Easy Seafood Casserole Recipe

There’s something magical about the smell of buttery seafood baking in the oven. This easy seafood casserole delivers all the comfort of a hearty, homestyle meal with the elegance of a seafood feast—creamy, savory, and absolutely packed with flavor.

I first made this dish after a beach vacation when I brought home a cooler full of fresh seafood. What started as a throw-together dinner has become a family favorite for holidays, potlucks, and even cozy weeknights when we want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.

Let me show you why this dish belongs on your table.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Seafood Casserole

Get ready to fall in love with a meal that’s as indulgent as it is effortless. This easy seafood casserole has all the right elements: creamy texture, savory seafood flavor, and a golden, buttery topping that makes it irresistible.

First off, this recipe is wonderfully quick to prepare. With just 15 minutes of hands-on time and a short stint in the oven, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or stress-free entertaining.

It’s also incredibly simple. No fancy cooking techniques or special tools required—just a few pantry staples and your favorite seafood. It’s a great way to introduce seafood to picky eaters or kids, thanks to its creamy, comforting base.

Budget-friendly is another big win here. You can customize the mix of seafood based on what’s on sale or what you have in the freezer—think shrimp, scallops, crab, or even chunks of white fish.

And best of all, this recipe is endlessly flexible. Add a handful of veggies, swap in different cheeses, or spice it up to match your personal tastes. The base is foolproof, so you can make it your own with confidence.

If you’ve been craving a cozy seafood dish that doesn’t take all day to make, you’re in for a treat.

Ingredient Notes

The beauty of this seafood casserole lies in its balance of creamy, savory, and slightly briny flavors—all from a handful of reliable ingredients.

The seafood is the heart of this dish. I like using a combination of shrimp, scallops, and crabmeat for a variety of textures and flavors. If you’re using frozen seafood, just be sure to thaw and pat it dry first to avoid extra moisture in the casserole. Fresh or frozen both work well here.

For the creamy base, heavy cream and a touch of cream cheese create the perfect rich texture. The cream cheese melts into the sauce, giving it body without needing flour or a roux. If you're looking for a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or even a mix of milk and Greek yogurt, though the result will be slightly less indulgent.

A sharp, salty note comes from Parmesan cheese, which gets stirred into the sauce and sprinkled on top. It adds a depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the seafood without overpowering it.

Butter and garlic form the flavor foundation. Sautéing garlic in butter releases its aroma and infuses the dish with a comforting warmth. A pinch of Old Bay seasoning or paprika can give the casserole a subtle heat and classic seafood flavor.

You'll want a deep baking dish, ideally around 9x13 inches, to allow everything to bake evenly. A mixing bowl, skillet, and a whisk will handle the rest of the prep. No fancy tools required!

How To Make This Easy Seafood Casserole

Making this dish is a breeze, even if you're new to cooking seafood at home. Let me walk you through the steps so you feel confident from start to finish.

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a large casserole dish and set it aside. If you're using frozen seafood, make sure it's completely thawed and patted dry. This helps the casserole stay creamy and prevents it from becoming watery as it bakes.

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt your butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant—about 1 minute. Add in the cream cheese and stir constantly until it's melted and combined with the butter. This mixture should be smooth and thick. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream, stirring until the sauce is silky.

Once the sauce is ready, fold in your seafood gently. You want to coat everything evenly without breaking up delicate pieces like crab. Stir in half of the Parmesan cheese and a dash of seasoning like paprika or Old Bay for that familiar coastal flavor.

Transfer the seafood mixture into your prepared baking dish. Smooth the top, then sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over everything. If you like, you can top it off with a handful of breadcrumbs or crushed butter crackers for extra crunch.

Bake for about 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Keep an eye on it toward the end—seafood cooks quickly, and you don’t want it to become rubbery.

Let it rest for 5–10 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to thicken slightly. Serve hot with a squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of fresh herbs if you like.

Start to finish, this dish is ready in about 40 minutes—perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself on a weeknight.

Storage Options

This seafood casserole stores surprisingly well, making it great for leftovers or meal prepping ahead.

If you have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. Be sure to cool the casserole completely before sealing to avoid condensation inside the container.

For freezing, portion the casserole into individual servings or freeze the whole dish tightly wrapped in foil and plastic wrap. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

To reheat, warm individual servings in the microwave at medium power in 30-second bursts, stirring gently in between. For larger portions, reheat in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, until warmed through—usually about 15–20 minutes. Add a splash of cream or milk if the sauce seems too thick after chilling.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how customizable it is. You can tweak the ingredients to match your tastes, dietary needs, or whatever you’ve got in the fridge.

If you're not a fan of crab or scallops, swap them out for chunks of white fish like cod or haddock. Just make sure the fish is firm enough to hold up during baking.

Looking to sneak in some vegetables? Add chopped spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or even roasted red peppers for color and extra nutrition. Just be sure to cook and drain veggies before adding to avoid watering down the sauce.

Want to cut back on dairy? Try using coconut milk instead of cream for a lighter, slightly sweet twist. Pair it with a splash of lime and cilantro for a more tropical feel.

Spice lovers can stir in a teaspoon of Cajun seasoning or a few dashes of hot sauce to give the dish a bold kick. A pinch of red pepper flakes works too if you prefer just a hint of heat.

And don’t forget the topping! Instead of breadcrumbs, try crushed Ritz crackers, panko, or even grated cheese for a different texture. It’s an easy way to switch things up with zero effort.

This casserole is one of those dishes that evolves every time I make it—and that’s part of the fun. So don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own!

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