Seafood Casserole for Christmas Eve from the Farmhouse
Celebrate the magic of the holidays with this irresistible Seafood Casserole for Christmas Eve from the Farmhouse—a luxurious, velvety dish brimming with succulent shrimp, tender scallops, and sweet lump crab meat. Perfectly balanced with a creamy sauce made from whole milk, heavy cream, and a touch of dry white wine, this casserole is laced with Parmesan and sharp white cheddar for a rich, cheesy indulgence. Topped with a golden, garlicky panko breadcrumb crust and brightened with fresh parsley and a splash of lemon juice, it’s the ultimate centerpiece for your holiday table. Ready in just over an hour, this comforting, oven-baked seafood masterpiece serves six and pairs perfectly with crusty bread and a crisp winter salad. Make your Christmas Eve a true feast with this decadent yet approachable farmhouse classic!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 pound lump crab meat
- 1 pound scallops (small or quartered if large)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2.5 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup dry white wine
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup sharp white cheddar cheese, grated
- 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Heat a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Add the shrimp and scallops, cooking them for 2–3 minutes or until just opaque. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
Inspect the crab meat to ensure it’s free of any shell pieces, then set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
Gradually whisk in the milk, heavy cream, and white wine. Bring to a gentle simmer, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens (about 5–7 minutes).
Stir in half of the Parmesan cheese and all of the cheddar cheese. Mix until melted and smooth. Season the sauce with kosher salt, pepper, and paprika. Remove from heat.
Gently fold the shrimp, scallops, and crab meat into the cheese sauce. Mix in the lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of parsley. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil, minced garlic, and the remaining Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole.
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
Garnish with the remaining parsley before serving, and enjoy this hearty farmhouse-inspired seafood casserole with crusty bread and a festive salad.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4601 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 272.3 g | 349% | |
| Saturated Fat | 147.9 g | 740% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1930 mg | 643% | |
| Sodium | 7434 mg | 323% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 136.3 g | 50% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.1 g | 18% | |
| Total Sugars | 37.0 g | ||
| Protein | 360.9 g | 722% | |
| Vitamin D | 7.3 mcg | 37% | |
| Calcium | 3212 mg | 247% | |
| Iron | 14.9 mg | 83% | |
| Potassium | 5544 mg | 118% | |
*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.
