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
Scale
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.
