Irresistible Cheesy Shrimp Bake Recipe for Cozy Family Nights

Shrimp lovers will adore this creamy cheesy shrimp bake that brings restaurant-quality comfort right to your kitchen.

Melted cheese creates a luxurious blanket over succulent seafood, promising pure deliciousness in every single bite.

Our carefully crafted recipe combines simple ingredients with maximum flavor potential.

Weeknight dinners rarely look this impressive or taste so incredible.

Coastal vibes meet home cooking magic in this crowd-pleasing dish that works perfectly for casual gatherings.

A quick assembly means you can have this mouthwatering meal on the table in under an hour.

Prepare to be amazed by how effortlessly gourmet this recipe feels.

Ingredients for Cheesy Shrimp Bake

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that serves as the primary protein in this creamy baked dish.

• Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Rich cheeses that provide a sharp and tangy flavor profile to the bake.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and smooth sauce that binds the ingredients together.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps to enhance the overall flavor and texture of the dish.

• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth and complexity to the dish.
• Chicken Broth: Provides additional savory flavor to the cream sauce.
• Dried Thyme: Herb that contributes an earthy and slightly minty undertone.
• Paprika: Spice that adds a subtle warmth and beautiful color to the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the overall taste.

• Breadcrumbs: Creates a crunchy and golden-brown layer on top of the baked dish.

How to Bake the Perfect Cheesy Shrimp

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grab a baking dish. Give it a quick spray with cooking spray or rub some butter inside to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Garlic Butter Magic

Melt butter and mix in freshly minced garlic, creating a fragrant and flavorful base for your dish.

Step 3: Arrange Shrimp Perfectly

Spread your shrimp across the greased baking dish in a single beautiful layer, ensuring even cooking.

Step 4: Whip Up Creamy Seasoning Sauce

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Dried thyme
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk these ingredients until they create a smooth, aromatic sauce.

Step 5: Pour And Cover

Gently pour the creamy sauce over the shrimp, making sure every single piece gets a delicious coating.

Step 6: Cheese It Up

• Cheddar cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Creating a golden, melty blanket of cheesy goodness.

Step 7: Prepare Crispy Breadcrumb Topping

Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter until they’re completely coated and look like delectable golden crumbs.

Step 8: Add Crunchy Topping

Scatter the buttery breadcrumbs evenly across the top of your shrimp casserole.

Step 9: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for a gorgeous golden-brown top and a bubbly, enticing sauce.

Enjoy your mouthwatering Cheesy Shrimp Bake straight from the oven!

Tips to Enhance Your Cheesy Shrimp Bake

• Select jumbo or large shrimp for the best texture and most impressive presentation.
• Pat shrimp completely dry before adding to the dish to prevent excess liquid and ensure crispy topping.
• Substitute low-fat milk for heavy cream to reduce calorie content without compromising flavor.
• Enhance the breadcrumb topping by adding fresh herbs like parsley or chives for extra depth and color.
• Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld together perfectly.

Creative Variations for Cheesy Shrimp Bake

• Spicy Cajun Kick: Replace paprika with Cajun seasoning, add cayenne pepper, and mix in chopped andouille sausage for a bold, zesty flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Swap thyme for oregano, add crumbled feta cheese, diced sun-dried tomatoes, and sprinkle with fresh basil before serving.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds, use cauliflower rice as a base, and reduce cream for a lighter, keto-friendly version.
• Creamy Seafood Medley: Incorporate scallops and crab meat alongside shrimp, use white wine instead of chicken broth, and garnish with fresh parsley for an elegant seafood experience.

Ideal Pairings for Cheesy Shrimp Bake

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc with bright acidity to cut through the rich, creamy cheese and complement the delicate shrimp flavor.
• Serve with Crusty Garlic Bread: Create a perfect side by toasting French baguette slices with garlic butter, allowing guests to soak up the luxurious sauce and add textural contrast.
• Match with Zesty Arugula Salad: Prepare a light green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to provide a fresh, peppery counterpoint to the decadent shrimp bake and balance the dish's richness.
• Complement with Roasted Asparagus: Quickly roast asparagus spears with olive oil, salt, and pepper to introduce a tender green vegetable that enhances the seafood's elegant profile.

Storage Tips for Cheesy Shrimp Bake

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled shrimp bake to a freezer-safe container, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing dishes with cream-based sauces for best texture.
• Preheat oven to 350F, cover dish with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the breadcrumb topping.

FAQs About Cheesy Shrimp Bake

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before using to prevent excess water in the dish.

• What type of shrimp works best?

Large or jumbo shrimp work best for this recipe. Peeled and deveined shrimp will save you preparation time and make the dish easier to eat.

• Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk as an alternative, though the sauce might be slightly less rich and creamy.

• Can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the cream mixture to give the dish some extra heat and kick.

Why Cheesy Shrimp Bake Is a Crowd Favorite

• Dive into Decadence: This cheesy shrimp bake delivers a luxurious seafood experience with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for impressing dinner guests or treating yourself to a gourmet meal.
• Quick Comfort Cuisine: The recipe transforms simple ingredients into a rich, creamy casserole that comes together faster than ordering takeout, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Combining succulent shrimp, melted cheese, and a crispy breadcrumb topping creates a mouthwatering dish that appeals to both seafood lovers and comfort food enthusiasts.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Adaptable for various occasions from casual family dinners to elegant entertaining, this one-pan wonder ensures minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction.

Cheesy Shrimp Bake Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Dive into comfort with this irresistible Cheesy Shrimp Bake, blending succulent seafood and melted cheese in a creamy, herb-infused sauce. Guaranteed to satisfy seafood cravings, this dish brings Mediterranean warmth to your dinner table with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined

Dairy and Cheese:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) butter
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 3/4 cup (85 grams) grated cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Topping:

• 1 cup (120 grams) breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) melted butter

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375F (190C) and thoroughly coat a baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Create a garlic-butter infusion by combining melted butter with finely minced garlic, releasing aromatic flavors.
3. Arrange raw shrimp in a single, uniform layer across the greased baking dish to ensure even cooking.
4. Craft a savory liquid base by whisking together chicken broth, heavy cream, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth and well-integrated.
5. Gently cascade the cream mixture over the shrimp, completely submerging each piece to promote consistent flavor absorption.
6. Generously distribute grated cheddar and Parmesan cheeses across the surface, creating a rich, melty coverage.
7. Prepare a crispy topping by thoroughly coating breadcrumbs with melted butter, ensuring complete and even coverage.
8. Delicately sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs over the casserole, creating a golden, crunchy layer.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top transforms into a beautiful golden-brown crust and the sauce becomes delightfully bubbly.

Notes

• Swap shrimp for chicken or tofu to create versatile protein options for different dietary preferences.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds to make this recipe celiac-friendly and low-carb.
• Reduce heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for lighter, healthier alternative versions that maintain creamy texture.
• Fresh herbs like parsley or chives can elevate the final dish with bright, fresh flavor and beautiful green garnish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 441 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 670 mg
• Fat: 33 g
• Saturated Fat: 19 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 195 mg