If you love the cozy, rich flavors of the ocean wrapped up in a creamy, comforting dish, then you are going to fall head over heels for this New England Seafood Casserole Recipe. It’s a heartwarming classic that brings together tender sea scallops, succulent shrimp, and flaky white fish in a luscious sauce that’s both silky and full of subtle boldness. Every bite tastes like a warm hug from the coastal waters of New England and is perfect for family dinners or special occasions when you want something both elegant and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but pack so much personality. Each one plays a vital role, from the sweetness of fresh seafood to the creamy, tangy sauce and the crunchy, buttery topping that seals the deal.
- Sea scallops (1/2 lb): Their tender texture and mild sweetness make them the star seafood in this dish.
- Shrimp (1/2 lb, peeled and deveined): Adds a juicy, slightly briny bite that balances perfectly with the scallops.
- White fish fillets (1/2 lb, such as cod or haddock): Flaky and tender, these chunks soak up the sauce beautifully.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps build layers of flavor, especially in the sauce and crumb topping.
- Shallot (1 small, finely chopped): Brings a delicate sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): A must for that cozy, aromatic base.
- Dry white wine (1/4 cup): Adds acidity and complexity, helping to brighten the creamy sauce.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): For that luscious, velvety texture that makes every bite indulgent.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Provides a fresh, zesty contrast that cuts through the richness.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds just the right gentle heat and warmth.
- Paprika (1/4 teaspoon): Offers a subtle smokiness and color.
- Old Bay seasoning (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Brings that iconic seafood spice blend beloved in New England.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Melts beautifully to create a savory, golden crust on top.
- Buttered cracker crumbs (1 cup, such as Ritz): Adds a satisfyingly crunchy and buttery topping layer.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): For a fresh, vibrant finish and a pop of color.
How to Make New England Seafood Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F so it’s ready to go when the seafood mixture is perfectly combined. Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish – this will keep everything from sticking and help with even cooking.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Toss in the finely chopped shallot and minced garlic, gently sautéing for 2 to 3 minutes until they soften and start releasing those incredible fragrant notes. This step builds the foundation for the sauce’s rich flavor.
Step 3: Add Wine and Reduce
Pour in the dry white wine and let it simmer until the liquid reduces by half, about 2 to 3 minutes. This concentrates the flavor and leaves a beautiful depth behind, enhancing the creamy sauce that’s about to come together.
Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce
Stir in the heavy cream, fresh lemon juice, salt, black pepper, paprika, and optional Old Bay seasoning. Let everything simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and is smooth and glossy. This luscious cream sauce will envelop the seafood with pure decadence.
Step 5: Coat the Seafood in Sauce
Gently stir in the scallops, shrimp, and white fish chunks, making sure each piece is lightly coated with the flavorful sauce. Sauté briefly if you like, just to start the cooking process before baking.
Step 6: Assemble and Top
Transfer the seafood mixture to your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Then, mix the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter with the buttered cracker crumbs in a small bowl, and scatter this golden, crunchy mixture over the Parmesan layer.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Slide the casserole into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is beautifully golden brown and the seafood is tender and cooked through, with the sauce bubbling invitingly along the edges.
How to Serve New England Seafood Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a fresh herbal brightness that balances the creamy, buttery flavors perfectly. It also adds a lovely green color that makes the dish even more inviting.
Side Dishes
This seafood casserole pairs amazingly with sides like fluffy mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or even some crusty bread to soak up every bit of the rich sauce. A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can also be refreshing alongside this comfort dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a beautiful presentation, serve the casserole in individual ramekins sprinkled with extra cracker crumbs and Parmesan for personal crispy tops. A lemon wedge on the side adds a fun interactive touch for guests to add a squeeze of bright citrus if they like.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to blend, making your next meal just as delightful.
Freezing
This New England Seafood Casserole Recipe freezes well! Wrap portions or the entire casserole in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15 to 20 minutes, to maintain the crispy topping and creamy texture. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, but the oven method keeps that perfect crust intact.
FAQs
Can I use other types of seafood in this casserole?
Absolutely! The recipe is quite flexible. You can swap or add lobster, crab, or even mussels for an extra special touch that still honors the New England flair.
Is it okay to skip the white wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, a splash of seafood or vegetable broth works well to maintain moisture and flavor. Just keep in mind the wine adds a subtle acidity that beautifully balances the cream.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
With some tweaks, yes. Try substituting the butter with olive oil and the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a creamy dairy-free alternative, although the flavor profile will shift slightly.
What is the best type of cracker for the topping?
Butter-flavored crackers like Ritz are ideal because they add a rich, buttery crunch, but you can experiment with saltines or gluten-free crumbs if you prefer.
How can I tell when the casserole is fully cooked?
The top should be golden and crisp, and the seafood firm but tender. If you’re unsure, use a fork to test the center seafood pieces; they should be opaque and flake easily.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a dish that wraps you in warmth and indulgence all at once, and this New England Seafood Casserole Recipe does just that with every creamy, crispy bite. Whether you’re making it for loved ones or treating yourself, this casserole brings a delightful tastes and textures that celebrate the ocean’s bounty. Give it a try, and I promise it will become one of your favorite go-to recipes for cozy nights and celebrations alike.
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New England Seafood Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: New England
Description
This New England Seafood Casserole is a creamy and comforting baked dish featuring a delicious blend of sea scallops, shrimp, and white fish such as cod or haddock. Cooked in a rich sauce of butter, garlic, shallots, white wine, and cream, it is topped with Parmesan cheese and a crispy buttery cracker crumb crust for an irresistible finish. Perfect for seafood lovers looking for an elegant yet easy main course reminiscent of classic New England coastal flavors.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 1/2 lb sea scallops
- 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 lb white fish fillets (such as cod or haddock), cut into chunks
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (optional)
Topping
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup buttered cracker crumbs (such as Ritz crackers)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and baking dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Sauté aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the finely chopped shallot and minced garlic, sautéing for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and fragrant but not browned.
- Deglaze and reduce: Pour in the dry white wine and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes to reduce the liquid by half, concentrating the flavors.
- Make the sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, paprika, and optional Old Bay seasoning. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Add seafood: Carefully fold in the sea scallops, shrimp, and white fish chunks, coating them evenly with the creamy sauce without breaking the seafood pieces.
- Assemble the casserole: Transfer the seafood and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Prepare crumb topping: In a small bowl, combine the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter with the buttered cracker crumbs, mixing well. Scatter this mixture evenly over the Parmesan layer.
- Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the seafood is cooked through and tender.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven. Optionally sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the casserole for a fresh, colorful garnish. Serve hot with your choice of sides such as rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to enjoy the luscious sauce.
Notes
- For a more luxurious version, substitute some or all of the seafood with lobster or crab meat.
- This casserole pairs wonderfully with side dishes like rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Do not overcook the seafood in the sauce or baking as it can become tough; cooking until just opaque is ideal.
- Using buttered cracker crumbs adds a deliciously rich and crispy topping, but panko or seasoned breadcrumbs can be substituted for different textures.
