Name: Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American / Comfort Seafood
Ingredients: ½ cup breadcrumbs – provide crunchy topping and texture; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese – adds savory depth and helps binding; ¼ cup cream cheese, softened – gives creamy richness; 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined – the star of the dish; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted – helps crisp topping and adds flavor; 3 cloves garlic, minced – aromatic base; ½ teaspoon lemon zest – bright citrus note; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped – freshness and colour; ¼ teaspoon paprika – subtle warm spice and colour; ¼ teaspoon salt – balances flavour; ¼ teaspoon black pepper – gentle heat; 1 tablespoon olive oil – drizzle for finishing; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (for serving) – final burst of freshness

There’s something so comforting about gathering everyone around the table for a warm, bubbly seafood dish — and this Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole has quickly become one of my family’s all-time favorites. I still remember the first evening I made it: a chilly weeknight when I needed something easy, reliable, and a little special. What started as a simple “use-what-I-have” idea turned into a go-to recipe that delivers crisp, golden breadcrumbs on top, tender shrimp underneath, and the brightest pop of lemon with every bite.

This recipe checks all the boxes for a cozy weeknight dinner or an effortless dish to serve guests. It’s a one-pan wonder that feels indulgent without being complicated, and it brings together textures and flavors people love — crunchy topping, juicy shrimp, garlicky aroma, and a fresh citrus finish. Whether you’re cooking for your family or treating yourself to a little seafood celebration, this casserole always delivers comfort, ease, and pure enjoyment.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and Crunchy Topping

One of the best things about this casserole is the irresistible topping. The mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, cream cheese, and melted butter bakes into a golden, crunchy crust that gives every bite its signature texture. It’s rich without being heavy, crispy without being dry, and the garlic and lemon zest tucked inside make each mouthful taste so satisfying and flavorful.

Simple, Accessible Ingredients

You don’t need any fancy seafood or gourmet pantry staples for this recipe — just everyday items like breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, cream cheese, butter, parsley, and fresh lemon. Shrimp cooks quickly and pairs beautifully with all these familiar, affordable ingredients. Everything works together to create a dish that feels restaurant-quality but is incredibly practical to make at home.

Straightforward Preparation

Even if you’re brand new to seafood casseroles, this recipe is wonderfully beginner-friendly. You’ll simply mix the topping, arrange the shrimp, spoon the mixture on top, drizzle olive oil, and bake. That’s it! The oven does all the hard work, giving you a crisp, golden crust and tender shrimp without fuss.

Customisable to Your Taste

This recipe is flexible enough to make your own. Add more lemon, switch up the herbs, toss in extra garlic, or try different cheeses. You can serve it as a main dish with sides or pair it with pasta, rice, or veggies. It adapts beautifully to your preferences and pantry.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to bring this warm, comforting casserole to life — along with a quick note about what each ingredient does to make the dish shine:

Full List of Ingredients

½ cup breadcrumbs – Creates that irresistible crunchy topping and absorbs flavors from the butter, garlic, and herbs.
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds savory depth, nuttiness, and helps bind the topping so it crisps instead of crumbles.
¼ cup cream cheese, softened – Gives the mixture a creamy richness and helps everything stick perfectly to the shrimp.
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined – The star of the casserole; tender, juicy, and perfect for baking.
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted – Adds richness and helps the breadcrumbs toast to a beautiful golden color.
3 cloves garlic, minced – The aromatic heart of the casserole, adding depth and warmth.
½ teaspoon lemon zest – Provides a bright citrus note that lifts the dish and balances the richness.
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped – Brings freshness, color, and a subtle herbal flavor.
¼ teaspoon paprika – Adds a mild warmth and enhances the golden color of the topping.
¼ teaspoon salt – Balances all the flavors and brings out the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
¼ teaspoon black pepper – Adds a gentle heat and depth.
1 tablespoon olive oil – Drizzled on top to ensure even browning and a little extra crispiness.
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (for serving) – The final bright, fresh flourish that ties everything together.

Each ingredient plays a small but meaningful role, working together to build a casserole that’s crunchy, creamy, savory, citrusy, and absolutely irresistible.

How to Make Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole

Making this Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole is wonderfully simple — the kind of recipe you can pull together on a busy night and still feel proud to serve. Everything comes together in one pan, and the oven does most of the work, giving you tender shrimp topped with a golden, flavorful crust. Here’s exactly how to bring it to life:

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Giving the oven a head start ensures the topping gets beautifully crisp and the shrimp cook evenly.
Prepare the topping mixture.
In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, softened cream cheese, melted butter, minced garlic, lemon zest, chopped parsley, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until the texture becomes cohesive, slightly sticky, and easy to spoon.
Tip: Softening the cream cheese makes blending easier and helps the topping adhere to each shrimp.
Arrange the shrimp.
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then place the peeled and deveined large shrimp in a single layer.
Tip: Pat the shrimp dry first—any excess moisture can prevent the topping from becoming crispy.
Add the topping.
Spoon the breadcrumb mixture generously over each shrimp, making sure the topping is evenly distributed. You can mound it on each shrimp individually or spread it in an even blanket across the entire dish.
Drizzle with olive oil.
A light drizzle helps the topping brown beautifully and adds extra flavor.
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes.
The casserole is ready when the shrimp turn pink and opaque, and the topping is crisp and golden.
Tip: Avoid overbaking—shrimp can become rubbery if left in too long. Remove as soon as the topping is golden and the shrimp are just cooked.
Finish with fresh lemon juice.
As soon as you pull the dish from the oven, drizzle fresh lemon juice over the top. It brightens the whole casserole and brings the flavors together.
Serve hot.
This casserole is at its very best right out of the oven, when the topping is crunchy and the shrimp are perfectly tender.

What to Serve with This Recipe

This baked shrimp casserole pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides that complement its rich, garlicky, citrus-kissed flavor. Whether you’re putting together a cozy weeknight dinner or hosting guests, these pairing ideas help round out the meal beautifully:

Suggested Pairings

Side Dishes

Garlic-buttered green beans — adds a bright, buttery crunch.
Roasted asparagus — naturally sweet and pairs well with lemon.
Mixed green salad — a refreshing balance to the rich breadcrumb topping.
Rice pilaf — absorbs all the flavorful juices from the shrimp.
Crusty bread — perfect for scooping up every last buttery crumb.

Drinks

Chilled Sauvignon Blanc — crisp, citrusy, and a classic seafood match.
Light rosé — refreshing and subtle enough not to overwhelm the shrimp.
Sparkling water with lemon — clean and bright.
Iced tea — a simple, comforting option for casual dinners.

Desserts

Lemon sorbet — cool, light, and wonderfully refreshing after a rich seafood dish.
Vanilla ice cream with berry compote — sweet, smooth, and indulgent.
Fresh fruit salad — a simple and cleansing way to finish the meal.

Variations and Substitutions

One of my favorite things about this Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole is how effortlessly it adapts to different needs and cravings. Whether you’re cooking for someone gluten-free, craving a deeper flavor, or looking for a lower-carb option, this recipe makes it easy to tailor without losing its comforting charm.

Gluten-Free Option

If you’re cooking for someone who avoids gluten, this casserole transforms beautifully with just a few quick swaps. Replace the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers — both toast up wonderfully and still give you that irresistible golden crunch. Just make sure the shrimp and any pre-packaged add-ins (like Parmesan or spices) are certified gluten-free. The flavor stays the same, the texture stays crisp, and the casserole remains just as comforting and delicious.

Extra Flavor Boost

If you love bold flavors, you can easily take this casserole from delicious to unforgettable. Stir chopped sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, or a sprinkle of chili flakes into the topping for an extra layer of richness and warmth. Swap the mild paprika for smoked paprika to add a subtle smoky edge, or mix in a tablespoon of white wine for depth and brightness. Each of these additions enhances the dish without making it complicated.

Lower-Carb or Keto Friendly

For a lower-carb spin, swap the breadcrumbs for crushed pork rinds or almond meal, both of which brown beautifully and still give you that comforting crunch. Use full-fat cream cheese for richness, bump up the parsley for freshness, and either reduce or completely omit the breadcrumbs. The casserole still bakes into a delicious, golden, slightly nutty topping that keeps the shrimp beautifully tender underneath.

Storage Instructions

Keeping leftovers fresh — or prepping ahead for a busy day — is incredibly easy with this casserole. Here’s how to store it safely without losing its flavor or texture:

Room Temperature Storage

This casserole is best enjoyed hot, but you can let it rest for 10–15 minutes before serving. Avoid leaving it out for more than 2 hours, as seafood is sensitive to temperature.

Refrigeration Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–3 days. When reheating, use a 350°F oven and warm it for 10–12 minutes until the shrimp are heated through and the topping regains its crispiness. Reheating in the oven (rather than the microwave) helps preserve the texture.

Freezing Instructions

If you’d like to prep ahead, you can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 1 month. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake according to the recipe (adding 5–10 extra minutes if needed). Keep in mind that shrimp may become slightly softer after freezing, but the flavor stays delicious.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Here are some simple tips to make your casserole turn out perfectly every time:

Pat the shrimp dry before arranging in the dish — moisture can make the topping soggy.
Use large or jumbo shrimp for the best texture and impressive presentation.
Don’t overcook the shrimp — they turn rubbery quickly if baked too long.
Let the topping brown nicely — golden color means great crunch.
Serve immediately with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
If the topping browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil for the remaining bake time.
Arrange shrimp in a single layer so each one gets a generous amount of crispy topping.
Use fresh parsley and lemon zest for the best flavor — dried herbs don’t offer the same punch.
If preparing in advance, keep the topping mixture separate until baking to maintain crispiness.

Related Recipes

Classic Shrimp Scampi Recipe — A buttery garlic-lemon shrimp dish that brings the same seafood charm with a different twist.
Grilled Shrimp Salad Recipe — A fresh, light shrimp dish perfect for those who want something crisp and veggie-filled.
Creamy Shrimp and Zucchini Skillet — One-pan, creamy, low-carb shrimp dinner that complements your bake nicely.
Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes with Lemon Butter Drizzle — A seafood alternative with a crisp topping and lemon finish, resonating with the breadcrumb-crust idea.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this casserole?

Yes! Just thaw them completely and pat them dry before assembling the casserole.

What size shrimp should I use?

Large or jumbo shrimp work best — they bake evenly and hold the topping beautifully.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the shrimp and topping, cover, refrigerate, and bake when ready.

How will I know when the shrimp are cooked?

They should be pink, firm, and opaque. The center temperature should be about 145°F (63°C).

Can I skip the cream cheese?

Yes, but the topping will be less creamy. You can add a small spoonful of mayonnaise or extra butter instead.

Conclusion

This Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole is the kind of dish that brings people together — warm, comforting, and full of flavor without requiring much effort. With its golden, crunchy topping, juicy shrimp, and bright lemon finish, it feels special enough for guests but easy enough for any weeknight. I hope you’ll give it a try soon, customize it to your liking, and make it your own. If you do, I’d love to hear how it turned out — leave a comment, share a photo, or pin the recipe so you can come back to it anytime. Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite!