Dive into the decadence of this Ritzy Seafood Casserole, a luxurious blend of tender shrimp, sweet lump crab meat, and a creamy, cheese-infused sauce topped with a buttery Ritz cracker and parmesan crust. Perfectly seasoned with a hint of garlic, paprika, and fresh parsley, this comforting casserole is as elegant as it is easy to prepare, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. With its rich texture, golden topping, and irresistible flavors, this seafood bake will quickly become your go-to recipe for impressing family and friends. Ready in under an hour, it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. Whether for a casual gathering or a celebratory meal, this dish is a seafood loverβs dream!
Preheat your oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook until just pink, about 3β4 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Add another 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. SautΓ© the diced onion, celery, and garlic until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 3β4 minutes.
Stir in the cheddar cheese, lemon juice, parsley, salt, pepper, and paprika until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Remove the skillet from heat and gently fold in the cooked shrimp and lump crab meat.
Pour the seafood mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers, parmesan cheese, and olive oil or melted butter. Mix until the topping is well coated.
Sprinkle the Ritz cracker mixture evenly over the seafood casserole.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25β30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional parsley, if desired.
Calories |
4147 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 255.5 g | 328% | |
| Saturated Fat | 125.6 g | 628% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1507 mg | 502% | |
| Sodium | 7793 mg | 339% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 227.1 g | 83% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.8 g | 17% | |
| Total Sugars | 42.0 g | ||
| Protein | 234.3 g | 469% | |
| Vitamin D | 4.4 mcg | 22% | |
| Calcium | 2502 mg | 192% | |
| Iron | 11.3 mg | 63% | |
| Potassium | 3336 mg | 71% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.