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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add parsley and cheese: Mix in the chopped fresh parsley and shredded cheese until the cheese melts fully and the sauce is well combined.
- Incorporate seafood: Gently fold the scallops, shrimp, and fish chunks into the creamy sauce, coating them evenly without breaking apart the seafood.
- Assemble casserole: Transfer the seafood mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly to ensure even cooking.
- Add topping: Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs evenly over the top for a crunchy, golden finish after baking.
- 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.
- 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
