Creamy Baked Seafood Casserole (Perfect for Christmas Dinner)

Nothing says Christmas comfort like a warm, creamy seafood casserole bubbling straight from the oven. It’s packed with tender shrimp, scallops, flounder, and crab in a rich, savory sauce that’s pure holiday magic. Plus, it’s simple to make and looks impressive on the table—perfect for cozy, festive gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Seafood Casserole

This seafood casserole is the definition of indulgent yet easy. It’s rich, creamy, and filled with layers of tender seafood that melt in your mouth. Each bite feels like a restaurant-quality treat, yet it’s surprisingly simple to make at home.

You’ll love how the buttery sauce wraps around the shrimp, scallops, and crab, while the flounder adds a delicate, flaky base. A mix of Dijon mustard, garlic, and white wine gives each forkful balanced flavor.

Even better, this dish feels fancy but is stress-free to prepare. You can make it ahead, bake it while you set the table, and serve it piping hot with your favorite sides. It’s elegant for Christmas dinner yet cozy for any weekend meal. For a fun twist, try this cheesy seafood for Christmas dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this creamy seafood casserole, you’ll need fresh or thawed seafood, a few pantry staples, and classic seasonings. Start with six large scallops, six shrimp, and four ounces each of flounder fillets and lump crabmeat. Together, they create the perfect mix of texture and flavor. Butter and heavy cream make the sauce luxuriously rich, while Dijon mustard and white wine add a bright note. A blend of garlic powder, onion powder, and Old Bay seasoning gives that familiar seafood warmth. Don’t forget the all-purpose flour to thicken your sauce and a sprinkle of chopped parsley at the end for color. Each ingredient plays its part in making this casserole irresistibly creamy and flavorful.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can easily swap ingredients if needed. Use cod, haddock, or sole instead of flounder—they bake beautifully. Imitation crab or extra shrimp can replace crabmeat if you’re on a budget. For a lighter version, use half-and-half thickened with a bit of cornstarch instead of heavy cream. If you’re out of chicken stock, fish stock or clam juice works great, giving extra seafood flavor. And if you don’t have Old Bay, mix a pinch of celery salt, paprika, and cayenne for a quick homemade substitute. Each swap keeps the dish flavorful and satisfying, whether you’re cooking for two or serving a crowd.

How to Make Seafood Casserole Step-by-Step

Making this seafood casserole is simple when you follow these steps. You’ll go from searing to baking in no time, with a rich sauce that ties everything together.

Step 1 – Prepare and Sear the Seafood

Pat your seafood dry so it browns nicely. Melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat, then sear shrimp and scallops for about a minute per side. You just want a light golden crust—don’t cook them through yet.

Step 2 – Make the Creamy Sauce

Deglaze the skillet with white wine, then stir in heavy cream, chicken stock, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Let it simmer gently. Remove the shrimp and scallops, then whisk in flour-dredged butter. Lower the heat and cook until the sauce thickens and smooths out. Stir the seafood back in along with the crabmeat.

Step 3 – Layer and Bake the Casserole

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place flounder fillets in two casserole dishes, add a little water, sprinkle Old Bay, and bake for 10 minutes. Drain the water, spoon the creamy seafood mix over the fish, and top with more Old Bay. Bake for about 25 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden on top.

Step 4 – Rest, Garnish, and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes so the flavors blend. Sprinkle parsley over the top, and serve warm. It’s perfect with rice, pasta, or your favorite veggie side.

Expert Tips for the Best Seafood Casserole

Always make sure your seafood is thawed and dry before cooking—it prevents a watery casserole. Don’t overcook the shrimp or scallops when searing; they’ll finish cooking in the oven. Simmer the sauce on low heat to keep it silky and prevent curdling. If it thickens too much, add a splash of stock or cream to loosen it. For the best texture, let the casserole cool slightly before serving. The sauce will set a bit, and every bite will taste richer. And if you’re planning your Christmas menu, pair this with a broccoli cheese casserole side dish for the ultimate comfort combo.

Serving Suggestions

This seafood casserole pairs beautifully with white rice or angel hair pasta that soaks up the creamy sauce. For veggies, roasted broccoli or steamed asparagus balance the richness. You can also serve it with a crisp green salad and vinaigrette for freshness. Garnish with lemon wedges or extra parsley for a restaurant-worthy finish. For a hearty spread, include creamy scalloped potatoes for seafood meals or southern-style green bean casserole. Together, they make your Christmas table look and taste incredible.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Avoid freezing—the creamy sauce can separate and the seafood may turn rubbery. To reheat, use a 325°F oven for about 15 to 20 minutes until warm throughout. Avoid the microwave since it can toughen seafood. If the sauce thickens during storage, stir in a spoonful of cream or broth before reheating. It’ll taste just as rich and comforting the next day.

Troubleshooting Common Questions

Related Recipes to Try

• chicken casserole for holiday gatherings
• corn casserole for Thanksgiving or seafood pairings
• broccoli cheese casserole side dish

Conclusion

This creamy baked seafood casserole is a true Christmas winner. It’s elegant, comforting, and surprisingly easy to make. Every bite is full of tender seafood wrapped in a luscious, buttery sauce that brings everyone to the table smiling. Whether you’re serving two or a small holiday crowd, this dish feels special yet simple. Try it once, and it might just become your new Christmas tradition. You can also find more cozy ideas on my Pinterest page.

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