There’s something so comforting about recipes that come from generations of family gatherings, where everyone brings a dish to share and the kitchen fills with laughter and the scent of home-cooked food. Baked stuffed shrimp casserole is one of those special dishes—rich in tradition, flavor, and the kind of warmth that only comes from something made with love.

Save it before it’s gone—help us inspire others to cook!

I remember the first time I had this dish at a summer potluck hosted by a family friend from the East Coast. There was this gorgeous glass casserole dish, bubbling in the center of the table, filled with shrimp nestled into a golden stuffing. Everyone kept sneaking back for seconds, even after dessert. It was hearty without being heavy, and somehow it struck the perfect balance between elegance and comfort food.

This dish has roots in coastal communities, especially in the New England area where shrimp and seafood are staples. It’s often served around the holidays or for special Sunday dinners, but honestly, it’s so simple and rewarding that it’s worth making any time you want something a little extra.

What I love about this recipe is how the stuffing becomes crispy on top but stays moist inside, soaking up all the delicious flavors from the shrimp. Plus, it’s baked as a casserole—so instead of having to stuff each shrimp individually, everything comes together in one warm, bubbly dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Perfect for special occasions or a cozy family dinner
Packed with flavor but simple to make
All the goodness of stuffed shrimp, but without the fuss
Make-ahead friendly for stress-free entertaining
Crunchy golden topping with juicy, tender shrimp

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 ½ cups breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup chicken broth
½ cup turkey ham, finely diced
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

HOW TO MAKE BAKED STUFFED SHRIMP CASSEROLE:

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a medium casserole dish and lightly grease it with a bit of olive oil or nonstick spray. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze later.

Step 1: Sauté the aromatics
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once shimmering, toss in the chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes, until soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic and turkey ham, letting everything cook together for another minute or two. The garlic will smell amazing—this is the foundation of flavor!

Step 2: Build the stuffing
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the breadcrumbs, melted butter, chopped parsley, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Slowly add in the chicken broth a little at a time until the mixture is moist but not soggy—it should hold together when pressed.

Step 3: Layer the shrimp
Spread half the stuffing into the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Lay the shrimp in a single layer over the stuffing, then top with the remaining mixture, gently pressing it down to hold its shape.

Step 4: Bake to golden perfection
Pop the dish into the oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes. The shrimp will be pink and tender, and the topping should be golden brown and slightly crisp.

Step 5: Let it rest
After baking, let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps everything settle and makes it easier to serve.

HELPFUL TIPS:

Use fresh or thawed shrimp: Make sure your shrimp is fully thawed and patted dry for best results.
Customize the heat: Add crushed red pepper flakes for a little kick, or leave them out for a more classic flavor.
Don’t overbake: Shrimp cook quickly, so be careful not to leave them in the oven too long or they may turn rubbery.
Make it ahead: You can prep the entire casserole a few hours before guests arrive and just pop it into the oven before serving.

DETAILS:

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: Serves 4–6
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Pescatarian

NOTES:

You can switch up the herbs if you’d like—thyme or dill also work well here. If you’re looking to stretch this recipe, serve it over rice or with a side of buttered noodles and a crisp green salad.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:

(Per serving – approx. based on 6 servings)
Calories: 295
Protein: 23g
Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 610mg

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
You can, but the flavor won’t be quite as rich since raw shrimp releases juices that mingle with the stuffing as it bakes. If using cooked shrimp, reduce bake time by about 5 minutes and keep an eye on it.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely—swap the butter with more olive oil or a dairy-free alternative.

Is this freezer-friendly?
It can be frozen, though the texture of the stuffing may change slightly. To freeze, assemble the casserole but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or use a microwave for quicker results—just know it may not stay as crispy.

Related Recipes

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights:

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
Creamy Garlic Paprika Shrimp Skillet
Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta

CONCLUSION

Baked stuffed shrimp casserole is one of those recipes that feels like a little gift to yourself and your loved ones. It’s a dish that brings people together, impresses at the table, and somehow tastes even better the next day. Whether you’re making it for a holiday, a dinner party, or just because—it’s sure to become a favorite in your rotation. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if people start asking for the recipe!