Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole
This Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole layers plump shrimp under a buttery Ritz cracker topping for an easy, elegant dish perfect for your next holiday feast.
A Holiday-Worthy Shrimp Dish That's Secretly Simple
If you are searching for easy Thanksgiving recipes that still feel special enough for a holiday feast, this Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole is about to become your new favorite. It takes everything people love about classic baked stuffed shrimp and turns it into one cozy, shareable casserole, no fussy individual stuffing required. Plump shrimp sit under a golden, buttery Ritz cracker topping that turns crisp and irresistible in the oven, and the whole thing comes together in under an hour.
Whether you are hosting a full holiday spread or just want a recipe for 2 that scales up beautifully for a crowd, this one flexes easily. It is the kind of dish that looks like it took real effort, while actually asking very little of you on a busy cooking day.
Before we get cooking, the right tools and ingredients make a real difference here. A sturdy casserole dish helps the shrimp cook evenly without drying out, and using real Ritz crackers (not a generic substitute) gives that signature buttery, slightly sweet crunch on top. A good box grater or mini food processor also makes quick work of crushing the crackers into the perfect texture, not too fine, not too chunky.
Why Baked Stuffed Shrimp Belongs on Your Holiday Table
Baked stuffed shrimp has long been a steakhouse and seafood-shack favorite, and it earns that reputation honestly. The shrimp stay tender and juicy while the cracker topping toasts up golden and a little crisp at the edges. By baking everything together in one casserole dish instead of stuffing individual shrimp, you get all that same flavor with a fraction of the prep work, which makes it a realistic option even during your busiest holiday cooking days.
This version leans on a few pantry staples you likely already have, plus a generous handful of crushed Ritz crackers, which bring a richness that plain breadcrumbs simply cannot match.
Chef's Tip: Pat your shrimp completely dry before arranging them in the dish. Excess moisture is the number one reason a stuffed shrimp topping turns soggy instead of crisp.
Ingredient Notes Worth Knowing
A few small choices make a big difference in the final result:
- Shrimp size: Large or extra-large shrimp hold up best under the topping and stay juicy through baking.
- Crab meat: Lump crab is optional but adds wonderful sweetness and an upscale, crab-shack feel. Feel free to leave it out for a simpler, more budget-friendly version.
- Ritz crackers: Their buttery flavor and tender crunch are what set this topping apart from a standard breadcrumb crust.
- Old Bay seasoning: Just a teaspoon adds that classic East Coast seafood flavor without overwhelming the dish.
Once everything is prepped, assembly takes only a few minutes.
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 easy, elegant dish perfect for your next holiday feast.
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
- 1/2 cup lump crab meat, picked over for shells, optional but recommended
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, plus wedges for serving
- 2 garlic, cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, plus more for garnish
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika, for color on top
- 1/4 tsp salt, to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly cracked
Instruction
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and lightly butter a 9x9-inch or similarly sized casserole dish.
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and arrange them in a single, even layer across the bottom of the prepared dish.
In a medium bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with 4 tablespoons of the melted butter, the crab meat, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, Old Bay, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until evenly combined; the mixture should be moist but still crumbly.
Spoon and press the cracker topping evenly over the shrimp, covering them completely.
Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter over the top, then dust with paprika for color.
Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, until the shrimp are pink and just cooked through and the topping is golden brown.
If you'd like an extra-crisp top, broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end, watching closely so it doesn't burn.
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Equipment
- 9x9-inch casserole dish
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Box grater or food processor (for crushing crackers)
Notes
Serving Suggestions for Your Next Holiday Feast
This casserole shines as a starter or a main course, depending on your holiday menu. For a starter portion, spoon it onto small plates with extra lemon wedges. As a main, pair it with simple sides that will not compete with the rich topping, think steamed asparagus, a crisp green salad, or fluffy white rice to soak up the buttery juices.
It also makes a lovely addition to a larger spread alongside turkey or ham, giving guests a seafood option that feels just as festive as the rest of the table.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
One of the best things about this casserole is how well it fits into holiday prep schedules. You can assemble it up to a day ahead and refrigerate it, covered, until you are ready to bake. This makes it a genuinely easy Thanksgiving recipe for anyone juggling multiple dishes at once.
Chef's Tip: If baking straight from the refrigerator, add a few extra minutes to the cook time and check that the shrimp are opaque and cooked through before serving.
Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to two days. For the best texture, reheat in the oven rather than the microwave so the cracker topping stays crisp instead of going soft.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole proves that holiday cooking does not have to mean hours in the kitchen. With a short ingredient list, a make-ahead option, and that unmistakable Ritz cracker crunch on top, it is destined to become a requested favorite at your next holiday feast, and maybe even earn a permanent spot on the menu for your next holiday gathering too.
