New England Seafood Casserole Recipe

If you are craving the comforting flavors of the ocean in a warm, hearty dish, this New England Seafood Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender chunks of fresh white fish, sweet scallops, and juicy shrimp all baked together in a creamy, cheesy sauce topped with golden buttered breadcrumbs. It’s the perfect blend of rich texture and subtle seasoning, capturing the essence of New England’s coastal kitchens in every bite. Whether it’s a family dinner or a special occasion, this casserole brings the cozy charm and fresh taste of the sea straight to your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe has a special role, working together to create that signature creamy seafood bake texture and flavor. Simple, fresh, and easy to find, these ingredients bring out the best in the dish.

• 1/2 pound scallops: Sweet and tender, scallops add a lovely delicate texture.
• 1/2 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined): Provides a sweet seafood bite with a slight snap.
• 1/2 pound white fish fillets (haddock or cod), cut into chunks: The mild flakiness broadens the dish’s flavor profile.
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Essential for richness and building the roux base.
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce for that perfect creamy consistency.
• 1 cup whole milk: Adds body and smoothness, balancing the creaminess.
• 1/2 cup heavy cream: Intensifies richness and makes the sauce velvety.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the delicate seafood flavors.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a gentle heat without overpowering.
• 1/4 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning: Classic spice blend that brings that iconic coastal flavor.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens and lifts the creamy sauce beautifully.
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley: Adds a fresh herbal note and color.
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or white cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly into the sauce for gooey comfort.
• 1/2 cup buttered breadcrumbs: Creates a crunchy, golden topping that’s irresistible.

How to Make New England Seafood Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Seafood

Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a medium baking dish. This preparation ensures your casserole won’t stick after baking, making serving and cleanup a breeze. Next, have your seafood ready by peeling and deveining shrimp, chunking the fish fillets, and gathering the scallops for easy mixing down the line.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce Base

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, then whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to form a roux. Stir for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture bubbles and turns a light golden color. This step is key as it cooks out the raw flour taste and creates the thickness for the sauce.

Step 3: Add Milk and Cream

Gradually whisk in 1 cup of whole milk and 1/2 cup of heavy cream, stirring constantly to keep the sauce smooth. Allow it to thicken over 3 to 4 minutes — patience here ensures your sauce will coat the seafood perfectly rather than be runny or lumpy.

Step 4: Season the Sauce

Season the thickened sauce with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning. Stir in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley to bring bright, herby undertones. Finally, add 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or white cheddar cheese and stir until it melts completely into the sauce.

Step 5: Combine Seafood and Sauce

Gently fold the scallops, shrimp, and white fish chunks into the sauce, making sure each piece is coated with the luscious mixture. Be careful not to break up the seafood — you want distinct, juicy pieces in every bite.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour the seafood and sauce mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Top with 1/2 cup buttered breadcrumbs for that golden crunch on top. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the crust is lightly golden. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to let everything set up beautifully for easy slicing.

How to Serve New England Seafood Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little extra fresh parsley after baking to add a pop of green and fresh aroma. For a touch of zest, a thin twist of lemon peel on each serving brightens the flavors just before you dig in.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with buttery mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or even a crisp green salad. Crusty bread is a fan favorite for soaking up every last bit of the creamy, cheesy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning individual presentation, try baking the casserole in smaller ramekins or oven-safe bowls. You could also layer the seafood mixture with thin slices of potatoes for added texture, creating a seafood gratin twist that is sure to impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This dish keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the breadcrumbs from becoming soggy.

Freezing

You can freeze the casserole before baking; just cover it tightly with foil and plastic wrap to avoid freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and bubbly, usually about 15-20 minutes. This method helps keep the topping crispier compared to microwave reheating, which can soften the breadcrumb crust.

FAQs

Can I use frozen seafood for this casserole?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the seafood completely and pat it dry before folding into the sauce to avoid excess moisture that can make the casserole watery.

What can I substitute for Old Bay seasoning?

If you don’t have Old Bay on hand, a mix of paprika, celery salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper can mimic its classic flavor nicely.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, swap the butter and dairy milk/cream for plant-based alternatives like vegan butter and unsweetened almond or oat milk, plus a dairy-free cheese substitute to maintain creaminess.

Can I add other types of seafood?

Definitely! Cooked lobster meat is a luxurious addition that complements the scallops, shrimp, and fish perfectly, elevating the dish to special occasion status.

How do I know when the casserole is done?

Look for bubbling edges and a golden breadcrumb crust on top—this signals the creamy sauce is hot and the topping is perfectly crisped.

Final Thoughts

This New England Seafood Casserole Recipe is a warm hug of a meal, combining simple yet exceptional ingredients to create a dish packed with comforting, fresh seafood flavors. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this cozy seafood bake as much as I do, turning every dinner into a little celebration of New England’s culinary charm.

New England Seafood Casserole Recipe

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This New England Seafood Casserole is a comforting and creamy baked dish featuring a medley of scallops, shrimp, and white fish smothered in a rich cheese and cream sauce, topped with buttery breadcrumbs for a golden crust. Perfect for a main course, this casserole brings a taste of the coast to your table with classic flavors seasoned delicately with Old Bay and fresh parsley.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Seafood

• 1/2 pound scallops
• 1/2 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 1/2 pound white fish fillets (such as haddock or cod), cut into chunks

Sauce

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or white cheddar cheese

Topping

• 1/2 cup buttered breadcrumbs

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a medium baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy clean-up.
2. Make the roux: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook for 1–2 minutes until it becomes bubbly and light golden, which helps eliminate the raw flour taste.
3. Add dairy and thicken sauce: Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth and thickened, about 3–4 minutes. This forms the creamy base for the casserole.
4. Season the sauce: Stir in the salt, black pepper, Old Bay seasoning, and lemon juice to balance flavors with a hint of zest and spice.
5. Add parsley and cheese: Mix in the chopped fresh parsley and shredded cheese until the cheese melts fully and the sauce is well combined.
6. Incorporate seafood: Gently fold the scallops, shrimp, and fish chunks into the creamy sauce, coating them evenly without breaking apart the seafood.
7. Assemble casserole: Transfer the seafood mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly to ensure even cooking.
8. Add topping: Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs evenly over the top for a crunchy, golden finish after baking.
9. Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is lightly golden and crisp.
10. Rest and serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly, making it easier to portion and enjoy.

Notes

• For a more luxurious casserole, add cooked lobster meat along with the other seafood.
• Serve this casserole with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the rich, creamy sauce.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: New England American