Description
Creamy Maine lobster casserole combines succulent seafood with rich, comforting ingredients. Coastal New England flavors shine through this classic dish that satisfies seafood cravings and promises memorable dining.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 lb (454 g) crabmeat, fresh or canned
- 1 cup (150 g) celery, diced
- ½ cup (75 g) onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (100 g) sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 2 tbsps (28 g) butter
- ½ cup (60 g) breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsps (16 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (240 ml) milk
- ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch pepper
- 1 tbsp (4 g) fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preparation: Ignite the oven to 350°F (175°C), establishing the perfect thermal landscape for this marine-inspired culinary creation.
- Seafood Fusion: Amalgamate shrimp, crabmeat, celery, onion, and garlic in a generous mixing bowl, orchestrating a symphonic blend of oceanic ingredients.
- Sauce Crafting: In a saucepan, transform butter and flour into a golden roux, gradually introducing milk while whisking continuously to forge a silky, luxurious sauce base.
- Flavor Layering: Withdraw sauce from heat, integrating mayonnaise, cheddar, salt, and pepper to construct a robust, velvety coating that will elevate the seafood’s inherent character.
- Composition: Tenderly envelop the seafood within the creamy sauce, ensuring each marine morsel is lavishly dressed in the decadent mixture.
- Assembly: Nestled in a greased baking vessel, distribute the maritime medley evenly, creating a uniform canvas of oceanic potential.
- Textural Enhancement: Cascade breadcrumbs across the surface, promising a crisp counterpoint to the tender seafood foundation.
- Culinary Transformation: Immerse the casserole in the preheated oven, allowing approximately 30 minutes for it to metamorphose into a bubbling, golden-brown masterpiece.
- Serving Finesse: Extract from the oven and permit a momentary respite, enabling flavors to harmonize before presenting this coastal-inspired delicacy.
Notes
- Seafood Selection: Choose fresh, high-quality shrimp and crabmeat for the most vibrant and authentic flavor profile.
- Prevent Sauce Separation: Whisk the roux and milk slowly and consistently to avoid lumps and ensure a silky-smooth sauce.
- Crumb Topping Crunch: Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness and golden-brown texture on top of the casserole.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for maximum convenience.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 465
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg