Quick & Easy Shrimp Casserole – Family Favorite!
This Quick & Easy Shrimp Casserole is a showstopping dish that's far simpler to make than you'd expect. Large shrimp are combined with a rich, garlicky mayonnaise mixture and topped with melted mozzarella and cheddar cheese, then finished with a golden, buttery panko crust. Ideal for weeknight dinners or impressing guests, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in minimal time. The slow cooker adaptation makes it even more convenient, allowing you to prepare everything ahead and let it cook gently while you attend to other tasks
Watch: Quick & Easy Shrimp Casserole – Family Favorite!
Original recipe video — click to play
Original method: 15 minutes at 200°C (oven and grill)
Ingredients
Main
- 900 g large shrimp, 21–24 count, peeled, deveined, and patted dry
Pat shrimp dry to prevent excess moisture in the slow cooker.
Seasoning & Base
- 15 ml Old Bay Seasoning
Classic seasoning for seafood.
- 15 ml salt
Adjust to taste.
- 160 ml mayonnaise
Add after shrimp have cooked, in the final 15 minutes.
Creamy base for the casserole; do not add at the beginning to prevent separation.
- 3 ml garlic powder
- 3 ml ground black pepper
Topping
- 15 g butter, melted, plus more for greasing
Mix with panko and add in the final 20 minutes, or finish under the grill.
For greasing the slow cooker insert.
- 120 ml panko bread crumbs
Add in the final 20 minutes, or finish under the grill after slow cooking.
Creates a crispy, golden topping.
Cheese
- 115 g shredded mozzarella cheese
Add in the final 20 minutes to melt without breaking down.
- 115 g shredded medium cheddar cheese
Add in the final 20 minutes to melt without breaking down.
Method
- 1
Grease your slow cooker insert with butter.
~2 mins - 2
Pat the shrimp dry with kitchen paper. Season them with 0.5 Tbsp Old Bay Seasoning and a pinch of salt.
~5 minsTip: Dry shrimp prevent excess moisture in the slow cooker.
- 3
Arrange the seasoned shrimp in a single layer in the slow cooker insert.
~3 minsTip: A single layer ensures even cooking.
- 4
In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 0.5 Tbsp Old Bay Seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper.
~3 mins - 5
Set the slow cooker to High and cook the shrimp for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until they are just cooked through.
~50 minsTip: Watch carefully; shrimp cook quickly and can become tough if overcooked.
- 6
In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise with the garlic powder and black pepper mixture.
~5 minsTip: Prepare this mixture while the shrimp cook.
- 7
Once the shrimp are cooked, spoon the mayonnaise mixture over them, gently stirring to coat.
~3 minsTip: Be gentle to avoid breaking the shrimp.
- 8
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
~2 mins - 9
In a small bowl, toss the panko bread crumbs with the melted butter until evenly coated.
~3 mins - 10
Sprinkle the buttery panko mixture over the cheese.
~2 mins - 11
Leave the slow cooker on High (uncovered if your model allows) for a further 15–20 minutes to melt the cheese.
~18 minsTip: If your slow cooker has a glass lid, you can monitor the cheese melting.
- 12Optional step
For a crispy, golden topping, carefully transfer the casserole to a baking tray and place under a preheated hot grill for 3–5 minutes until golden brown.
~5 minsTip: This step is recommended for authentic texture but is optional if you prefer to skip it.
- 13
Remove from the slow cooker (or from under the grill) and allow to rest for 2–3 minutes before serving.
~3 minsTip: This brief rest prevents the casserole from being too hot and helps it set slightly.
Nutrition
Detailed nutritional information is coming soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but thaw them completely and pat them very dry with kitchen paper before adding to the slow cooker. Excess moisture from frozen shrimp will dilute the creamy filling and make the dish watery
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