Creamy Buttery Shrimp Bake

This filling shrimp bake turns basic items into a fancy meal that's become my favorite for unexpected dinner company. You'll taste the sweet shrimp flavor coming through a smooth, cheesy coating, all topped with crispy, butter-soaked breadcrumbs that give just the right crunch.

I came up with this dish when friends showed up during bad weather and I needed something wow-worthy without much fuss. The clean dish at the end of the night and everyone asking how I made it told me I'd found a winner.

Ingredients

• Large shrimp: cleaned and prepped as the main protein that gets tender fast and soaks up all the good flavors
• Old Bay seasoning: gives that signature seafood taste that works so well with shrimp
• Mayonnaise: forms the smooth foundation that binds everything while adding a rich taste
• Garlic powder: adds that savory kick without having to chop fresh garlic
• Black pepper: brings a bit of warmth and punch to cut the creaminess
• Butter: makes the breadcrumb layer extra tasty and helps it turn golden brown
• Panko bread crumbs: create that must-have crunchy top layer against the soft shrimp
• Mozzarella cheese: gets all gooey and stretchy for those satisfying cheese pulls
• Cheddar cheese: adds a bold, tangy flavor to balance the dish's richness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Shrimp:

Get a big pot of water going with plenty of salt and your Old Bay. Once it's bubbling hard, drop in your shrimp. Keep an eye on them – they'll turn pink in about 30 seconds. This quick dip keeps them juicy for baking later. Drain them right away and put them in a bowl to cool off a bit.

Create the Creamy Base:

Mix mayonnaise into your slightly cooled shrimp by gently folding with a spatula. You want each piece lightly coated, not swimming in it. Sprinkle your garlic powder and pepper all over and keep folding until everything's mixed well. You don't want clumps of seasoning anywhere.

Add the Cheese Element:

Toss both your cheeses into the shrimp mix. Fold them in carefully so you don't break up the shrimp. You should see cheese throughout the mixture, creating little spots that'll melt beautifully later. Spread everything into your buttered dish in an even layer.

Create the Crispy Topping:

Melt your butter in the microwave or a small pot until it's just liquid. Pour it over your panko in a bowl and mix until all crumbs look shiny. This makes sure they'll all get equally crunchy and brown. Scatter them evenly across your shrimp and cheese so the whole top is covered.

Bake to Perfection:

Put your dish in the hot oven without covering it and bake for 13 to 15 minutes exactly. Check that it hits 145°F inside so it's safe but still tender. For an extra-golden top, switch to broil for the last minute or two, but don't walk away or it might burn. Let it sit for a full 15 minutes before you dig in so everything can set up nicely.

Pin it

Old Bay is really what makes this casserole stand out. My grandma showed me this spice mix years ago for her legendary crab boil, and now I put it in almost all my seafood dishes. The mix of paprika, celery salt, mustard and spices brings out something in shrimp that other seasonings just can't touch.

Serving Suggestions

This easy shrimp dish goes great with so many sides. Try it with simple rice pilaf that can soak up all the tasty sauce. Add a fresh green salad with lemony dressing to cut through the richness. For a fancy touch, dish it into small individual bowls topped with some fresh parsley and a lemon slice on the side.

Pin it

Make Ahead Options

What's great about this dish is how flexible it is. You can get everything ready up to the baking step and keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When you want to eat, just let it sit out for 30 minutes and then bake it normally, adding about 5 extra minutes. This makes it perfect when you have company and don't want to be stuck in the kitchen.

Storage Solutions

This dish stays tasty as leftovers if you store it right. Put any extra into a container with a tight lid and keep in the fridge for up to three days. Don't use the microwave to heat it up or your shrimp will get rubbery. Instead, warm it in a 300°F oven with foil on top until it's just heated through, around 15 minutes. An air fryer works great for smaller portions too – you'll get that crispy top back in only 5 minutes at 350°F.

Variation Ideas

You can switch this dish up in lots of ways. Try adding some chopped spinach or artichoke hearts for extra veggies and flavor. Swap out shrimp for cooked lobster or crab meat if you want something fancier. For a spicy kick, add more black pepper and a bit of cayenne with some chopped bell peppers. You can really make this your own based on what you like or what you've got in the kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What’s the trick to perfectly cooking shrimp?

Make sure to pull them out right when they turn pink and lose their translucence, which takes about 30 seconds in boiling water.

→ Can I make this shrimp bake ahead of time?

Sure! You can mix the filling up to three days early and chill it. Just bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve.

→ How do I get the top nice and crispy?

Put the dish under the broiler for a minute or two after baking till the breadcrumbs turn golden brown.

→ Can I swap out the cheeses included?

Definitely! Try other melt-friendly varieties like Colby Jack, Parmesan, or Gruyère for unique flavors.

→ What’s the best way to store and reheat any leftovers?

Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. Warm them up gently in an oven or air fryer until hot.

→ Is there a way to make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free panko and double-check all seasonings for gluten-free certification.