New England Seafood Casserole Recipe: a Classic Coastal Comfort Dish

Few dishes capture the spirit of the New England coast quite like a well-crafted seafood casserole. Packed with tender shrimp, buttery scallops, and a rich, creamy sauce, this classic comfort meal has graced dinner tables from Cape Cod to coastal Maine for generations. Whether you're hosting a holiday gathering or simply craving a hearty weeknight dinner, a New England seafood casserole delivers elegant flavor with surprisingly straightforward preparation The combination of fresh seafood, savory herbs, and a golden breadcrumb topping creates a dish that feels both indulgent and deeply satisfying.

New England Seafood Casserole with Shrimp and Scallops

This showstopping casserole brings together plump shrimp and sweet sea scallops in a velvety cream sauce seasoned with Old Bay, garlic, and fresh thyme. generous layer of buttery Ritz cracker crumbs on top bakes to a perfect golden crust, adding satisfying crunch to every bite. It's the kind of dish that looks impressive on the table but comes together with minimal fuss, making it an ideal choice for entertaining or a special family meal.

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 lb sea scallops, patted dry
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup dry white wine
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and black pepper to taste
cup crushed Ritz crackers
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges for serving

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13inch baking dish with butter or nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring constantly for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
3. Pour in the white wine, stirring to deglaze the pan Slowly add the heavy cream while continuing to stir, bringing the sauce to a gentle simmer. Season with Old Bay, fresh thyme, salt, and black pepper.
4. Remove the sauce from heat and gently fold in the shrimp and scallops, coating them evenly in the cream mixture
5. Transfer the seafood and sauce into the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
6. In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter, mixing until the crumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the seafood.Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the seafood is cooked through and bubbling around the edges.
7. Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges alongside crusty bread or steamed rice.

Easy New England Seafood Casserole Recipe

This simplified version of the classic recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want maximum minimal prep time. Using handful of pantry staples and seafood, you can have a bubbling, golden casserole on the dinner table in under an hour. The streamlined approach doesn't cut corners on taste — the result is every bit as rich and comforting as the traditional preparation with a creamy interior and crispy, savory topping that the whole family will love.

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 lb bay scallops
• 1 can (105 oz) condensed cream of shrimp soup
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup whole milk
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
cup shredded Gruyère or sharp cheddar cheese1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
• 3 tablespoons melted butter
• Fresh chives for garnish

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 2-quart baking dish.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of shrimp soup, sour cream, milk, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth and well combined.
3. Add the shrimp and scallops to the bowl and gently fold them the sauce mixture until fully co
4. Pourood mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top.
5. In a small bowl, combine the seasoned breadcrumbs with the melted butter, tossing until the crumbs are moistened. Spread thecrumb mixture evenly over the cheese layer.
6. overed for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbling at the edges.
7. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly snipped chives and serve hot with a side of roasted vegetables, crusty sourdough bread, or a simple green salad.

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