If you have been searching for a comforting yet elegant dish that combines the freshest tastes of the sea with creamy, rich flavors, this Easy Seafood Casserole Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s wonderfully simple to bring together, featuring tender scallops, delicate flounder, sweet crabmeat, and succulent shrimp, all enveloped in a luscious, creamy sauce that perfectly balances seasoning and richness. This casserole is the kind of meal that feels special enough for company but easy enough to whip up on any day you crave something deliciously satisfying.

Easy Seafood Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Easy Seafood Casserole Recipe relies on a handful of straightforward ingredients, each chosen to elevate flavor, texture, and color without complicating the cooking process. These essentials make the dish creamy, savory, and beautifully balanced.

6 large scallops: Tender and slightly sweet, scallops bring a buttery texture to the casserole.
4 oz flounder fillets: Mild and flaky, the flounder forms a delicate base layer.
4 oz lump crabmeat: Picked over for shells, it adds sweetness and bite without any surprises.
6 large shrimp: Peeled and deveined, shrimp contribute a juicy, firm texture.
1/2 tsp garlic powder: Adds warmth and a gentle punch without overpowering.
1/4 tsp black pepper: For subtle heat that rounds out the sauce.
1 tbsp Dijon mustard: Gives a mild tang that brightens the creamy sauce.
1 fl oz white wine: Used twice to deepen flavor and lightly deglaze the cooking pan.
2 tbsp flour: Acts as the thickening agent for the sauce, creating that perfect creamy consistency.
3/4 cup chicken stock: Adds savory depth and balances richness.
1/2 tsp onion powder: Enhances the sauce’s complexity with a subtle sweetness.
4 tbsp butter: I recommend Kerrygold unsalted butter for its creamy texture and pure flavor.
1/2 cup heavy cream: The secret to a luxuriously creamy and rich sauce.
1/2 tsp chopped Italian parsley: Freshly chopped for a burst of color and an herbaceous note.
1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning: Brings a classic seafood spice blend that ties everything together.

How to Make Easy Seafood Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Seafood

The magic begins by searing your scallops and shrimp to develop a lovely golden crust. Melt two tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, or substitute with olive oil if you prefer a lighter touch. When the pan is hot, add your shrimp and scallops and sauté quickly—about a minute—just enough to seal in their natural juices without overcooking. Then, splash in some white wine to lift any caramelized bits from the bottom. Stir in heavy cream, chicken stock, Dijon mustard, garlic and onion powders, and black pepper. Cook everything together for an additional minute, then remove the seafood from the pan and set it aside with care.

Step 2: Create and Thicken the Sauce

Next, we’ll transform those wonderful pan flavors into a thick, creamy sauce. Add two tablespoons of butter mixed with flour (known as beurre manié) to the remaining liquid in the pan. This will gently thicken the sauce as it simmers over low heat. Stir and let it bubble until it reaches a luscious consistency that coats the back of a spoon perfectly. Once thickened, fold your seared scallops, shrimp, and fresh crabmeat into the sauce, ensuring every morsel is lovingly coated. Set this luscious mixture aside for the next assembly step.

Step 3: Prepare and Bake the Flounder

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Gently lay your flounder fillets at the bottom of each casserole dish, forming a delicate foundation. Add just a splash of water to keep the fish moist while baking, and sprinkle the fillets generously with Old Bay seasoning to infuse them with classic seafood flavor. Bake uncovered for 10 minutes until the fish is tender. After baking, carefully drain any excess water from the dish to keep your casserole rich and creamy rather than watery.

Step 4: Assemble and Final Bake

Now for the satisfying part—layer your beautifully coated seafood mixture right on top of the pre-baked flounder fillets. For those who love a hint of boldness, sprinkle a little more Old Bay seasoning atop this divine combo. Slide the casserole back into the 350°F oven for 25 more minutes, giving the top time to develop a golden-brown, bubbly crust that’s bound to make mouths water at the sight. The aroma filling your kitchen here is pure happiness.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest briefly to settle the flavors. Just before serving, scatter finely chopped Italian parsley over the top for a fresh pop of color and delicate herbaceous fragrance. Now dive in and savor every creamy, savory bite of your Easy Seafood Casserole Recipe — pure comfort that feels like a hug from the ocean.

How to Serve Easy Seafood Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh Italian parsley is a beautiful garnish, lending brightness and a hint of earthiness that complements the rich creaminess. For a touch more zest, a thin twist of lemon peel or a light sprinkle of paprika also adds lovely color and flavor without overwhelming the delicate seafood.

Side Dishes

Pair your Easy Seafood Casserole Recipe with crisp steamed vegetables like asparagus or green beans to add a refreshing crunch. Simple rice pilaf or buttery mashed potatoes are also perfect for soaking up the luscious sauce. A light arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette can help cut through the richness and balance your plate beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant touch, serve the casserole in individual ramekins, offering personalized portions with impressive presentation. Garnish each with a sprig of fresh herbs for that extra wow factor. You can even layer in thin slices of fresh tomato on top before the final bake to add a pop of juicy color and subtle acidity, giving the dish a lovely Mediterranean flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftover seafood casserole to an airtight container and refrigerate. Properly stored, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the flavors again without sacrificing quality.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully. Simply cool completely, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil or transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the casserole in a preheated oven at 325°F until heated through, usually about 20 minutes depending on your portion size. This method keeps the creamy sauce intact and avoids overcooking the seafood, letting you enjoy your Easy Seafood Casserole Recipe just as much the next day.

FAQs

Can I substitute different types of seafood in this casserole?

Absolutely! While scallops, flounder, crab, and shrimp create a perfect balance, you can swap in lobster, clams, or even firm white fish like cod. Just adjust cooking times to ensure everything stays tender and perfectly cooked.

Is it necessary to use white wine in the recipe?

White wine adds a subtle acidity and depth that brightens the dish, but if you prefer to skip alcohol, a splash of extra chicken stock or unsweetened white grape juice can be a good substitute without losing flavor.

Can I make this casserole dairy-free?

Making it fully dairy-free would require some adaptations. You could use dairy-free butter substitutes and replace heavy cream with canned coconut milk or a creamy plant-based alternative, but the flavor and richness will be slightly different. The core idea of this Easy Seafood Casserole Recipe still shines through with some creativity.

How long can I keep the casserole before baking?

You can assemble the casserole and keep it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a convenient option for preparing ahead for dinner or special occasions.

Can I adjust the spice level?

Definitely! The Old Bay seasoning provides a gentle spice, but if you like things a bit hotter, add cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the sauce. For milder tastes, simply reduce or omit the Old Bay seasoning without losing the overall flavorful profile.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly heartwarming about sharing this Easy Seafood Casserole Recipe with friends or family—it feels like a celebration of the sea’s finest offerings wrapped in a cozy, creamy embrace. Whether it’s for a special dinner or a comforting weekend treat, this recipe is sure to become a beloved staple in your culinary rotation. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience firsthand just how effortlessly delicious it is!