If you love the flavors of the sea and crave a heartwarming dish that brings together tender scallops, succulent shrimp, and flaky white fish, this New England Seafood Casserole Recipe is an absolute must-try. Creamy, cheesy, and topped with a buttery, golden crust, this casserole captures the essence of traditional New England cooking while being surprisingly simple to prepare. Every bite feels like a cozy seaside feast that you can easily recreate in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to achieving that perfect balance of rich creaminess and fresh seafood flavors in this dish. Each component, from the delicately sautéed shallots and garlic to the sharpness of Parmesan and the crispy cracker topping, plays a vital role in layering both taste and texture.
- Sea scallops, ½ lb: These tender morsels add a subtle sweetness and luxurious texture to the casserole.
- Shrimp (peeled and deveined), ½ lb: Provides a lovely bite and complements the other seafood perfectly.
- Haddock or cod (cut into chunks), ½ lb: Delivers flaky, mild white fish flavor essential for authentic New England style.
- Butter, 4 tablespoons: Used in two parts, it imparts richness and creates a crispy topping.
- Shallot (finely chopped), 1: Adds a delicate yet savory onion note without overwhelming the seafood.
- Garlic (minced), 2 cloves: Brings warmth and depth to the sauce, elevating the overall flavor.
- All-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons: Forms the base of the creamy roux for thickening the sauce.
- Whole milk, 1 cup: Contributes to the creamy texture without heaviness.
- Heavy cream, ½ cup: Enriches the sauce, making it decadently smooth.
- Dry white wine (optional), ¼ cup: Adds brightness and subtle acidity, balancing the rich flavors.
- Old Bay seasoning, 1 teaspoon: Classic New England seasoning that perfectly seasons seafood.
- Salt, ½ teaspoon: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- Black pepper, ¼ teaspoon: Adds a gentle spiciness for contrast.
- Grated Parmesan cheese, ½ cup: Provides a nutty, salty layer of flavor both inside and on the topping.
- Crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz), 1 cup: Creates a golden, crunchy crust that makes the casserole irresistible.
- Chopped fresh parsley, 2 tablespoons: Offers a fresh pop of color and herby brightness as a finishing touch.
How to Make New England Seafood Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Base
First, preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish to ensure nothing sticks. Then, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped shallot and minced garlic, sautéing for about 2 to 3 minutes until they release their fragrant aroma. This forms the flavorful foundation for your creamy sauce.
Step 2: Make the Roux and Sauce
Next, stir in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for one minute, allowing it to lightly toast so the sauce won’t taste floury. Slowly whisk in whole milk, heavy cream, and dry white wine, if using, creating a luscious blend. Season with Old Bay, salt, and black pepper, then let it gently simmer for 4 to 5 minutes until it thickens just enough to coat a spoon. Off the heat, mix in half the Parmesan cheese for a rich, cheesy undertone.
Step 3: Add the Seafood
Gently fold the sea scallops, shrimp, and chunks of haddock or cod into the creamy sauce, taking care not to break the fish apart. This combination of seafood is what makes this dish distinctly special and hearty.
Step 4: Assemble and Top
Transfer the seafood mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. In a small bowl, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and combine it with the crushed buttery crackers and the rest of the grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this crumbly, cheesy topping evenly over the casserole to create that crave-worthy golden crust.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the casserole in your preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until it’s bubbling around the edges and beautifully browned on top. When you take it out, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the casserole for a final flourish of color and flavor.
How to Serve New England Seafood Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is not only colorful but gives a refreshing lift to the rich casserole. For an extra zing, a few lemon wedges on the side brighten the seafood flavors brilliantly.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wondersomely with crusty bread to soak up every creamy bite. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside fluffy mashed potatoes or a simple bowl of steamed rice that balances the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant touch, serve individual portions in small ramekins topped with a sprig of parsley. You could also layer this casserole over a bed of wilted spinach or lightly sautéed greens, adding both color and a nutritious element.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover New England Seafood Casserole Recipe keeps well in your refrigerator for up to 3 days when covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. This makes it a great option for easy, next-day meals.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole before baking by wrapping the baking dish securely with plastic wrap and foil. It will last in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain that delicious crunchy topping. Microwaving works too, but you might lose some crispiness. To refresh the crust, you can broil it for a minute or two at the end.
FAQs
Can I use other types of seafood in this New England Seafood Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap or add lobster, crab, or other firm white fish to personalize the casserole. Just make sure the seafood is fresh or properly thawed for the best texture.
Is it necessary to use the dry white wine in the recipe?
The dry white wine is optional but highly recommended. It adds a subtle acidity and depth that balances the cream and seafood beautifully, making the casserole even more flavorful.
How do I prevent the seafood from overcooking?
To avoid chewy seafood, make sure to gently fold it into the sauce and bake the casserole just until bubbly and golden on top. Overbaking can make the seafood rubbery, so keep an eye on the timer.
Can I make a lighter version of this casserole?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or use a combination of milk and Greek yogurt for less fat while still maintaining creaminess. Just keep the seasonings balanced to retain flavor.
What’s the best way to get the top crunchy?
Using crushed buttery crackers mixed with melted butter and Parmesan creates the perfect topping. Baking uncovered allows it to become golden and crispy, which adds wonderful texture contrast to the creamy filling.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a soul-satisfying dish that showcases the very best of coastal New England’s seafood bounty, this New England Seafood Casserole Recipe won’t disappoint. It’s comforting, easy enough for weeknights, yet impressive enough to serve guests. Give it a try and treat yourself to a taste of the ocean’s finest right at home!
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New England Seafood Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American (New England)
Description
A rich and creamy New England Seafood Casserole featuring a blend of scallops, shrimp, and haddock baked in a savory Parmesan and buttery cracker topping, perfect for an elegant yet comforting main course.
Ingredients
Seafood
- ½ lb sea scallops
- ½ lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ lb haddock or cod, cut into chunks
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Topping
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Aromatics: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the finely chopped shallot and minced garlic. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Make Roux and Sauce: Stir in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the whole milk, heavy cream, and dry white wine if using. Add Old Bay seasoning, salt, and black pepper, then simmer the sauce for 4 to 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Add Cheese and Seafood: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Gently fold in the scallops, shrimp, and chunks of white fish, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the seafood mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and mix it with the crushed buttery crackers and the remaining Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the casserole for a fresh finish before serving.
Notes
- Serve with crusty bread, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
- Substitute the seafood mix with other white fish, lobster, or crab to vary flavors.
- For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with half-and-half.
