Seafood Casserole | Creamy, Comforting, and Irresistible

This post may contain affiliate links. For more, see our Affiliate Disclaimer.

The scent of butter, garlic, and the sea drifting through the kitchen feels like Christmas itself. While snowflakes fall outside, this creamy Seafood Casserole bubbles in the oven, golden and rich. It’s the kind of dish that makes you linger by the stove, spoon in hand, waiting for that first taste of holiday comfort.

Why You’ll Love This Seafood Casserole

This Seafood Casserole brings creamy, restaurant-quality flavor without the fuss. Each bite is rich with scallops, shrimp, crab, and flounder in a velvety Dijon sauce. It feels indulgent, yet it’s simple to make. Also, it’s low-carb and ready in about an hour, making it perfect for cozy dinners or special Christmas celebrations.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Seafood

You’ll need scallops, shrimp, crabmeat, and flounder. Always thaw frozen seafood completely. Dry it well with paper towels before cooking. Dry scallops and lump crab add sweetness and texture that taste fresh from the coast.

Sauce & Seasoning

Butter, heavy cream, Dijon, chicken stock, garlic powder, and Old Bay create the heart of the dish. The sauce cooks quickly and thickens beautifully. You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half with a pinch of cornstarch or use fish stock for more ocean depth.

Equipment

Two 9×5 inch casserole dishes, a sturdy skillet, a whisk, and your oven are all you need.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Seafood

Melt butter in a skillet. Sear shrimp and scallops for one minute. Then add a splash of white wine to deglaze the pan. Stir in cream, stock, Dijon, and seasonings. Sauté another minute, then set the seafood aside.

2. Make the Creamy Sauce

Add butter mixed with flour to the pan to thicken. Stir gently over low heat until it becomes creamy. Then fold in the shrimp, scallops, and crabmeat until they’re well coated.

3. Bake the Flounder

Preheat oven to 350°F. Place flounder in your casserole dishes, add a little water, sprinkle Old Bay, and bake for 10 minutes. Drain any excess water.

4. Assemble and Bake

Spread the creamy seafood mixture over the flounder. Sprinkle more Old Bay on top. Bake for about 25 minutes until golden and bubbly.

5. Serve and Garnish

Let the casserole rest for five minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cools.

Fork lifting shrimp from creamy seafood casserole

Seafood Tips & Substitutions

You can use cod, haddock, or sole instead of flounder. For lighter options, replace cream with half-and-half or swap chicken stock for clam juice. Always choose “dry” scallops—they sear better and bring a deeper flavor. Lump or jumbo crab tastes best, though imitation works if needed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t overcook shrimp or scallops. They only need a few minutes. Pat seafood dry to avoid excess water. Keep your heat low to prevent the sauce from breaking. Finally, let your casserole rest before serving—it helps everything come together.

What to Serve With Seafood Casserole

This creamy Seafood Casserole pairs perfectly with white rice, angel hair pasta, roasted broccoli, or a simple green salad. Lighter sides balance the richness of the dish. You can also try my Creamy stuffed seafood bread bowl for dinner parties for an extra festive touch.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to two days in an airtight container. Avoid freezing, as the seafood can turn rubbery. Reheat in the oven at 325°F for 15–20 minutes, covered. Add a splash of cream if the sauce thickens.

Cooking FAQs

Why is my sauce too thin?

Simmer for 5–7 minutes to reduce and thicken.

Should I thaw frozen seafood first?

Yes. Thawing prevents a watery texture and helps seafood cook evenly.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes. Preparing it first makes assembly quick and easy.

Easy Seafood Casserole Recipe Card

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Creamy seafood casserole with shrimp, scallops, and fish in a white baking dish

Seafood Casserole | Creamy, Comforting, and Irresistible


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: kai
  • Total Time: 50-70 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x

Description

A creamy, restaurant-quality seafood casserole made with scallops, shrimp, crabmeat, and flounder in a rich Dijon cream sauce. Perfect for Christmas dinners or cozy nights.


Ingredients

Scale

6 large scallops

4 oz flounder fillets

4 oz lump crabmeat (picked over for shells)

6 large shrimp (peeled and deveined)

2 tbsp butter (for sautéing)

Splash of white wine (for deglazing)

1/2 cup heavy cream

3/4 cup chicken stock

1 tbsp Dijon mustard

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/4 tsp black pepper

2 tbsp butter (for thickening sauce, dredged in flour – beurre manié)

2 tbsp flour (for sauce)

1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning (plus more for garnish)

1/2 tsp chopped fresh Italian parsley (for garnish)


Instructions

1. Melt 2 tbsp butter in a skillet and sauté shrimp and scallops for 1 minute.

2. Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine, then add cream, stock, Dijon, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Sauté for 1 more minute.

3. Remove seafood and set aside.

4. Add butter dredged in flour to the remaining pan sauce and whisk over low heat to thicken.

5. Once creamy, stir in scallops, shrimp, and crabmeat until coated. Set aside.

6. Preheat oven to 350°F. Place flounder fillets in casserole dishes, add a splash of water, sprinkle Old Bay, and bake 10 minutes.

7. Drain any excess water.

8. Spoon the seafood mixture over the flounder, sprinkle more Old Bay, and bake for 25 minutes or until golden and bubbly.

9. Let cool slightly, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.

Notes

Flounder can be replaced with cod, haddock, or sole.

Use dry scallops and lump crabmeat for the best flavor.

Thaw all seafood completely before cooking.

Serve with rice, angel hair pasta, or a light green salad.

  • Prep Time: 15-25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35-45 minutes
  • Category: Christmas Dinner Ideas
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 casserole dish
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 36g
  • Cholesterol: 165mg

More Such Recipes

If you love this Seafood Casserole, try these too:

Golden seafood casserole with shrimp and scallops in a white dish

Final Thoughts

This creamy, comforting Seafood Casserole feels like a warm hug on a cold night. The golden crust, tender fish, and rich sauce come together in a way that feels special yet simple. Try it this Christmas and let your kitchen smell like the holidays. Don’t forget to share your version or tag me on Pinterest or Facebook.

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star