Southern Crab & Shrimp Casserole

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 tablespoon Butter, for sautéing

1 cup Mayonnaise
1 cup Sour Cream
1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
1 teaspoon Lemon Juice
1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
Salt and Pepper to taste

1 sleeve Ritz Crackers, crushed
4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter, melted
Fresh Parsley for garnish

How to Make It:

1. Prepare the Shrimp:
Rinse and pat the shrimp dry. Season lightly with salt, pepper, and a touch of lemon juice to brighten their sweetness.

2. Infuse the Aromatics:
In a skillet, melt the tablespoon of butter. Gently sauté the celery, onion, and bell pepper until soft and fragrant. Set aside to cool slightly.

3. Sear the Shrimp:
Warm a clean pan over medium heat. Give the shrimp a brief sear until they begin to blush pink at the edges. Remove and keep warm to preserve their tenderness.

4. Compose the Sauce:
In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Old Bay, Worcestershire, garlic powder, and the sautéed vegetables. Fold in the cheddar cheese and the crab, taking care not to break the delicate lumps.

5. Unite and Serve:
Stir in the shrimp, then transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter and scatter across the top. Bake at 350 F for 30 to 35 minutes until the filling bubbles and the crust turns golden. Finish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Nutrition & Timing:
Prep Time: 15 min – Cook Time: 20 min – Total Time: 35 min – Servings: 4 – Approx. 500 Calories | 33g Protein per serving