"Creamy Baked Seafood Casserole Recipe: Easy & Delicious"

Indulge in the delightful combination of tender seafood and comforting casserole with our baked seafood casserole recipe. This dish is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a fantastic way to incorporate more seafood into your diet. With its rich, creamy sauce and a medley of succulent seafood, this casserole is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients for Baked Seafood Casserole

Before you start cooking, ensure you have the following ingredients ready:

• 1 lb (450g) mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, and white fish like cod or haddock)
• 2 cups (480ml) milk
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (55g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup (55g) grated cheddar cheese
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (120g) frozen peas
• 1 cup (120g) frozen corn
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp (5ml) paprika (optional, for color)
• 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil
• 2 tbsp (16g) butter
• 1 cup (120g) panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)

Cooking Instructions

Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let's dive into the cooking process:

Prepare the Seafood

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the seafood dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.

Make the Creamy Sauce

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.

Whisk in the flour to create a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the milk, stirring continuously. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.

Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and cheddar cheese. Season with paprika, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.

Assemble the Casserole

In a large bowl, combine the cooked seafood, peas, and corn. Pour the creamy sauce over the seafood mixture and gently stir to combine.

Transfer the seafood mixture into a greased 9x13-inch (23x33-cm) baking dish.

Add the Topping

In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the remaining 2 tbsp of olive oil and the 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.

Bake

Bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutritional Information

Here's an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (assuming 6 servings per casserole):