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
Scale
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.
