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
Scale
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.
