In the heart of every Midwestern kitchen, there lies a treasure trove of recipes that speak volumes of the area's hearty and wholesome cooking heritage. Among these, the baked stuffed shrimp casserole holds a special place, especially around the festive seasons or when a gathering calls for something a tad bit fancy yet bursting with down-home comfort. This dish combines the elegance of shrimp with the heartiness of a stuffing that’s sure to please a crowd. It’s a perfect blend of sea and land, harking back to celebrations and Sunday family meals alike.
This delightful casserole pairs wonderfully with a light, fresh garden salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette to cut through the richness. On the side, consider serving some crusty bread or garlic toast to help scoop up all the lovely juices. For a more rounded out meal, a side of steamed asparagus or green beans would complement the flavors of the shrimp beautifully.
Baked Stuffed Shrimp CasseroleServings: 8
Ingredients
2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup butter
1 large onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups crushed Ritz crackers
1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon old bay seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup white wine
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 lemon, for garnish
Additional chopped parsley, for garnish
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until translucent.
Stir in the crushed crackers, chopped parsley, old bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
Slowly pour in the white wine and chicken broth, stirring until the mixture is well combined.
Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in a large baking dish.
Spoon the stuffing mixture evenly over the shrimp.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
Garnish with lemon wedges and a sprinkling of fresh parsley before serving.
Variations & Tips
To add a bit more zest to your casserole, you can include a teaspoon of lemon zest in the stuffing mixture. For those who enjoy a little heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can be added into the cracker mixture. If you're feeling adventurous, substitute crabmeat or scallops for half of the shrimp for a delightful seafood medley.
