Description
This Shrimp Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender shrimp, creamy sour cream and mayonnaise mixture, cooked rice, and shredded cheddar cheese, topped with a buttery breadcrumb crust. Perfect for a hearty family dinner, it bakes until bubbly and golden, offering a deliciously creamy texture with a crispy finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Rice
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup cooked white rice
Casserole Mixture
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 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
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are fully cooked. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the Casserole Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth and evenly blended. Gently stir in the cooked rice and the cooked shrimp, ensuring the ingredients are distributed evenly.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the shrimp and rice mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the mixture.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the breadcrumbs until the crumbs are fully coated. Sprinkle this buttery breadcrumb mixture evenly over the cheese layer.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly, indicating the casserole is heated through and the topping is crisp.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to set. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, then serve warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Peeling and deveining shrimp beforehand ensures a better texture and bite in the casserole.
- Leftover cooked rice can be used to save time and add extra flavor to the dish.
- The casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if refrigerated.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste, especially salt and pepper, depending on the saltiness of the cheese and mayonnaise.
