If you love seafood and crave a dish that feels both comforting and elegant, this Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole (Gluten Free) Recipe is going to be your new go-to. It’s a delightful mix of tender shrimp, rich lump crab meat, zesty lemon, and a buttery, garlicky stuffing that bakes up golden and irresistible. What makes it even better? This casserole is naturally gluten free when you choose the right cracker crumbs, so anyone avoiding gluten can dig in without a worry. It’s the perfect combination of flavors and textures packed into one dish that’s sure to impress family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this recipe are simple, fresh, and come together to create incredible flavor and texture. Whether it’s the tender shrimp, the bright touch of lemon, or the buttery richness of the stuffing, each element plays a vital role in making this dish shine.
- 1 lb. large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Choose fresh or thawed shrimp for the best texture and taste.
- 1 tsp olive oil: For coating the shrimp and adding a hint of richness without overpowering flavors.
- 1/2 tsp Kosher salt: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the seafood.
- 1/2 tsp fresh cracked black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and depth to the overall taste.
- 1 lb. lump crab meat: The star of the stuffing, providing sweet, flaky seafood goodness.
- 1 cup cracker crumbs (such as Simple Mills or Ritz): Use gluten-free crumbs like Simple Mills for a perfect crunchy texture without gluten.
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced: Brings a fragrant and flavorful base to the stuffing.
- 1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Adds vibrant color and a fresh, herbaceous note.
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced (plus lemon wedges for serving): Provides bright acidity that balances the buttery seafood flavors beautifully.
- 1/2 stick melted unsalted butter: Binds the stuffing ingredients together and creates a golden crust when baked.
How to Make Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole (Gluten Free) Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Shrimp
Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit, which is perfect for cooking the shrimp quickly and locking in their juicy tenderness. Next, butterfly the shrimp by slicing down the back almost all the way through. This step helps your shrimp open up so they can nestle the stuffing perfectly, creating an eye-catching presentation.
Step 2: Season the Shrimp
Place the butterflied shrimp in a bowl and toss them with olive oil, Kosher salt, and cracked black pepper. This seasoning layer enhances their natural flavor and ensures every bite is perfectly balanced. Set them aside while you prepare your stuffing.
Step 3: Make the Stuffing
The stuffing is where all the magic happens. Combine lump crab meat, cracker crumbs, minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and melted butter in a bowl. Stir gently to mix everything without breaking up the delicate crab meat. This mixture will be flavorful, moist, and ready to crown the shrimp.
Step 4: Arrange and Stuff
Grab an oven-safe baking dish and arrange the seasoned shrimp evenly around the dish with the tails facing up. If the shrimp don’t stand on their own, no worries—the stuffing will cover most of the shrimp anyway, creating a beautiful layered dish.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Spoon the crab stuffing evenly over and around the shrimp. Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 12 to 14 minutes. You want the shrimp to cook through, the stuffing to set, and the top to turn a lovely light golden brown. For an extra golden finish, pop the casserole under the broiler on high for just one minute – but watch it carefully.
How to Serve Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole (Gluten Free) Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh lemon wedges on the side is a simple yet brilliant touch that highlights the seafood flavors and adds a bright, fresh note to each bite. Sprinkle a little extra chopped parsley on top after baking for a pop of color and freshness.
Side Dishes
Pair this casserole with light sides like a crisp green salad or steamed asparagus to keep the meal balanced and fresh. For a cozy dinner, creamy mashed potatoes or a gluten-free pilaf work wonderfully to soak up all those buttery juices.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a lovely individual portion presentation or dish it family-style straight from the baking dish for a more casual, comforting experience. Either way, this dish is a guaranteed showstopper on your dining table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole (Gluten Free) Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness and moisture.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the casserole before baking for best results. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to a month. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a 350-degree oven for about 10 minutes to avoid drying out the shrimp. Cover with foil to keep the moisture locked in and remove it towards the end if you want to revive the crispy topping.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before butterflying and seasoning. This helps prevent excess moisture, so your casserole bakes up nicely.
What are some good gluten-free cracker options?
Simple Mills cracker crumbs are an excellent choice, or you can use any gluten-free cracker or even crushed gluten-free cornflakes for a similar texture.
Can I substitute crab with another seafood?
Yes, cooked lobster meat or finely chopped cooked scallops can be delicious alternatives if you want to switch up the flavor while keeping the luxurious vibe of the dish.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, substitute the butter with a high-quality olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative. The flavor will be slightly different but still fantastic.
How can I tell when the casserole is done?
The shrimp should be opaque and just cooked through, and the stuffing on top should be golden brown with a slightly crisp texture. Baking for the recommended 12-14 minutes usually nails it perfectly.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole (Gluten Free) Recipe, it will earn a well-deserved spot in your recipe rotation. It’s an effortless way to impress with seafood full of flavor and comforting textures, all while staying gluten free. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, dive into the deliciousness, and watch everyone fall in love bite after bite.
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Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole (Gluten Free) Recipe
- Total Time: 24 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole is a flavorful and elegant gluten-free dish featuring large shrimp stuffed with a savory crab meat and herb filling, baked to golden perfection. It’s perfect for a special occasion or a delightful dinner that combines tender seafood with zesty lemon and fresh parsley, all topped with buttery cracker crumbs for added texture and richness.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 lb. large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp fresh cracked black pepper
Stuffing
- 1 lb. lump crab meat
- 1 cup cracker crumbs (such as Simple Mills or Ritz)
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
- 1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced (plus lemon wedges for serving)
- 1/2 stick melted unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s ready for baking the shrimp casserole.
- Prepare Shrimp: Butterfly the cleaned shrimp by slicing down the back of each shrimp almost all the way through, creating a pocket for the stuffing.
- Season Shrimp: Place the shrimp in a bowl and toss with olive oil, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper to evenly coat and enhance flavor. Set aside.
- Make Stuffing: In a mixing bowl, combine the lump crab meat, cracker crumbs, minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon zest and juice, and melted unsalted butter. Stir gently until fully combined.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Arrange the seasoned shrimp around an oven-safe baking dish, positioning them with the tails facing up. Don’t worry if some don’t stand perfectly; the stuffing will cover most of the shrimp.
- Add Stuffing: Spoon the crab and cracker stuffing evenly over and around the shrimp in the baking dish.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 12-14 minutes until the shrimp are cooked through and the stuffing turns lightly golden brown on top.
- Broil (Optional): For a more browned top, switch the oven to broil on high and broil the casserole for an additional 1 minute.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve the casserole warm, accompanied by additional lemon wedges for squeezing over the shrimp.
Notes
- This recipe is naturally gluten free if you use gluten free cracker crumbs.
- Butterflying the shrimp helps the stuffing stay nestled inside and cooks the shrimp evenly.
- If tails do not stand upright, it will not affect the taste; the presentation is just for appearance.
- Broiling is optional but gives a lovely golden brown finish to the top crust.
- Serve with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables to complete the meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
