Creamy Dreamy Seafood Casserole

Easy Seafood Casserole Recipe Creamy Comfort in Minutes

By Kendra ThompsonSeptember 5, 2025

Table of Contents

Craving Seafood? Let's Talk Casserole!

Fancy a bit of seafood, but not in the mood for anything too fussy? Me too! Have you ever tried an Easy Seafood Casserole Recipe ? Honestly, it's a game changer.

This dish is pure comfort. It’s like a warm hug on a chilly evening, but with that lovely taste of the sea.

A Casserole With History

This cheesy seafood casserole is inspired by those classic New England seafood dishes. It is proper homely, innit? It's ready in under an hour! It serves about six, perfect for a family dinner.

Why You'll Love This

One of the best things? It's packed with protein! This seafood casserole dish is filling. It's absolutely perfect for a casual Sunday lunch.

Plus, it's dead simple to make, even if you're not a pro chef. This recipe stands out because of its sheer ease and deliciousness.

Ready to get cooking? First, let's grab our ingredients. Don't be scared. You got this. It is a creamy seafood casserole recipe you can be proud of!

Gather Your Goodies: Ingredients for an Amazing Casserole

Right, what do we need for this easy seafood casserole ? Nothing too crazy, promise! Most of it you probably already have.

For the Main Event: The Casserole

1 lb (450g) mixed frozen seafood (shrimp, scallops, cod) is the base. Make sure it's thawed and drained!
1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil for sautéing.
1/2 cup (50g) chopped yellow onion adds a bit of sweetness.
2 cloves garlic, minced because garlic makes everything better.
1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour helps thicken the sauce.
2 cups (475ml) milk (whole is best, but any kind works).
1/2 cup (120ml) dry white wine (optional, or use chicken broth). A cheeky splash of wine never hurt anyone!
4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened, for that creamy texture.
1 tsp Old Bay seasoning (or your favourite seafood seasoning).
1/4 tsp black pepper because seasoning is life.
1/4 cup (20g) chopped fresh parsley. Gotta have a bit of green!
1 cup (100g) shredded cheddar cheese. Because cheese!

The Crowning Glory: The Topping

1 cup (80g) crushed Ritz crackers . These are what makes the seafood casserole with Ritz crackers the best!
2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter, melted. For that golden, crispy top.

With these simple ingredients, you'll be on your way to creating a quick seafood dinner recipe .

Ingredients & Equipment: Your Easy Seafood Casserole Recipe Awaits!

So, you want to make an Easy Seafood Casserole ? Awesome! This recipe is super simple. Even I, who once burnt toast, can nail it.

Let's gather our bits and bobs first. This Cheesy Seafood Casserole is about to rock your world.

Main Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s what you’ll need. Don't worry, it's not a massive shopping list. I promise!

Mixed Frozen Seafood: 1 lb ( 450g ). Thawed and drained really well. This is key! Soggy seafood? No, thank you!
Olive Oil: 1 tbsp ( 15ml ).
Yellow Onion: 1/2 cup ( 50g ), chopped.
Garlic: 2 cloves , minced.
All-Purpose Flour: 1/4 cup ( 30g ).
Milk: 2 cups ( 475ml ). Whole milk is best, but any kind works.
Dry White Wine: 1/2 cup ( 120ml ). Optional! Chicken broth works too.
Cream Cheese: 4 oz ( 115g ), softened.
Old Bay Seasoning: 1 tsp (or your favourite seafood seasoning).
Black Pepper: 1/4 tsp .
Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup ( 20g ), chopped.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup ( 100g ).
Ritz Crackers: 1 cup ( 80g ), crushed.
Unsalted Butter: 2 tbsp ( 30g ), melted.

Seasoning & Flavor Notes

Old Bay is my go-to for anything seafood. But honestly? Experiment! A bit of paprika can be amazing. Or even a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat in your Seafood Casserole Dish .

Don't be scared to taste as you go and adjust the Creamy Seafood Casserole Recipe to your liking. If you do not have white wine, a seafood stock cube would make the perfect savory seafood base!.

Essential Kit

You don't need a fancy kitchen for this Easy Seafood Bake . Here's the bare minimum:

9x13 inch baking dish . This is your stage.
Large skillet or sauté pan.
Mixing bowls.
Whisk.

That’s it! No crazy gadgets required. My Budget Friendly Seafood Casserole is all about simplicity. Ready to get cooking?

Cooking Up the Perfect Creamy Seafood Casserole

Alright, grab your aprons, butter your baking dishes. We are diving head first into an Easy Seafood Casserole Recipe that’s so simple, it’s practically cheating! Honestly, this recipe is like a warm hug on a chilly evening.

It’s based on the creamy, comforting flavors of New England fish casseroles but made ridiculously easy.

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Magic

First things first. Let's chat about getting prepped. Get your 1 lb of mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, cod the usual suspects) thawed and properly drained .

I cannot stress this enough! Soggy seafood is a casserole killer. Chop your 1/2 cup onion, mince those 2 cloves garlic.

Get your 9x13 inch baking dish ready, oven preheating to 350° F ( 175° C) .

step-by-step to Seafood Casserole Heaven

Sauté the onion in 1 tbsp olive oil until soft. Add the garlic, cook for about 30 seconds until it smells amazing.
Sprinkle 1/4 cup flour over the onions and garlic. Cook for 1 minute , stirring like mad.
Slowly whisk in 2 cups milk and 1/2 cup white wine (or chicken broth). Keep whisking until smooth as silk!
Stir in 4 oz softened cream cheese until it melts. Add 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning and 1/4 tsp pepper.
Gently fold in your thawed seafood. Pour it all into the greased baking dish. Top with 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
Mix 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers with 2 tbsp melted butter. Sprinkle over the cheese.
Bake for 30 minutes , or until golden brown and bubbly. Let it stand for 5- 10 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for a Cheesy Seafood Casserole Win

One of the best ways to get a creamy seafood casserole recipe is to make it your own. Don't be afraid to throw in some sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavour.

Also, if your sauce seems a bit thick, add a splash of milk. If it’s too thin, simmer it a bit longer on the hob.

Oh my gosh, this seafood casserole dish is also a fantastic make-ahead meal. Assemble the casserole (minus the cracker topping) and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours.

Add the topping just before baking. Voila. So, if you want a quick seafood dinner recipe , then look no further!

Honestly, this easy seafood bake is not only delicious but also budget friendly seafood casserole recipe.

Recipe Notes That Will Make You A Casserole Pro

So, you're ready to whip up this amazing Easy Seafood Casserole Recipe , eh? Ace! Before you dive headfirst into cheesy, seafoody goodness, let's chew the fat about a few things.

A little insider info never hurts, does it?

Plating Like a Pro: Serving Suggestions

Presentation, innit? It matters! For plating, think simple elegance. A generous scoop of this Seafood Casserole Dish in a bowl is a good start.

But why not add a sprinkle of fresh parsley? Adds a pop of colour. Serve with a hunk of crusty bread.

Perfect for soaking up all that creamy sauce.

Fancy a side? A light salad is always a winner. Something with a lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness nicely.

And for drinks? A chilled glass of white wine is proper lush, or just some sparkling water with lemon will do the trick.

Storing Secrets: Keeping It Fresh

Right, leftovers. If you have any, that is! First off, let it cool down properly before you whack it in the fridge.

You know, for food safety and all that jazz. In an airtight container, it should keep for about 3-4 days .

Freezing? You can do it, but honestly, it's not ideal. The texture can change a bit, become a little watery.

If you must freeze it, use a freezer safe container and eat it within 2 months . Defrost it fully, and reheat until piping hot.

Mix It Up: Variations Galore

Okay, time for some culinary liberties. If you're watching the waistline, try using skimmed milk. And go easy on the cheese.

You can even use gluten-free Ritz Crackers for the topping. Boom, gluten-free!

For seasonal swaps, in the summer add fresh tomatoes to the Creamy Seafood Casserole Recipe for that juicy burst of sunshine. Winter? A sprinkle of dried herbs warms things up.

Nutrition Nibbles: A Quick Look

Alright, let's talk numbers. This Cheesy Seafood Casserole is a good source of protein. It has some healthy fats, too.

Just be mindful of the cheese it adds a lot of the calories. On average, each serving has around 350 calories , 25 grams of protein , and 20 grams of fat .

Not too shabby for something so comforting, eh?

I've always found Fish Casseroles to be a delightful way to introduce fish into the diet. My gran used to say "A fish a day keeps the doctor away" so get stuck in!

Now, you are armed with all the insider knowledge to make this Easy Seafood Bake absolute success. Go forth, and create some Seafood Casserole Recipes Main Courses that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Happy cooking, and don't forget to have a laugh in the kitchen. Ta-ra!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Easy Seafood Casserole Recipe ahead of time? Like, can I be a proper Blue Peter presenter and get everything "here's one I made earlier"?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole (without the cracker topping) up to 24 hours in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it. Add the cracker topping just before baking.

Keep in mind that if the casserole is cold when placed in the oven, you may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through. Think of it as giving yourself a head start like Prue Leith prepping for the Bake Off tent!

My seafood casserole came out a bit watery. What did I do wrong, and how can I avoid soggy bottoms next time?

Ah, the dreaded watery casserole! The most common culprit is not properly thawing and draining the seafood. Ensure your seafood is completely thawed and then gently press out any excess liquid before adding it to the casserole. You can even pat it dry with paper towels.

A watery casserole makes everyone sad, but with this tip, you will produce a bake worthy of praise from Paul Hollywood himself!

I'm not a massive fan of seafood mixes can I use specific types of seafood in this Easy Seafood Casserole Recipe?

Of course! Feel free to customise the seafood to your liking. Shrimp and scallops are always a great choice, or you could use chunks of cod, salmon, or even canned tuna for a more budget friendly version.

Just be mindful of cooking times some seafood, like shrimp, cooks faster than others, so adjust accordingly. If you fancy canned tuna, this could be your "Come Dine With Me" moment!

How long does this Easy Seafood Casserole Recipe last, and what's the best way to store leftovers? I don't want to end up on "Food Unwrapped" for the wrong reasons!

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until heated through. Be aware that the cracker topping may lose some of its crispness upon reheating.

To avoid any "Food Unwrapped" mishaps, always check for any off smells before consuming, and when in doubt, throw it out!

I'm trying to be a bit healthier are there any ways to lighten up this Easy Seafood Casserole Recipe without sacrificing flavor?

Good on you! You can lighten it up by using low-fat milk or unsweetened almond milk instead of whole milk, and reduced fat cream cheese. You could also increase the amount of vegetables and reduce the amount of cheese. Additionally, using whole wheat crackers for the topping adds fibre. It's all about balance, innit?