When I first made this baked stuffed shrimp casserole, I knew it was something special. It’s my take on a classic dish my family has loved for years, but simplified into an easy-to-make casserole perfect for sharing.

The combination of juicy shrimp and a savory, buttery crab stuffing is just heavenly. The aroma from the oven alone told me this would be a new favorite in my house. It’s a celebratory meal that feels both familiar and incredibly delicious, and I’m so excited for you to try it.

Ingredients

This recipe brings together simple, high-quality ingredients to create a truly memorable dish.

1 lb. large shrimp, peeled and deveined – Using large shrimp ensures they stay juicy and don’t get lost in the stuffing.
1 tsp olive oil – Just a little to coat the shrimp and help the seasonings stick.
1/2 tsp Kosher salt – Enhances the natural sweetness of the seafood.
1/2 tsp fresh cracked black pepper – Adds a touch of mild spice.
1 lb. lump crab meat – For the best flavor and texture, use fresh lump crab meat, gently picked over for any shell fragments.
1 cup cracker crumbs – Gluten-free crackers like Simple Mills work great, but classic Ritz crackers also provide a wonderful buttery crunch.
2 cloves garlic, minced – Freshly minced garlic provides the best aromatic flavor; avoid the pre-minced jarred kind if possible.
1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped – This adds a bright, fresh note that cuts through the richness of the butter and crab.
1 lemon, zested and juiced – The zest and juice are key for brightening up the entire dish and balancing the flavors.
1/2 stick (4 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted – Melted butter binds the stuffing and adds an essential rich flavor.

Note: This recipe serves approximately 4 people.

Variations

Feel free to customize this casserole to suit your tastes or dietary needs.

Dairy-Free: You can easily make this dairy-free by substituting the unsalted butter with a high-quality vegan butter or even olive oil. The texture will be slightly different, but still delicious.
Panko Topping: For an extra crispy top, swap the cracker crumbs for panko breadcrumbs. You can toast them lightly in a dry pan before mixing them into the stuffing for even more crunch.
Add Some Spice: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the stuffing mixture or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
Herb Variations: Don’t have parsley? Fresh chives or dill would also work beautifully in the stuffing, each adding a unique flavor profile.

Cooking Time

This dish comes together quickly, making it great for a weeknight treat or a special occasion.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Equipment You Need

You only need a few basic kitchen tools to assemble this casserole.

Mixing Bowl: To combine the delicious crab stuffing ingredients.
8×6-inch Casserole Dish: The perfect size for arranging the shrimp and stuffing evenly.
Knife and Cutting Board: For mincing the garlic, chopping the parsley, and butterflying the shrimp.
Zester/Grater: To get that fine lemon zest that adds so much bright flavor.

How to Make Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole

Making this casserole is a straightforward process that yields impressive results. Just follow these simple steps for a perfect seafood dinner that looks as good as it tastes.

Prepare the Shrimp and Oven

First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). While the oven is warming up, prepare your shrimp. Take each peeled and deveined shrimp and butterfly it by making a slice down its back, from the head to the tail end, without cutting all the way through.

This creates a pocket for the stuffing. Place the butterflied shrimp in a bowl and toss them gently with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Set them aside while you make the stuffing.

Mix the Stuffing

In a separate mixing bowl, it’s time to create the star of the show: the stuffing. Combine the lump crab meat, cracker crumbs, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, and the zest and juice of one lemon. Pour the melted butter over the top.

Use a fork or a spatula to gently mix everything together until it’s just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to keep those nice chunks of crab meat intact.

Assemble the Casserole

Grab your oven-safe baking dish. Arrange the seasoned, butterflied shrimp evenly in the dish with their tails pointing up. They might not all stand up perfectly on their own, but that’s okay—the stuffing will help hold them in place.

Spoon the crab stuffing mixture generously over and around the shrimp, covering them evenly. The stuffing should fill in all the gaps and create a beautiful, textured topping.

Bake and Serve

Place the assembled casserole into the preheated oven. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through and the stuffing is lightly golden brown on top.

If you prefer a crispier, more browned topping, you can switch the oven to a high broil for the final minute of cooking—just watch it closely to prevent burning. Let it rest for a moment before serving with extra lemon wedges on the side.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

Having made this a few times, I’ve picked up a few tricks to make it even more delicious.

I find that patting the shrimp dry with a paper towel before seasoning helps them get a better texture when baked.
Don’t be shy with the lemon! I always serve extra wedges on the side because a final squeeze of fresh juice right before eating really makes the flavors pop.
For the best results, I always use fresh lump crab meat. It has a much better flavor and texture than canned or imitation varieties. It’s worth the small splurge.
To ensure the stuffing is perfectly moist and not dry, make sure your butter is evenly distributed when mixing the ingredients.

How to Serve Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole?

This casserole is a beautiful dish on its own, but a few simple additions can make it a complete and elegant meal. Serve it hot, straight from the oven, garnished with a little extra fresh parsley for a splash of color.

It pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed asparagus, a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette, or some fluffy rice to soak up any of the delicious buttery juices. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside crusty bread for dipping.

Nutritional Information

Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown for this recipe per serving.

Calories: 271 kcal
Protein: 38g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fat: 7g

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe is convenient for planning ahead, and leftovers are just as tasty.

You can assemble the entire casserole up to a day in advance. Simply prepare the shrimp and stuffing, assemble it in the baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or a lid, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to eat, just pop it in the preheated oven, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to account for the chill.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The stuffing will soften slightly, but the flavor will still be wonderful.

To freeze, you can store the baked and cooled casserole in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. To reheat, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

There are so many reasons this baked stuffed shrimp casserole will become a go-to for you.

Quick and Easy to Prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes in the oven, you can have an elegant and impressive meal on the table in under half an hour. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something special without the fuss.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of sweet shrimp, rich crab, buttery crackers, and bright lemon is a classic for a reason. It’s a flavor profile that appeals to almost everyone and feels like a true indulgence.
Perfect for Entertaining: Because you can assemble it ahead of time, this casserole is an entertainer’s dream. It frees you up to spend more time with your guests instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
Customizable and Versatile: This recipe is easy to adapt. Whether you need to make it dairy-free, want to add a little spice, or prefer a different type of topping, the base recipe is a fantastic canvas for your own culinary creativity.