Delicious Southern Shrimp Casserole Recipe
Noble ladies and gentlemen, I come to thee with great tidings of mouth-watering delight! A recipe that will send your taste buds on a journey to the southern region where flavors burst with zest and boldness. A dish that is fit for royalty yet simple enough for even the most humble kitchen. I present to thee, the Southern Shrimp Casserole Recipe!
This recipe embodies the heart and soul of Southern cuisine, using fresh ingredients like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and shrimp to create a succulent seafood casserole. Its texture is soft yet crispy, almost like a savory crust that instantly melts in your mouth. The aroma wafting through your kitchen shall transport you to a cozy diner in New Orleans or Charleston.
My dear friends, this dish is not only delicious; it’s also incredibly versatile. Whether serving at a grand feast with family and friends or preparing an intimate supper for two, this recipe adapts to any occasion. It’s comforting, homely, and utterly satisfying.
So let us put on our aprons and gather our cooking implements as we embark on this gastronomic adventure together. Trust me, when you take that first bite of this Shrimp Casserole Recipe, it will be love at first taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Hark! My dear reader, lend thy ears to the reasons why thou shalt fall in love with this Southern Shrimp Casserole Recipe. Be not deceived by its simple appearance for tis a dish that shall deliver thee from culinary boredom.
Firstly, the succulent and flavorful shrimp will transport thee straight to the heart of Louisiana without ever leaving thy abode. ‘Tis truly a dish fit for the gods that shall satisfy thy cravings for seafood and comfort food alike.
Secondly, the creamy and rich combination of cream of mushroom soup and cheddar cheese perfectly compliment the gentle heat from red pepper flakes giving it an appetizing aroma that shalt enchant thy taste buds.
Thirdly, ’tis a versatile concoction that can serve as a main dish for any grand occasion or as a side dish to accompany other delicacies on thy table. It can be customized by adding more bell peppers or wild rice to bring out new depths of flavors that shall keep thee wanting more.
In summary, this Southern Shrimp Casserole recipe is sure to stun, captivate and delight thee leaving thee yearning for more. The combination of fresh mushrooms, juicy shrimps, spicy pepper flakes, creamy soup and melted cheese is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. So waste no time my dear reader, gather thine ingredients and experience the divine deliciousness of Southern cooking at its finest.
Ingredient List
Here is a list of ingredients that you will need to make this mouth-watering Southern Shrimp Casserole. This recipe serves 6-8 people, so adjust the quantities accordingly if needed!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup uncooked long grain rice
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 3 celery ribs, chopped
- 1 (10oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10oz) can cream of celery soup
- 1½ cups milk
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 pounds peeled and deveined large fresh shrimp (30/40 count)
- 4 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Most of these ingredients can easily be found in your local grocery store. Look for fresh produce such as onion, green bell pepper and celery ribs. Ensure the shrimp are peeled and deveined. Keep an eye for canned soups which usually can be found in the same aisle as other canned goods.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to start cooking this delightful southern shrimp casserole!
Step 1: Cook the Rice
The first step is to cook 1 cup of uncooked long grain rice according to the package instructions. Once the rice is cooked, set it aside.
Step 2: Saute Vegetables
In a large pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Then add 1 chopped onion, 1 chopped green bell pepper, and 3 chopped celery stalks. Saute them for a few minutes until they become tender.
Step 3: Add Shrimp
Once the vegetables are cooked, add 2 peeled and deveined medium shrimp and saute them for about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Mix in remaining ingredients
Add a can of cream of mushroom soup, 1/2 cup of milk, and one cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything together until the cheese is melted.
Step 5: Combine Rice and Shrimp mixture
In baking dish, combine rice with the shrimp mixture making sure all the ingredients are well combined.
Step 6: Bake in Preheated Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. And bake the casserole in preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until bubbly.
Step 7: Serve hot
Once ready, let your casserole cool slightly for few minutes before serving. Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for an appetizing presentation.
Your shrimp casserole is now ready to be served!
Substitutions and Variations
Good day, dear reader! May I offer a variety of substitutions and twists on this delightful Southern Shrimp Casserole Recipe? Here are a few suggestions to spice things up and cater to your taste buds.
Firstly, instead of shrimp, you could use crab meat or diced lobster meat for a luxurious take on the seafood casserole. You could give it a Louisiana twist by adding some Andouille sausage or Cajun spices for a cajun shrimp casserole with a kick that will transport you right to the Deep South.
For a more mellow flavor, you can replace the cream of mushroom soup with cream of celery soup or even cream of chicken soup. Additionally, you could add some colorful veggies like freshly sliced carrots, zucchini, and squash to increase the nutritional value and depth of flavors in your dish.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you could swap out regular rice for wild rice or even cheese grits for added cheesy goodness. Speaking of cheese, if cheddar cheese isn’t your favorite type of cheese, try using any type that melts well such as Gouda, Monterey Jack or mozzarella.
Lastly, if you’re feeling extra fancy and want to make it more elegant, use grilled shrimp instead of boiled shrimp for a smokier taste and sprinkle some fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro on top before serving. As you can see, the possibilities are endless when it comes to experimenting with this recipe!
I hope this has provided you with some inspiration to mix things up in the kitchen and try something new with your next seafood casserole. Don’t be afraid to let your creativity shine through!
Serving and Pairing
Good day to thee, dear reader. Now that thy Southern Shrimp Casserole is completed, it is time to turn our attention to the question of serving and pairing. This dish pairs well with a variety of side dishes and beverages that will elevate the dining experience.
One option for serving this delicious casserole is to pair it with a simple green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette. The lightness and freshness of the salad provide a perfect contrast to the creaminess and richness of the casserole. Additionally, roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts, can add texture and color to the plate.
For those who prefer something heartier, shrimp casserole pairs well with other Southern classics like cornbread or hushpuppies. The sweetness of the corn muffin complements the savory flavors of the casserole, while the crisp exterior provides an enjoyable contrast against the tender rice.
Beverage-wise, I would recommend either a crisp white wine like sauvignon blanc or an aromatic rosé as they both possess acidity and fruitiness that pair nicely with seafood. For non-alcoholic options, sweet iced tea or lemonade work beautifully in balancing out heaviness of the dish.
I hope these recommendations have provided thou with some inspiration for how to serve thy Southern Shrimp Casserole. Whatever thou decide to pair it with , I’m sure it will make for a delightful meal that all shall enjoy!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Hark! Once thou hast prepared this glorious shrimp casserole, thou mayest be inclined to enjoy it at a later time. Fret not, for it can be easily made ahead and stored properly.
To make ahead, prepare the dish up to the point of baking, cover with aluminium foil or cling film and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When thou art ready to bake, remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for 30 minutes before baking in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Thou mayest need to add on an additional 10-15 minutes of bake time since it is coming from a cold temperature.
When storing leftovers, transfer the cooled casserole to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Upon reheating, place the portioned casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminium foil. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and heat for 20-25 minutes until thoroughly heated.
This delectable southern shrimp casserole is perfect for large gatherings, potluck dinners or busy weeknights when thou needs a quick meal. Store any leftovers thou has leftover to enjoy later as it only gets better with age – like fine wine.
Farewell, my friends, until we meet again!
Tips for Perfect Results
I prithee, let us delve into the tips that will help you make a perfect southern shrimp casserole. Knowing these tips will elevate your casserole from good to great, thy guests will be amazed and they shall sing thy praises.
Firstly, it’s essential to use only the best shrimp possible. Fresh shrimp is always preferable. However, if that is not possible then use frozen shrimp that has been thawed properly. It’s also important to devein the shrimp and remove any tails before using it in the recipe.
Another tip for a delicious casserole is to use high-quality cheese. Opt for sharp cheddar cheese rather than processed cheese for a richer flavor profile. Additionally, you can sprinkle some cheese on top of the casserole during the last few minutes of baking for an even more cheesy taste.
To add some extra flavor to your dish, incorporate some sautéed vegetables or mushrooms into the casserole mixture. This will give it a depth of flavor and added texture. Moreover, adding diced onion, green bell pepper or celery at the sauteing stage adds an undeniably southern flair to this dish.
While cooking the rice according to package instructions, adding some chicken broth instead of water gives it a more flavorful base. By adding wild rice instead of just plain rice is another way to make the dish stand out from the ordinary.
In addition, keep an eye on cooking time and oven temperature. Overcooking can make the shrimp rubbery and dry out the rice. Casserole bakes at 350 degrees in preheated oven cooked covered for 30 minutes then uncovered for about 20-30 minutes more.
Lastly, let thy shrimp casserole rest for a few minutes before serving so that it sets and cools down slightly giving all the flavors time to meld together.
Following these tips will surely help thee create an exceptional southern-style shrimp casserole that is full of flavor and texture. By doing so, thou art sure to impress thy guests and keep them coming back for more.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Southern Shrimp Casserole recipe is a true taste of the southern cuisine that you’ll fall in love with. The combination of fresh shrimp, creamy mushroom soup, and rice makes it not only comforting but a filling meal as well. With the versatility of ingredients and variations, it can be tailored to your own preferences while still retaining its authentic taste.
I strongly encourage you to try this recipe out for yourself and treat your taste buds to an explosion of flavors. It’s a great dish to share with loved ones during any occasion especially since it can be made ahead of time and reheated when needed.
So go ahead and indulge in this delectable southern-style shrimp casserole recipe for a meal that is sure to leave you satisfied and wanting more. Trust me, it’s worth every single bite!
Southern Shrimp Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup celery, coarsely chopped
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 cup onion, coarsely chopped
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup condensed tomato soup
- 1 cup rice, cooked
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 lb cooked shrimp (tail off, peeled)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced
Instructions
- Saute celery, bell pepper and onion in butter.
- Slowly add remaining ingredients and stir well.
- Pour mixture into a 9 X 13 inch casserole dish and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
- I top ours with another little sprinkle of cheese before serving.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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