We love how comforting a classic seafood casserole can be. This dish unites tender shrimp sweet scallops and flaky white fish in a creamy sauce that captures the essence of coastal tradition.
We’ve always enjoyed the briny aroma that wafts through the kitchen when it’s baking. It reminds us of seaside strolls and the warmth of family gatherings around a hearty meal.
We can’t wait to share our easy approach so you can enjoy these flavors at home. This recipe brings New England’s seaside charm right to your table.
New England Seafood Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound peeled shrimp (deveined)
- 1/2 pound scallops (rinsed)
- 1/2 pound white fish (cut into bite-size chunks)
- 2 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup seafood stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F
- Warm 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet set over medium heat
- Add the shrimp and scallops then sauté for about 3 minutes or until lightly pink
- Add the white fish chunks then cook for about 2 minutes or until the edges appear opaque
- Season with salt and black pepper then remove the seafood from the skillet and set aside
- Melt the remaining 1 tablespoon butter in the skillet then stir in the all-purpose flour for 1 minute
- Whisk in the seafood stock and heavy cream then let it simmer until it thickens
- Return the sautéed seafood to the skillet then stir gently
- Transfer everything into a casserole dish then top with shredded cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs
- Bake for about 15 minutes or until the top is golden and the sauce bubbles around the edges
Component | Cooking Time (Minutes) |
---|---|
Shrimp and Scallops Sauté | 3 |
White Fish Chunks Sauté | 2 |
Baking in Oven | 15 |
Tools And Equipment
We rely on a few essential tools to prepare our New England Seafood Casserole with ease. We use a large skillet to briefly sauté our shrimp and scallops. Then we switch to a heavy-bottomed saucepan for melting butter and stirring in flour and seafood stock. A whisk helps us eliminate lumps and maintain a smooth sauce. We keep measuring cups and spoons close by for precise ingredient amounts. After cooking our seafood, we assemble everything in a 2 to 3 quart casserole dish. A wooden spoon or heatproof spatula allows us to fold the sauce into our seafood without breaking the delicate pieces.
Tool | Function |
---|---|
Large Skillet | Searing shrimp and scallops until lightly browned |
Heavy-Bottomed Saucepan | Cooking the creamy base with even heat distribution |
Whisk | Combining flour and butter for a smooth sauce |
Measuring Cups and Spoons | Ensuring accurate amounts of dry and liquid ingredients |
2 to 3 Quart Casserole Dish | Holding the baked mixture for our seafood casserole |
Wooden Spoon or Spatula | Mixing and folding without damaging delicate fish pieces |
Ingredients
We gather an assortment of fresh seafood and staple pantry items for a comforting casserole. We keep each component simple to preserve flavors.
Seafood Selection
We start with three main types of seafood to embrace the taste of the coast.
Seafood | Amount | Preparation |
---|---|---|
Peeled shrimp | 1 pound | Tails removed |
Scallops | 1/2 pound | Side muscles removed |
White fish | 1 pound | Cubed into 1-inch pieces |
Creamy Base And Seasonings
We combine pantry staples and aromatic spices to develop a velvety sauce.
Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
---|---|---|
Butter | 4 tablespoons | Unsalted for better control |
Flour | 4 tablespoons | All-purpose |
Seafood stock | 1 cup | Homemade or store-bought |
Heavy cream | 1 cup | Full-fat recommended |
Salt | 1 teaspoon | Adjust to taste |
Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon | Freshly ground |
Cheddar cheese | 1 cup of shredded | Sharp variety preferred |
Breadcrumbs | 1/2 cup | Panko or regular |
Directions
Here is how we bring our New England Seafood Casserole Recipe together in a few simple stages. We keep it straightforward to help everyone create a comforting coastal meal.
Prep
- Preheat the oven to 375°F
- Melt butter in our large skillet over medium heat
- Stir in flour to form a smooth paste
- Pour in the seafood stock and heavy cream. Whisk until the sauce thickens
- Season with salt and black pepper
- In a second skillet cook the shrimp and scallops for 3 minutes or until they turn opaque
- Transfer them to a plate
- Cook the white fish in the same skillet for 2 minutes or until it flakes easily
Assemble
- Combine the sauce and partially cooked seafood in our 2 to 3 quart casserole dish
- Sprinkle half of the cheddar cheese over the mixture
- Fold gently to coat every piece in the sauce
Bake
- Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden and bubbly
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving
Cooking Step | Time |
---|---|
Sauté shrimp | 3 minutes |
Sauté scallops | 3 minutes |
Cook white fish | 2 minutes |
Bake casserole | 20 to 25 minutes |
Rest after baking | 5 minutes |
Serving Suggestions
We love enjoying our New England Seafood Casserole with a crisp green salad on the side. We serve it warm to highlight the creamy sauce and tender pieces of shrimp, scallops, and white fish. We add a sprinkle of chopped parsley or dill for a pop of color. We also provide lemon wedges for anyone who prefers a touch of citrus brightness. We often accompany this dish with crusty dinner rolls or garlic bread to soak up every bit of the creamy sauce.
For a simple way to enhance the meal, we pair the casserole with a light white wine or sparkling water. We find that the subtle acidity of a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the rich sauce:
Beverage | Notes |
---|---|
Sauvignon Blanc | Offers citrus notes that contrast creamy dishes |
Pinot Grigio | Adds crisp nuances to savory flavors |
Sparkling Water | Refreshes the palate between bites |
We sometimes serve roasted asparagus or sautéed zucchini as a vibrant side. We favor these simple ideas because they highlight the comforting coastal flavors of our casserole without overpowering the seafood.
Conclusion
We treasure how this dish brings the essence of New Englands shore right to our table Its velvety texture and inviting aroma create a moment of pure comfort Each bite reminds us of friendly gatherings along the coast
We hope it inspires a sense of tradition in your home The layers of flavor come together naturally with an easy cooking process Lets embrace these coastal tastes and share them with those who matter most