### Crab and Shrimp Casserole Delight: A Seafood Lovers Feast
Iconoclate your senses and explore your culinary skills with this hearty, delectable Crab and Shrimp Casserole. This recipe is perfect for seafood lovers and is great for family dinners, holiday events or a romantic dinner for two.
* Preparation Time: 20 minutes
* Cooking Time: 30 minutes
* Total Time: 50 minutes
* Serves : 6
### Why Make This Recipe
This recipe combines two popular seafood ingredients – crab and shrimp, into a single, delicious dish. It’s nutritious, packed with proteins and flavourful enough to give a taste of coast side dining right in your own kitchen.
### How to Make Crab and Shrimp Casserole
#### Ingredients
– 1 lb crab meat, picked over
– 1 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
– 1 cup milk
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions
– 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tbsp lemon juice
– 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers for topping
– 2 tbsp butter, melted
#### Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine crab meat, shrimp, rice, and half of the cheese.
3. Add milk, mayonnaise, green onions, bell pepper, garlic, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. Pour this mixture into the prepared baking dish.
4. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top followed by crushed crackers mixed with melted butter.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until it turns bubbly and tops are golden brown.
6. Let the dish cool for a while before serving. Optionally, garnish with more green onions.
### How to Serve Crab and Shrimp Casserole
Serve this rich, high-protein casserole warm. You can complement it with a light, refreshing green salad and a portion of garlic bread. You can also pair it with a glass of white wine for an adult treat.
### How to Store Crab and Shrimp Casserole
If you happen to have any leftovers, place them in an airtight container and store it in a refrigerator for up to three days. To enjoy it, reheat in the oven or in a microwave.
### Tips to Make Crab and Shrimp Casserole
1. Use fresh and high-quality seafood for best results.
2. Ensure the shrimp and crab are well-cleaned and appropriately prepared.
3. Don’t overbake the casserole as it might make the seafood tough.
### Variations
For a bit of an experiment, consider adding other seafood like scallops or lobster.
### FAQs
1. Can I Use Frozen Seafood?
– Yes, you can use frozen seafood. Ensure you thaw it properly and drain any excess water before using.
2. Can I Make This Casserole in Advance?
– Yes, you can prepare and store it unbaked in the refrigerator a day in advance. Bake it just before serving.
3. What If I Don’t Have Old Bay Seasoning?
– If you don’t have Old Bay, you can make a simple homemade version by mixing celery salt, red pepper flakes, and paprika.