If you’re craving a cozy, comforting dish that bursts with the fresh flavors of the sea, this New England Seafood Casserole Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Packed with tender bites of cod, haddock, shrimp, and scallops all smothered in a luxuriously creamy sauce and topped with golden, buttery breadcrumbs, this casserole is the perfect way to enjoy a taste of the coast right in your own kitchen. Whether for a family dinner or a special occasion, the balance of richness, zest, and texture makes this recipe truly unforgettable and wonderfully easy to prepare.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is key to making this New England Seafood Casserole Recipe shine. Each component plays a crucial role: from the flaky seafood to the velvety sauce and the crisp topping, together creating a dish that’s as comforting as it is flavorful.
- 1 pound mixed seafood: A medley of cod, haddock, shrimp, and scallops cut into bite-sized pieces brings variety and freshness to the dish.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: The base for a silky roux and adds rich flavor to the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the creamy sauce to the perfect consistency.
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk: Provides smoothness and milky sweetness to the casserole.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Adds indulgent richness and velvety texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Offers a gentle warmth and subtle spice.
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika: Adds a hint of smoky color and flavor.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Brightens the sauce with a splash of acidity.
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional): Introduces complexity and enhances the seafood’s aroma.
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts beautifully for a savory, umami topping.
- 1/2 cup buttery breadcrumbs or crushed crackers: Creates a satisfyingly crunchy crust.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous finish and vibrant color.
How to Make New England Seafood Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Seafood
First off, preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking. Arrange your mixed seafood evenly in the dish, making sure every lovely piece has room to cook perfectly without crowding. This will help them bake evenly and soak up the sauce flawlessly.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and then whisk in the flour. Stir and cook briefly until you get a smooth, bubbly roux without any lumps. Slowly add in the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid any lumps. Keep cooking until this mixture thickens to a luscious, creamy sauce that will coat every piece of seafood beautifully.
Step 3: Season the Sauce with Love
Now, season your sauce with salt, black pepper, and paprika for depth and subtle warmth. Stir in fresh lemon juice, which adds that irresistible bright note that lifts the entire dish. If you’re using the optional dry white wine, this is the moment to blend it in—don’t worry, the alcohol cooks off, leaving behind just the lovely flavor nuances.
Step 4: Combine and Layer
Pour your flavorful sauce evenly over the seafood in the baking dish, ensuring every morsel gets coated. Next, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top—it will melt and caramelize in the oven, creating a savory blanket. Finish with that buttery breadcrumb or crushed cracker topping, which will toast to a golden, crunchy crust as it bakes.
Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden
Bake the casserole in the 375°F oven until the sauce is bubbling, the seafood is cooked through, and the topping turns a gorgeous golden brown—this usually takes about 30 minutes. Once done, take it out and sprinkle with fresh parsley to add a fresh, herby pop of color and flavor. Let it rest briefly before serving to let those flavors settle and meld beautifully.
How to Serve New England Seafood Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
While the chopped parsley adds a fresh, inviting color, feel free to add lemon wedges on the side for an extra zesty squeeze. A light dusting of paprika on top enhances the visual appeal and ties back to the seasoning in the sauce perfectly.
Side Dishes
This seafood casserole pairs wonderfully with simple, fresh side dishes that don’t compete with its rich flavors. Think crisp green salads with vinaigrette, roasted or steamed asparagus, or even buttery mashed potatoes for a cozy, hearty meal. Crusty bread is perfect too, ideal for mopping up every last bit of that creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming dinner party touch, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets for personal portions. A sprinkle of finely chopped chives or dill can add new dimensions of flavor. You can also top it with a few delicate microgreens for a professional, restaurant-style finish that impresses every guest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which can sometimes be rare), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The casserole will keep well for up to 2 days, maintaining its creamy texture and seafood freshness when reheated properly.
Freezing
You can freeze this New England Seafood Casserole Recipe, but the texture of the seafood may change slightly. Freeze it before baking by covering the dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and it will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the casserole in a 350°F oven until heated through to keep the topping crisp and the sauce creamy. Avoid microwave reheating if you want to maintain the best texture, though it can be used in a pinch.
FAQs
Can I use frozen seafood for this casserole?
Yes, you can use frozen seafood if fresh is not available, but make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry first to avoid excess moisture that could water down the sauce.
Is the white wine necessary in the New England Seafood Casserole Recipe?
The white wine is optional, but it adds a lovely subtle complexity and depth to the sauce. If you prefer to skip it, just substitute with an equal amount of additional milk or broth.
Can I substitute the seafood with other types?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize with your favorite seafood like lobster chunks, crab meat, or even firm fish like halibut. Just keep the portion roughly the same to maintain balance in cooking.
What can I use as a breadcrumb alternative?
Crushed crackers, such as Ritz, work wonderfully and add a little extra buttery flavor. You could also try panko breadcrumbs if you want a lighter, crunchier topping.
How do I prevent the seafood from overcooking?
Cutting the seafood into bite-sized pieces helps with even cooking. Also, baking at 375°F allows the seafood to cook gently in the sauce without drying out or becoming rubbery.
Final Thoughts
This New England Seafood Casserole Recipe is truly a comforting celebration of coastal flavors, perfect for sharing with loved ones on a chilly evening or whenever you crave a bit of seaside warmth. With its creamy sauce, tender seafood, and golden crust, it’s a dish that feels both special and wonderfully approachable. I can’t wait for you to make it, savor it, and perhaps even make it a new family tradition.
Print
New England Seafood Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
A rich and creamy New England Seafood Casserole featuring a medley of cod, haddock, shrimp, and scallops baked in a luscious buttery sauce, topped with Parmesan cheese and crispy breadcrumbs for a satisfying coastal flavor.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 1 pound mixed seafood such as cod, haddock, shrimp, and scallops, cut into bite-sized pieces
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
Toppings & Garnish
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup buttery breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Arrange Seafood: Place the mixed seafood evenly across the prepared baking dish to create a uniform layer for even baking.
- Make the Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook briefly, about 1 to 2 minutes, until the mixture is smooth and slightly bubbly but not browned.
- Thicken Sauce: Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
- Season the Sauce: Stir in the salt, black pepper, paprika, fresh lemon juice, and dry white wine if using. Adjust seasoning to taste and cook for another minute to let flavors meld.
- Combine and Top: Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the arranged seafood. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top, followed by the buttery breadcrumbs or crushed crackers to create a crispy, golden topping.
- Bake the Casserole: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the mixture is bubbling and the seafood is fully cooked through. The topping should be beautifully golden brown and crisp.
- Garnish and Rest: Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of freshness, and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.
Notes
- Use the freshest seafood available for best flavor and texture.
- You can substitute buttery breadcrumbs with crushed Ritz-style crackers for a traditional New England texture.
- Add a pinch of Old Bay seasoning to the sauce for an extra layer of coastal flavor, if desired.
