Seafood Casserole

6 servings Intermediate
5.0/5 (2)
Louisiana is known as a hunter’s paradise for a reason. Most Cajun children know how to catch shrimp by throwing a cast net while standing ankle deep in Rockefeller Refuge waters or the waters of Rutherford Beach. Because of its unique location, Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge near Cameron, Louisiana is one of the most important wildlife areas in the United States. If you are lucky enough to catch your dinner with fresh shrimp and crab, this cream cheese and mushroom casserole is a great way to cook it.

Ingredients

6 servings
  • 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese
  • 1 1/2 stick margarine
  • 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 large onions, chopped
  • 1 large bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 rib celery, chopped
  • 1 can cream of chicken soup
  • 1/2 pound package fresh mushrooms or 1 large can mushroom bits
  • 1 tbsp garlic salt
  • 1 tsp Tabasco sauce
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper
  • 1 pound fresh crabmeat
  • 1 1/2 cup rice, cooked
  • Grated cheddar cheese for topping
  • Ritz cracker crumbs for topping

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Cook the rice according to package directions and set aside.
  3. Melt the cream cheese and one stick of margarine together in a large pot over low heat, stirring until smooth.
  4. In a separate skillet, sauté onions, bell pepper, celery and mushrooms in remaining 1/2 stick of margarine over medium heat until vegetables are softened, about 8-10 minutes.
  5. Add shrimp to the vegetables and sauté until the shrimp turn pink, about 3-5 minutes.
  6. Add the cream cheese mixture, cream of chicken soup, garlic salt, Tabasco sauce, red pepper, crabmeat, and cooked rice. Mix well and heat through.
  7. Pour mixture into a large greased casserole dish. Top with cracker crumbs and grated cheese.
  8. Bake for 30 minutes until bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why is my cream cheese lumpy?

A: Make sure to melt it over low heat and stir constantly. You can also cube the cream cheese before adding it to help it melt more smoothly.

Q: Can I make this ahead?

A: Yes, assemble the casserole completely, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add the cracker crumbs and cheese right before baking, and add 10 minutes to the baking time if starting cold.

Tips and Techniques

Don’t overcook the shrimp in the sauté step—they’ll cook more in the oven. Just cook until they turn pink. The Ritz crackers add a buttery, slightly sweet crunch that complements the savory seafood perfectly.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • margarine: butter
  • cream of chicken soup: cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup
  • Ritz crackers: Saltine crackers or panko breadcrumbs
  • fresh mushrooms: canned mushroom pieces

Equipment Needed

  • Large pot for melting cream cheese
  • Large skillet for sautéing
  • Large casserole dish (9x13 or similar)

Historical Context

Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge, established in 1920 near Cameron, Louisiana, is one of the most ecologically important coastal wetlands in North America. It’s a treasured spot where generations of Cajun families have harvested fresh seafood.