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+ servings

Shrimp and Crab Au Gratin Casserole

A rich, buttery casserole loaded with tender seafood and a golden, cheesy crust—perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course, Seafood
Cuisine: American
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

Seafood and Vegetables
  • 1 lb lump crab meat picked over for shells
  • 1 lb shrimp peeled, deveined, and chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter melted
  • 1/2 cup yellow onion finely diced
  • 1/2 cup celery finely diced
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
Creamy Binding
  • 3/4 cup full-fat mayonnaise
  • 4 oz cream cheese softened to room temperature
  • 2 large eggs lightly beaten
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 Meyer lemon juiced
  • 1 1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning plus more for sprinkling
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly ground
Topping and Assembly
  • 1 cup saltine crackers crushed, divided
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded, divided
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
  • 1 lemon wedges for serving

Method
 

Preparation and Sauté
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly butter a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onion, celery, and red bell pepper. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until softened.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Assembling the Casserole
  1. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Whisk in the mayonnaise, beaten eggs, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, Meyer lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  2. Fold in the cooled vegetable mixture, half of the crushed saltines, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
  3. Gently fold in the crab meat and chopped shrimp, taking care not to break up the crab too much.
  4. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining crushed saltines and cheddar cheese over the top. Dust with a little extra Old Bay seasoning.
  5. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
Resting and Serving
  1. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm with lemon wedges.

Nutrition

Calories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 35gFat: 48gSaturated Fat: 18gCholesterol: 280mgSodium: 1200mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4g

Notes

For a lighter version, substitute plain Greek yogurt for half the mayonnaise. Swap saltines with crushed sourdough breadcrumbs for a California twist. Use fresh lump crab for best texture; avoid canned. To make ahead, assemble without topping, refrigerate, then add topping and bake—add 10 minutes to baking time. Don't overmix the seafood to keep it tender. Serve with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

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