Creamy, savory shrimp coated in a zesty Old Bay–infused mayo sauce, crowned with melty cheeses and a buttery panko crust—baked until bubbly and golden.
This Cheesy Old Bay Shrimp Casserole is a show-stopping appetizer or weeknight main that comes together in under 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & impressive — cooks shrimp and bakes in one dish
Bold seasoning — Old Bay lends that classic coastal spice
Creamy-cheesy comfort — mayo, mozzarella, and cheddar meld beautifully
Crunchy topping — panko breadcrumbs turn golden under the broiler
Versatile serving — perfect over rice, pasta, or alongside crusty bread
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Large shrimp — peeled, deveined, and briefly poached for tenderness
Old Bay seasoning — iconic blend for seafood depth
Mayonnaise & garlic powder — create a rich, garlicky sauce
Mozzarella & cheddar — melty duo for gooey indulgence
Panko breadcrumbs — extra-crispy topping when mixed with butter
Pro Tips Before You Start
Don’t overcook shrimp — 30 seconds in boiling water keeps them juicy.
Pat shrimp dry after cooking to prevent a watery casserole.
Grease the dish well — butter the sides so the topping doesn’t stick.
Broil carefully — watch the breadcrumbs to avoid burning.
Rest after baking — 15 minutes lets juices settle for clean scoops.
How to Make Cheesy Old Bay Shrimp Casserole
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat the oven and grease your casserole dish with butter to ensure easy serving later.
Step 2: Poach the Shrimp
Bring a pot of well-seasoned, flavorful water to a rolling boil.
Add your peeled and deveined shrimp, then cook just until they turn opaque.
Drain thoroughly and transfer to a mixing bowl.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Base
Stir mayonnaise into the warm shrimp until each piece is coated.
Season with garlic powder and black pepper, then fold in both cheeses until the mixture is uniform.
Step 4: Assemble in the Dish
Spoon the shrimp mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
Step 5: Make the Crunchy Topping
Melt butter in a skillet, then stir in panko breadcrumbs until they turn golden.
Scatter the toasted crumbs over the top of the shrimp mixture.
Step 6: Bake & Brown
Place the casserole in the oven and bake until the filling is bubbly and cooked through.
For a crisp, golden finish, switch to broil for a minute or two, watching closely to prevent burning.
Step 7: Rest Before Serving
Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest so the filling sets.
Serve warm for best texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Spoon over steamed rice or buttered egg noodles
Serve with garlic bread or crostini for scooping
Pair with a crisp green salad to balance richness
Variations & Substitutions
Spicy kick — stir in ¼ tsp cayenne or a dash of hot sauce
Herb boost — mix chopped parsley or chives into the sauce
Dairy-free — use vegan mayo, dairy-free cheese, and gluten-free panko
Seafood mix — add cooked crab or lobster meat for extra luxury
Storage & Leftovers
Refrigerate cooled casserole in an airtight container up to 3 days.
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes until warmed through.
Freeze unbaked casserole (without panko topping) up to 1 month; thaw overnight and bake as directed.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes—thaw completely, pat dry, and poach as directed to maintain texture.
Why does my topping stay soft?
Broil under high heat for 1–2 minutes until golden; ensure breadcrumbs are well coated in butter.
Can I prepare this ahead?
Assemble the casserole (minus topping), cover, and refrigerate up to 8 hours; add topping and bake when ready.
What if I don’t have panko?
Use regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers, though texture will be slightly less crisp.
Is mayonnaise necessary?
It creates the creamy base; you can substitute sour cream or Greek yogurt for tang.
How do I prevent the casserole from becoming watery?
Drain shrimp well and use full-fat mayo—lower-fat substitutes can release water.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Old Bay Shrimp Casserole brings coastal flavors to your table with minimal fuss.
It’s a crowd-pleasing blend of creamy, spicy, and crispy that works for weeknights or casual entertaining.
