Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole
This Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole layers plump shrimp under a buttery Ritz cracker topping for an elegant, easy holiday feast that comes together in under an hour.
A Holiday Classic Worth Repeating
There is a reason Baked Stuffed Shrimp shows up on so many holiday tables. It looks impressive, it smells incredible while it bakes, and it somehow still comes together with very little fuss. This casserole takes that classic idea and makes it even easier by baking everything together in one dish, so you get tender, juicy shrimp under a golden, buttery Ritz cracker topping in every single bite.
Whether you're planning your menu for the next holiday or just want one of those Easy Thanksgiving Recipes that feels fancier than the effort it actually takes, this one delivers. It also happens to be a great Recipe For 2 if you scale it down, so don't feel like you need a crowd to enjoy it.
Before we get cooking, the right tools and ingredients make a real difference here. A good box grater or zester makes quick work of the lemon zest, a sturdy mixing bowl keeps your cracker topping from ending up all over the counter, and using real butter instead of a substitute is what gives that topping its rich, golden flavor.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
The magic of this dish is really in the layering. The shrimp sit directly against the bottom of the dish so they cook gently and stay plump, while the cracker topping soaks up just enough butter and lemon to turn golden and crisp without drying out. A splash of white wine around the edges keeps everything moist as it bakes.
Chef's Tip: Pat your shrimp completely dry before arranging them in the dish. Extra moisture is the number one reason baked shrimp casseroles turn out watery instead of golden and crisp on top.
This method is also part of what makes it one of the Best Thanksgiving Recipes for anyone hosting a holiday feast, since it can be assembled ahead and popped in the oven while you focus on the rest of the menu.
A Few Notes on Ingredients
Shrimp size matters. Large shrimp hold up best under the cracker topping without overcooking, so try to avoid anything too small. As for the topping itself, Ritz Crackers are non negotiable in my book. Their slightly sweet, buttery flavor is what makes this dish taste like a proper holiday feast rather than an everyday weeknight dinner.
A few other things worth knowing:
- Fresh garlic makes a noticeable difference over jarred garlic here.
- Old Bay seasoning adds warmth without overpowering the sweetness of the shrimp.
- Fresh lemon juice and zest brighten the whole dish and cut through the richness of the butter.
Ready to make it? Here is the full step by step recipe:
Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole
This Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole layers plump shrimp under a buttery Ritz cracker topping for an elegant, easy holiday feast that comes together in under an hour.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails removed
- 1 1/2 cups Ritz crackers, crushed into coarse crumbs
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, plus more for garnish
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1/4 cup dry white wine, or chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt, to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
Instruction
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and lightly butter a 9-inch baking dish or four individual ramekins.
Pat the shrimp dry, then arrange them in a single layer in the bottom of the prepared dish.
In a medium bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers, 4 tablespoons of the melted butter, garlic, parsley, lemon zest, mayonnaise, and Old Bay seasoning. Mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then squeeze the fresh lemon juice evenly over the top.
Spoon the cracker mixture over the shrimp, pressing gently so it clings in an even layer.
Drizzle the white wine (or broth) around the edges of the dish to keep the shrimp moist while baking.
Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter over the cracker topping.
Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, until the shrimp are opaque and the topping is golden brown.
If you want extra color, broil for the final 1 to 2 minutes, watching closely so the topping doesn't burn.
Let rest for 5 minutes, garnish with extra parsley, and serve warm.
Equipment
- 9-inch baking dish or 4 ramekins
- Mixing bowls
- Zester or fine grater
- Sharp knife
Notes
Serving and Storage Tips
This casserole is lovely served straight from the baking dish alongside a simple green salad or roasted vegetables, especially if it is joining a larger holiday feast spread. For a Recipe For 2, individual ramekins are a nice touch since each person gets their own perfectly portioned serving with plenty of crispy topping.
Leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently in the oven rather than the microwave so the shrimp stay tender and the topping doesn't turn soft.
Chef's Tip: If you're prepping for a big holiday feast, this dish can be fully assembled the night before and refrigerated unbaked. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time since it will be starting from cold.
However you serve it, this Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole is proof that a truly memorable holiday dish doesn't need to be complicated. Simple ingredients, a little patience, and a good cracker topping go a long way.
