Get ready to fall in love with comfort food all over again with this Creamy Shrimp and Rice Casserole with Cheddar and Breadcrumb Topping Recipe. This dish perfectly balances tender shrimp, fluffy rice, and a rich, cheesy sauce crowned with a crunchy breadcrumb crust. It’s a heartwarming, flavorful meal that’s both elegant enough for guests and simple enough for busy weeknights. Every bite melts with creamy goodness and just the right amount of zest from garlic, lemon, and paprika, making it an instant family favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple pantry staples and fresh essentials that come together beautifully, lending this casserole its luscious texture, bold flavor, and inviting aroma. Each component plays a role, from the succulent shrimp to the crispy topping that adds that irresistible finish.
- 1 lb large shrimp: Peeled and deveined for easy cooking and perfect texture.
- 1 cup cooked white rice: Acts as the creamy base that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese: Offers sharpness and gooey meltiness for richness.
- 1 cup sour cream: Brings creamy tanginess that balances the savory notes.
- ½ cup mayonnaise: Adds moisture and smooth texture to keep the casserole luscious.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the dish with fresh citrusy zing.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder: Infuses gentle savory depth without overpowering the shrimp.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Lends subtle sweetness and complexity.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds warmth, color, and a hint of smoky flavor.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for bringing out all the other flavors.
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted: Used to richly coat the breadcrumbs for a golden, crunchy topping.
- ½ cup breadcrumbs: Creates that mouthwatering crust you crave on a casserole.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional): Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal notes as garnish.
How to Make Creamy Shrimp and Rice Casserole with Cheddar and Breadcrumb Topping Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Shrimp to Perfection
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat, then cook your shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn a beautiful pink and are completely cooked through. This quick cooking locks in their juicy tenderness, which forms the flavorful protein star in this casserole. Once done, set them aside to cool slightly before mixing with other ingredients.
Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Casserole Mixture
Grab a large mixing bowl, and combine your sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mixing these creates a smooth, tangy, and richly seasoned base that will coat your shrimp and rice with incredible flavor and creaminess. Gently fold in the cooked rice and shrimp, making sure everything is evenly coated without breaking the shrimp.
Step 3: Assemble Your Casserole Layers
Transfer the luscious mixture into a greased 9 by 13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly for consistent baking. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top, ensuring every bite gets that ooey-gooey cheesiness that makes this casserole so irresistible.
Step 4: Prepare and Add the Crunchy Topping
In a small bowl, combine your melted butter with the breadcrumbs, stirring until all crumbs are well-coated. These buttery breadcrumbs will bake into a golden, crispy topping that provides a delightful contrast in both texture and flavor to the creamy shrimp and rice underneath. Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture on top of the cheddar layer.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and bake the casserole for 25 to 30 minutes. During this time, the top will turn an inviting golden brown while the cheese melts into bubbly perfection beneath. This baking step melds all the flavors and textures into one ultimate comforting dish.
Step 6: Rest, Garnish, and Serve Warm
After baking, let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top to add a burst of color and mild herbal freshness that brightens every forkful. Then, dive into this creamy, cheesy, crispy delight that’s guaranteed to satisfy.
How to Serve Creamy Shrimp and Rice Casserole with Cheddar and Breadcrumb Topping Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the perfect garnish here, adding both visual appeal and a gentle herby flavor that complements the creamy shrimp base. You might also sprinkle some extra paprika or a few lemon wedges on the side if you want to enhance the zesty notes further.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Steamed or roasted vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, or green beans also make wonderful, vibrant sides that balance out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re aiming to impress, serve individual portions in ramekins topped with the breadcrumb crust for a charming presentation. Alternatively, accompany the dish with garlic bread or crusty baguette slices for scooping up that creamy leftover sauce – pure indulgence!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This casserole keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days when covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. Just pop it back in the oven or microwave when ready to enjoy again.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Cover it tightly with foil and plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking according to the recipe instructions.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through to retain the crispy topping. For a quicker option, microwave portions on medium power, but you might lose a bit of the crunch this way.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, brown rice is a wholesome substitute that adds a nuttier flavor and chewier texture, though it may result in a slightly different creaminess. Make sure the rice is fully cooked and cooled before mixing.
Is it possible to make this casserole dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use dairy-free alternatives such as vegan sour cream, mayonnaise, and cheddar-style cheese. Choose a dairy-free butter substitute for the topping. Flavor may vary slightly but will still be delicious.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Definitely. Chopped bell peppers, spinach, or peas stir in nicely and boost the nutrition and color, making the dish even more vibrant and wholesome.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe features mild warmth from paprika and garlic powder but is not spicy. You can easily adjust by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper if you love a little heat.
What kind of shrimp works best?
Large shrimp that are peeled and deveined are ideal for this casserole, as they hold their texture well and deliver that perfect succulent bite.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a cozy and satisfying meal that sparks joy from the very first bite, you absolutely have to try this Creamy Shrimp and Rice Casserole with Cheddar and Breadcrumb Topping Recipe. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s as comforting as it is flavorful, blending creamy, cheesy, and crunchy elements into one unforgettable dish. Trust me, once you make it, it’ll become one of those go-to recipes you love to share and savor with the people you care about most.
Print
Creamy Shrimp and Rice Casserole with Cheddar and Breadcrumb Topping Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Shrimp Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender, sautéed shrimp with creamy sour cream and mayonnaise, fragrant spices, cooked white rice, and a generous layer of cheddar cheese. Topped with a buttery breadcrumb crust and baked to golden perfection, it makes a perfect main course for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Rice
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup cooked white rice
Casserole Mixture
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Topping
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are fully cooked. Remove the shrimp from the heat and set aside.
- Make the Casserole Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well blended. Gently fold in the cooked rice and shrimp, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients.
- Assemble the Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and transfer the shrimp and rice mixture into it. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the mixture.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with breadcrumbs and mix until the breadcrumbs are fully coated with the butter. Sprinkle this breadcrumb mixture over the layer of cheese in the baking dish.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the assembled casserole in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the casserole is bubbly and heated through.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to sit for a few minutes to set. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, then serve warm.
Notes
- Ensure shrimp are fully cooked but not overcooked to prevent toughness.
- You can substitute white rice with brown rice for a healthier option.
- For added flavor, consider adding diced onions or bell peppers to the casserole mixture.
- Breadcrumb topping can be replaced with crushed crackers for a different texture.
- Make sure to adjust salt according to the saltiness of the cheese used.
