe Summary **Reheating Instructions:** – Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. – For quicker reheating, microwave individual portions. – Cover with aluminum foil while reheating to prevent drying out. **Tips and Variations:** 1. Customize the seafood mix (lobster, clams, or fish). 2. Use lighter cream or milk and reduced-fat cheese for a lighter version. 3. Add diced tomatoes or spinach for extra flavor. 4. Spice it up with hot sauce or diced jalapeños. **Enjoyment:** This seafood casserole is a rich and creamy dish with a crunchy topping, perfect for any occasion and sure to impress at your dinner table! If you need any more details or specific instructions, feel free to ask!

   Print Recipe

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   Description

   This seafood casserole features a delicious blend of seafood, creamy rice, and a crunchy topping, making it a perfect dish for any occasion. Customize it with your favorite seafood and add extra flavors for a delightful meal that will impress your guests.

   ---

   Ingredients

   Scale 1x2x3x

   It looks like you’re sharing a recipe for a seafood casserole! Here’s a summary of the key points and some additional suggestions to enhance your dish:

   ### Seafood Casserole Recipe Summary

   **Reheating Instructions:**
   – Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
   – For quicker reheating, microwave individual portions.
   – Cover with aluminum foil while reheating to retain moisture.

   ### Tips and Variations:
   1. **Customize Your Seafood:** Use a mix of your favorite seafood such as lobster, clams, or different types of fish.
   2. **Lighter Version:** Substitute heavy cream with lighter cream or milk, and opt for reduced-fat cheese.
   3. **Add Vegetables:** Incorporate diced tomatoes or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
   4. **Spice It Up:** Add hot sauce or diced jalapeños to the seafood mixture for a kick.

   ### Enjoy Your Seafood Casserole!
   This dish is a wonderful blend of creamy rice and seafood, topped with a crunchy layer, making it a perfect choice for any gathering or family dinner. Enjoy your meal!

   If you have any specific questions or need further assistance with the recipe, feel free to ask!

   ---

   Instructions

   It looks like you’re sharing a recipe for a seafood casserole! Here’s a concise summary of the key points from your text:

   ### Seafood Casserole Recipe Summary

   **Reheating Instructions:**
   – Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
   – For quicker reheating, microwave individual portions.
   – Cover with aluminum foil while reheating in the oven to prevent drying out.

   **Tips and Variations:**
   1. Customize the seafood mix (lobster, clams, or fish).
   2. Use lighter cream or milk and reduced-fat cheese for a lighter version.
   3. Add diced tomatoes or spinach for extra flavor.
   4. Spice it up with hot sauce or diced jalapeños.

   **Enjoy Your Seafood Casserole!**
   – A rich and creamy dish that’s perfect for any occasion and sure to impress at your dinner table!

   If you need any more information or specific details, feel free to ask!

   Notes

   It looks like you’re sharing a recipe for a seafood casserole! Here’s a concise summary of the key points from your text:

   ### Seafood Casserole Recipe Summary

   **Reheating Instructions:**
   – Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
   – For quicker reheating, microwave individual portions.
   – Cover with aluminum foil while reheating to prevent drying out.

   **Tips and Variations:**
   1. Customize the seafood mix (lobster, clams, or fish).
   2. Use lighter cream or milk and reduced-fat cheese for a lighter version.
   3. Add diced tomatoes or spinach for extra flavor.
   4. Spice it up with hot sauce or diced jalapeños.

   **Enjoyment:**
   This seafood casserole combines rich seafood flavors with creamy rice and a crunchy topping, making it a delightful dish for any occasion!

   If you need any more details or specific instructions, feel free to ask!

   • Prep Time: It looks like you’re sharing a recipe for a seafood casserole! Here’s a summary of the key points and some additional suggestions to enhance your dish: ### Seafood Casserole Recipe Summary **Reheating Instructions:** – Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. – For quicker reheating, microwave individual portions. – Cover with aluminum foil while reheating in the oven to retain moisture. ### Tips and Variations: 1. **Customize Your Seafood:** Use a mix of your favorite seafood such as lobster, clams, or different types of fish. 2. **Lighter Version:** Substitute heavy cream with lighter cream or milk, and opt for reduced-fat cheese. 3. **Add Vegetables:** Incorporate diced tomatoes or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition. 4. **Spice It Up:** Add hot sauce or diced jalapeños to the seafood mixture for a kick. ### Enjoy Your Seafood Casserole! This dish combines the richness of seafood with creamy rice and a crunchy topping, making it a delightful option for any occasion. Enjoy your meal! If you have any specific questions or need further assistance with the recipe, feel free to ask!
   • Cook Time: It looks like you’re sharing a recipe for a seafood casserole! Here’s a summary of the key points and some additional suggestions to enhance your dish: ### Seafood Casserole Recipe Summary **Reheating Instructions:** – Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. – For quicker reheating, microwave individual portions. – Cover with aluminum foil while reheating to retain moisture. ### Tips and Variations: 1. **Customize Your Seafood:** Use a mix of your favorite seafood such as lobster, clams, or different types of fish. 2. **Lighter Version:** Substitute heavy cream with lighter cream or milk, and opt for reduced-fat cheese. 3. **Add Vegetables:** Incorporate diced tomatoes or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition. 4. **Spice It Up:** Add hot sauce or diced jalapeños to the seafood mixture for a kick. ### Enjoy Your Seafood Casserole! This dish is a wonderful blend of creamy rice and seafood, topped with a crunchy layer, making it perfect for any gathering or family dinner. Enjoy your meal! If you have any specific questions or need further assistance with the recipe, feel free to ask!