Easy seafood casserole is comfort food at its finest—creamy, cheesy, and ready in just 20 minutes. I’ve been making this recipe for over fifteen years, and it never fails to bring smiles around our dinner table.
There’s something magical about opening the oven to find a bubbling, golden casserole that transforms simple seafood into something truly special. This easy seafood casserole reminds me of those cozy Sunday dinners at my grandmother’s farmhouse, where she’d create the most incredible dishes from whatever fresh ingredients she had on hand. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—you don’t need fancy techniques or exotic ingredients to create something that tastes absolutely divine. With tender shrimp, sweet scallops, and flaky haddock nestled in a rich, creamy sauce and topped with melted cheese, this casserole delivers restaurant-quality flavor—just like my Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta—right from your own kitchen Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Seafood Casserole
This easy seafood casserole has become one of my most requested recipes because it strikes the perfect balance between elegant and effortless—much like my Creamy Shrimp Alfredo. I’ve served it to everyone from picky eaters to seafood connoisseurs, and it never disappoints.
- Easy to make with just one baking dish and minimal prep work required
- Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something special without the fuss
- Family-friendly with mild flavors that even hesitant seafood eaters will enjoy
- Feels fancy enough for guests but simple enough for everyday dinners
- Takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for quick meals
- Like having “seafood mac and cheese without the noodles” as my kids love to say
Ingredient Note List
Haddock: I always recommend using fresh haddock because it has a mild, sweet flavor that doesn’t overpower the other seafood, and it holds its shape beautifully during baking.
Dry-Packed Scallops: Make sure to pick dry-packed scallops rather than wet-packed ones because they sear better and won’t release excess water that could make your casserole watery.
Large Shrimp: In my kitchen, I prefer using large shrimp because they stay tender and juicy, and they’re substantial enough to hold their own alongside the scallops and fish.
Fresh Garlic: I always recommend using freshly minced garlic instead of the pre-minced variety because it gives the easy seafood casserole a bright, aromatic flavor that really makes a difference.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream creates the luxurious, rich base that brings all the seafood together in this comforting casserole, and you can add extra for an even creamier result.
Swiss Cheese: Swiss cheese melts beautifully and adds a nutty, mild flavor that complements seafood perfectly without competing with its delicate taste.
Parmesan Cheese: A generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan creates that golden, bubbly top that makes this casserole look as good as it tastes.
Paprika: This adds both beautiful color and a subtle smoky sweetness that enhances the seafood flavors without overwhelming them.
How to Cook Easy Seafood Casserole
Step 1. I usually start by preheating my oven to 375°F so it’s nice and hot when the casserole goes in, which helps everything cook evenly.
Step 2. I’ve found that spraying the baking dish thoroughly with nonstick spray prevents any sticking and makes cleanup so much easier later.
Step 3. When cutting the haddock, I aim for 1.5-inch chunks because they’re large enough to stay tender but small enough to cook through quickly and evenly.
Step 4. My grandmother always said to pat seafood completely dry before cooking, and she was absolutely right—excess moisture can make the casserole watery instead of creamy.
Step 5. I like to sprinkle the garlic, salt, and pepper evenly over all the seafood so every bite has the perfect amount of seasoning.
Step 6. For best results, I recommend pouring the heavy cream slowly and evenly so it reaches all corners of the dish and coats every piece of seafood.
Step 7. I’ve learned that distributing the Swiss cheese evenly ensures that melted cheese goodness in every single bite of this easy seafood casserole.
Step 8. My family loves when I add extra Parmesan on top because it creates that irresistible golden, bubbly crust that makes this dish look restaurant-worthy.
Step 9. I always set my timer for 15 minutes first, then check for doneness—the seafood should be just cooked through and the cheese should be beautifully golden and bubbling.
How to Store & Reheat
I usually store any leftover easy seafood casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it stays fresh for up to 3 days. Make sure the casserole cools completely before covering to prevent condensation from making it soggy.
In my experience, this casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking, which makes it perfect for entertaining. You can also freeze the assembled but unbaked casserole for up to 2 months—just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
For best results, I recommend reheating individual portions in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to prevent the top from over-browning. If you’re using the microwave, add a splash of cream and cover with a damp paper towel to keep the seafood moist and prevent it from becoming rubbery.
Easy Seafood Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spray a 7×11 inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Cut haddock into 1.5-inch chunks and arrange evenly in the dish.
- Add scallops and shrimp, distributing evenly.
- Season with salt, pepper, and minced garlic.
- Pour heavy cream over the seafood.
- Sprinkle shredded Swiss cheese over the top.
- Dust with paprika and top with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, checking at 15 minutes.
- Seafood should be opaque and cooked through. Avoid overbaking.
- Serve hot with a squeeze of fresh lemon if desired.
Notes
What to Serve with Easy Seafood Casserole
Buttery Garlic Bread: The crispy, garlicky bread is perfect for sopping up every bit of that creamy sauce, and the textures complement each other beautifully.
Steamed Broccoli: In my kitchen, I often serve bright green broccoli alongside this rich casserole—try my Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli for a flavorful upgrade that adds color, nutrition, and contrast. because it adds color, nutrition, and a fresh contrast to the creamy seafood.
Simple Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the casserole and adds a refreshing element that balances the meal perfectly.
Lemony Couscous: The citrusy, fluffy couscous pairs wonderfully with seafood and helps soak up the delicious cream sauce from the casserole.
Roasted Asparagus: This combo is always a hit at our table because the slightly charred asparagus adds an elegant touch and earthy flavor that complements the ocean flavors.
Crisp White Wine: A chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc enhances the seafood flavors and makes the whole meal feel special and restaurant-quality.
FAQs
Each serving contains approximately 380 calories with 32 grams of protein, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal that’s perfect for active families.
I recommend this dish as part of a balanced diet because it’s packed with lean protein from the seafood and provides healthy omega-3 fatty acids that are great for heart health.
Absolutely! I often use cod instead of haddock, or add crab and lobster chunks when I want to make it extra special—just keep the total seafood amount around 2 pounds.
To avoid this, make sure to pat all seafood completely dry before assembling, and use dry-packed scallops rather than wet-packed ones, which release excess moisture during cooking.
