Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole (Gluten-Free) Recipe

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dish that’s both elegant and comforting, this Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole (Gluten-Free) Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how the succulent shrimp pair with a zesty crabmeat stuffing—each bite feels rich and fresh at the same time. It’s perfect for casual family dinners or even special occasions when you want a meal that’s impressive but not complicated.

When I first tried this recipe, I was surprised by how quickly it came together and how effortlessly it makes guests feel pampered. Plus, since it’s gluten-free, it’s a wonderful choice to serve everyone without the hassle of substitutions. You’ll find this recipe both practical and flavorful—trust me, it’s worth keeping in your weeknight or holiday rotation.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole (Gluten-Free) Recipe works in harmony to create a dish that’s fresh, flavorful, and satisfying. You’ll want to hunt down high-quality lump crab meat and good gluten-free cracker crumbs for the best texture and taste.

• Large shrimp: Peeled and deveined is key — it saves you time and ensures a neat presentation.
• Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps season the shrimp evenly.
• Kosher salt: Better than table salt for seasoning because it dissolves well and enhances flavor.
• Black pepper: Fresh cracked black pepper brings a bright kick that balances the buttery stuffing.
• Lump crab meat: Choose the freshest you can find, preferably lump for that nice chunky texture.
• Cracker crumbs: I like Simple Mills for gluten-free, but Ritz crumbs work fine too if gluten isn’t an issue.
• Garlic: Freshly minced for pungency and depth—you can’t really replace fresh garlic here.
• Fresh parsley: Chopped finely to add color and a peppery, herbal note.
• Lemon zest and juice: Brightens the whole casserole and keeps it from feeling heavy.
• Unsalted butter: Melted, it enriches the filling and helps everything bake up golden and delicious.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole (Gluten-Free) Recipe is how easy it is to adapt. Feel free to personalize it—everyone’s taste buds are different, and you might find a new fave twist by mixing things up a bit!

• Spice it up: I once added a pinch of cayenne pepper to the stuffing, and my family went crazy for the extra heat it gave the dish.
• Swap the crab: If crab isn’t your thing or is hard to find, shrimp or even chopped scallops work nicely instead.
• Herb substitute: Try fresh dill or chives in place of parsley for a different herbaceous punch.
• Cheesy twist: Adding a little shredded Parmesan on top before baking makes the crust extra golden and savory.

How to Make Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole (Gluten-Free) Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Shrimp

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F to get it nice and hot—it helps the shrimp cook quickly and the stuffing to brown beautifully. Next, butterfly your cleaned shrimp by slicing down the back almost all the way through. This makes the shrimp lay flatter and lets the stuffing nestle in perfectly. Toss the shrimp with olive oil, salt, and pepper so they’re well-seasoned but not overwhelmed.

Step 2: Make the Crab Stuffing

Mix the lump crab meat, cracker crumbs, minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon juice and zest, and melted butter in a bowl. Stir gently so the crab pieces stay chunky but the ingredients get evenly combined. This mixture is the heart of your casserole’s flavor.

Step 3: Arrange and Assemble in the Dish

Grab an oven-safe baking dish and evenly space the shrimp around the edges, pressing the sides down to make them “stand” with their tails pointing up for that impressive look. Don’t worry if they’re a little wobbly—most will stay put once the stuffing covers them. Now, spoon the crab stuffing over and around the shrimp, distributing it evenly so every bite is packed with flavor.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Delicious

Bake for 12 to 14 minutes until the shrimp are cooked through and the stuffing turns a lovely light golden brown. If you want an even crispier top, I discovered broiling it on high for just 1 minute adds that perfect finishing touch—just watch closely so it doesn’t burn. Serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top right before eating.

How to Serve Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole (Gluten-Free) Recipe

Garnishes

I always serve this casserole with fresh lemon wedges because a squeeze of bright citrus is the perfect contrast to the buttery crab and shrimp. A sprinkle of extra chopped parsley on top just before serving adds a pop of color and freshness that makes the dish look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

For sides, I love pairing this with a simple mixed green salad dressed lightly in vinaigrette, or some roasted asparagus to keep things light and fresh. Creamy mashed potatoes or a cauliflower mash work beautifully if you want something richer. These sides complement the seafood without overpowering it.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re making this for a holiday or dinner party, try serving individual portions in small ramekins or decorative ceramic dishes. You can even make a layered presentation by putting a bed of lightly sautéed spinach underneath the casserole for a stunning green contrast. It adds elegance and feels extra thoughtful for special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and usually enjoy them within 2 days. The flavors meld nicely overnight, so sometimes I find the second-day casserole tastes even better than fresh! Just keep it chilled well to maintain freshness.

Freezing

I’ve frozen the casserole a couple of times with good results. Just cool it completely after baking, then wrap tightly with foil and place in a freezer-safe dish. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in the oven to keep the shrimp tender. Freezing soups and casseroles like this is a great way to have a special meal ready on busy nights.

Reheating

Reheating is easiest in the oven at 325°F, covered with foil to avoid drying out, for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. Microwaving can work but tends to make shrimp rubbery, so I avoid it unless I’m in a real hurry. The oven method keeps the casserole’s texture and flavor intact.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole (Gluten-Free) Recipe really holds a special place in my kitchen arsenal. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy enough for celebrations but comes together so easily that you can enjoy it any night of the week. I hope you’ll love its balance of bright, buttery, and savory notes as much as my family does. Give it a try soon—I promise it will become your go-to recipe whenever you want to impress without stress!

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