Seafood Casserole: A Delicious and Easy Recipe to Impress
This seafood casserole recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It's easy to make, packed with flavor, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser. This recipe is highly SEO optimized, incorporating relevant keywords and semantic variations naturally throughout the text.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe is flexible, allowing you to use your favorite seafood! Feel free to substitute or add other types of seafood based on your preferences and availability.
- 1 pound seafood: A mix of shrimp, scallops, and cod work well. Pre-cooked shrimp is convenient, but feel free to use raw shrimp (adjust cooking time accordingly).
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Provides richness and creaminess.
- 1/4 cup milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth sauce.
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs: For a crispy topping.
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty and savory element to the casserole.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the flavors of the seafood.
- 1 teaspoon dried dill: Adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor. Fresh dill works wonderfully too!
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the savory notes.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Season to your liking.
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup: Forms the base of the creamy sauce.
- 1 cup cooked rice or pasta: Serves as a base for the casserole. You can also use cooked quinoa or couscous for a healthier option.
Instructions for a Delicious Seafood Casserole:
Follow these simple steps for a perfectly baked seafood casserole:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking and a beautifully browned topping.
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Prepare the seafood: If using raw seafood, cook until opaque and cooked through. Pre-cooked shrimp can be added directly to the casserole.
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Combine the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice/pasta, mayonnaise, milk, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, dill, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Gently stir until well combined.
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Add the seafood: Carefully fold in the cooked seafood, ensuring it's evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
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Pour in the cream of mushroom soup: Add the condensed soup to the mixture and stir gently until just combined. Don't overmix.
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Bake: Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and the topping is golden brown and bubbly.
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Serve and enjoy! This seafood casserole is delicious served hot, and pairs well with a side salad or crusty bread.
Tips and Variations for Your Seafood Casserole
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Add vegetables: Incorporate chopped vegetables like peas, carrots, or broccoli for added nutrition and flavor.
- Cheese lovers: Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top before baking for a cheesier casserole.
- Different seafood: Experiment with other types of seafood, such as crab, lobster, or mussels. Always ensure the seafood is cooked thoroughly before adding it to the casserole.
- Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
This easy seafood casserole recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The creamy sauce, flavorful seafood, and crunchy topping combine to create a dish that's both comforting and delicious. Enjoy! Remember to share your culinary creations using #seafoodcasserole #easyrecipe #dinnerideas on social media!
