Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole
This baked stuffed shrimp casserole layers plump shrimp with a buttery Ritz cracker topping for an easy, elegant dish that's perfect for a holiday feast or your next Thanksgiving table.
A Holiday Feast Favorite Made Easy
If you are searching for one of those easy Thanksgiving recipes that looks like it took hours but actually comes together in under an hour, this baked stuffed shrimp casserole is about to become your new go to. It has everything you want from a holiday appetizer or light main: plump, juicy shrimp nestled under a golden, buttery layer of crushed Ritz crackers, with just enough garlic and lemon to keep things bright instead of heavy.
What makes this version special is the simplicity. There is no fussy stuffing of individual shrimp shells here. Instead, the shrimp bake right in a casserole dish under that irresistible cracker topping, so you get all the flavor of classic baked stuffed shrimp without the tedious prep. It is the kind of dish that disappears fast at a holiday table, yet it is easy enough to make on a random Tuesday too.
Before we get cooking, the right tools and ingredients make a real difference here. A sturdy baking dish that holds heat evenly will help the shrimp cook through at the same pace as the topping browns, and a good quality butter and fresh garlic will make the cracker layer taste far better than anything from a box mix. These are the products that genuinely help this recipe shine:
Why Ritz Crackers Are the Secret Weapon
There is a reason Ritz crackers show up in so many beloved seafood casseroles. Their buttery flavor and tender crumb create a topping that turns golden and slightly crisp in the oven without drying out, unlike plain breadcrumbs. When crushed and mixed with melted butter, garlic, and a touch of lemon, they form a savory crust that hugs the shrimp underneath and soaks up just enough of the pan juices to stay rich without turning soggy.
Chef's Tip: Crush the crackers by hand in a zip top bag rather than a food processor. You want some larger, craggy pieces mixed in with the fine crumbs, since that texture contrast is what gives the topping its rustic, irresistible crunch.
A Perfect Recipe for Two or a Crowd
One of the best things about this casserole is how easily it scales. Written for four servings, it is just as simple to halve into a recipe for 2 using individual ramekins, which also happen to look beautiful on a holiday table if you are hosting a smaller gathering this year. On the flip side, doubling the recipe in a larger baking dish makes it a natural fit for a big holiday feast, especially as a make ahead appetizer that frees up your oven space for the turkey closer to dinnertime.
This flexibility is exactly why so many home cooks add it to their rotation of best Thanksgiving recipes. It feels special enough for a holiday menu, but it is forgiving enough that a weeknight version with simple sides works just as well.
Ready to make it? Here is the full step by step recipe:
Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole
This baked stuffed shrimp casserole layers plump shrimp with a buttery Ritz cracker topping for an easy, elegant dish that's perfect for a holiday feast or your next Thanksgiving table.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb large shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails removed
- 1 1/2 cups Ritz crackers, crushed into coarse crumbs
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted, divided
- 3 garlic, minced cloves
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, plus zest for garnish
- 1/4 cup dry white wine, optional, or use chicken broth
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, plus extra for garnish
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika, for color
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt, to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly cracked
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan, optional, for topping
Instruction
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and lightly grease a 9x9 inch baking dish or four individual ramekins.
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and arrange them in a single layer across the bottom of the prepared dish.
In a medium bowl, melt 4 tablespoons of the butter and stir in the minced garlic, letting it sizzle gently for about 30 seconds if using a pan, or simply combine if melting in the microwave.
Add the crushed Ritz crackers, lemon juice, parsley, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper to the butter and garlic, stirring until the crumbs are evenly moistened and clump slightly when pressed.
Pour the white wine or broth evenly over the shrimp in the baking dish.
Spoon and gently press the cracker mixture over the top of the shrimp, covering them in an even, rustic layer.
Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter over the topping and sprinkle with Parmesan if using.
Bake uncovered for 18 to 22 minutes, until the shrimp are opaque and just cooked through and the topping is golden brown.
If the topping needs more color, broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end, watching closely so it doesn't burn.
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley and lemon zest before serving.
Equipment
- 9x9 inch baking dish or four ramekins
- Mixing bowls
- Box grater or rolling pin for crushing crackers
- Microplane or zester
Notes
Serving Suggestions and Smart Storage
Serve this baked stuffed shrimp casserole hot from the oven with extra lemon wedges on the side and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color. It pairs beautifully with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or even a scoop of rice pilaf if you want to round it out into a fuller main course. For a holiday spread, set it alongside other appetizers as part of a larger feast, since it holds its texture well even if it sits out for a little while.
If you end up with leftovers, let the casserole cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for about two days, and reheating gently in the oven rather than the microwave will help the topping stay closer to its original texture instead of turning rubbery.
Chef's Tip: Avoid overbaking. Shrimp go from tender to tough in just a couple of extra minutes, so pull the casserole as soon as the shrimp turn opaque and the topping is golden, even if that means slightly under the time listed.
A Dish Worth Repeating
Whether you are planning your menu for the next holiday gathering or just want a comforting, slightly indulgent seafood dinner on a regular night, this baked stuffed shrimp casserole delivers every time. It is quick enough for a weeknight, impressive enough for guests, and endlessly adaptable depending on what you have on hand. Once you try that buttery cracker topping over tender shrimp, do not be surprised if it earns a permanent spot on your holiday table.
