This New England Seafood Casserole is a flavorful and elegant dish that’s easy to make and perfect for seafood lovers. It’s packed with a variety of fresh seafood, like sea scallops, shrimp, and cod, all baked in a creamy sauce made with dry sherry, Dijon mustard, and heavy cream. The casserole is topped with a golden, crispy cracker crust, making it an ideal dish for dinner parties or special occasions.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Seafood Casserole:

• 3½ tbsp unsalted butter, divided

• 12 sea scallops

• 1 lb large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• ¾ lb cod fillet, cut into 2-inch pieces

• Kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper

• 1 large shallot, minced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 4 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced

• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour

• ¼ cup dry sherry

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

• ½ cup heavy cream

• 3 tbsp flat-leaf parsley, minced

• 8 Ritz crackers, crushed into crumbs

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish with ½ tbsp of butter.

2. Distribute the scallops and shrimp across the bottom of the baking dish.

3. Heat 1 tbsp of butter and olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Sauté the cod for 2 minutes on each side, then transfer it to the casserole dish with the scallops and shrimp. Season with salt and pepper.

4. In the same skillet, sauté the shallots for 3 to 4 minutes to soften. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Add the mushrooms and 1 tbsp of butter, and sauté for 4-5 minutes.

5. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Lower the heat, then whisk in the sherry, Dijon mustard, and heavy cream. Cook for 1-2 minutes until thickened, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Pour the sauce over the seafood, then sprinkle with parsley.

7. Combine the remaining butter with the cracker crumbs and distribute over the top of the casserole.

8. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the cod reaches 145°F.

9. Serve with a lemon slice or wedge on the side, along with your favorite bread or dinner rolls for sopping up the sauce. A green vegetable or salad is the perfect side dish to complete the meal.

Estimated Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: 322 kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 31g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
Monounsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0.3g
Cholesterol: 193mg
Sodium: 362mg
Potassium: 649mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g
Vitamin A: 690 IU
Vitamin C: 4mg
Calcium: 94mg
Iron: 1mg

This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes. Enjoy!

The Appeal of Seafood in Casseroles

Seafood casseroles have long been a beloved dish in coastal regions, especially in New England, where fresh seafood is a staple of the local diet. The beauty of seafood in casseroles lies in its versatility and ability to absorb rich, flavorful sauces, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. In this particular casserole, the seafood is complemented by a luxurious creamy sauce that binds the ingredients together, while the crunchy topping provides a delightful contrast.

One of the key benefits of using seafood in casseroles is that it cooks quickly, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or festive occasions. Additionally, seafood is packed with lean protein, essential fatty acids, and vitamins, making this casserole not only delicious but also a nutritious choice. With shrimp, sea scallops, and cod, this dish offers a variety of textures and flavors that appeal to seafood lovers and anyone looking for a filling, yet light, meal.

A Rich and Flavorful Sauce

At the heart of this casserole is its rich, creamy sauce, which is made with a few simple but effective ingredients. Dry sherry and Dijon mustard bring a sophisticated balance of acidity and depth, while heavy cream adds a luxurious creaminess that ties everything together. The use of flour in the sauce helps to thicken it, creating a smooth, velvety texture that coats the seafood beautifully.

The combination of sherry and mustard is a nod to classic French cooking, where these ingredients often work together to add a touch of brightness to rich, creamy dishes. In this seafood casserole, the dry sherry enhances the flavor of the seafood without overpowering it, while the Dijon mustard adds a subtle sharpness that contrasts perfectly with the sweetness of the seafood and the richness of the sauce.

The Role of Fresh Seafood in the Dish

The New England Seafood Casserole shines because of the variety of fresh seafood included in the dish. Sea scallops, shrimp, and cod each contribute their own distinct textures and flavors, creating a delightful medley of seafood that elevates the dish.

Sea scallops are tender and slightly sweet, with a delicate texture that becomes even more succulent when baked in the casserole. Shrimp adds a bit of snap and juiciness, providing a contrast to the scallops. Cod, a mild and flaky fish, serves as the base of the dish, absorbing the creamy sauce and adding substance to the casserole. Together, these three types of seafood create a dynamic and balanced dish that will appeal to a wide range of tastes.

The Importance of the Cracker Topping

While the seafood and creamy sauce are the stars of the dish, the golden, crispy cracker topping is what makes this casserole truly special. The Ritz cracker crumbs add a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce and tender seafood. The buttery flavor of the crackers enhances the overall richness of the dish, making it even more indulgent.

This crispy topping also adds a visual appeal, creating a golden, inviting crust that beckons diners to dig in. The combination of the creamy seafood and the crunchy topping gives the casserole its signature texture, making it a memorable meal that offers both comfort and sophistication.

Preparing the New England Seafood Casserole

The process of making New England Seafood Casserole is relatively simple, making it a great option for both beginner and experienced cooks. The first step involves preparing the seafood by sautéing the cod and then layering it with the scallops and shrimp in a buttered baking dish. This ensures that the seafood is evenly distributed throughout the casserole, allowing each bite to be full of flavor.

Next, the creamy sauce is made by sautéing shallots and garlic, then adding mushrooms, flour, sherry, Dijon mustard, and heavy cream. Once the sauce is thickened, it’s poured over the seafood, coating it with rich, velvety goodness. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and a hint of freshness before the casserole is topped with the buttery cracker crumbs.

After a short bake in the oven, the casserole is ready to serve. It’s important to check the internal temperature of the cod to ensure that the seafood is properly cooked, as this ensures both food safety and the best possible texture.

Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes

New England Seafood Casserole is a dish that stands on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the casserole. Alternatively, roasted or sautéed vegetables, such as asparagus or green beans, complement the seafood beautifully without overwhelming the dish.

For a more indulgent meal, serve the casserole with crusty bread or dinner rolls. These are perfect for sopping up the creamy sauce, ensuring that no part of the dish goes to waste. A squeeze of fresh lemon over the casserole just before serving adds a burst of brightness that cuts through the richness, enhancing the flavors of the seafood.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Information

While New England Seafood Casserole is indulgent, it also offers several health benefits, particularly from the seafood. Shrimp, scallops, and cod are all excellent sources of lean protein, which is important for muscle repair and growth. Additionally, seafood is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health and brain function.

The use of heavy cream and butter makes this dish higher in fat, but you can modify the recipe slightly to reduce the richness. For example, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or substitute some of the butter with olive oil to reduce the saturated fat content. Despite these adjustments, the casserole remains a satisfying and well-rounded meal.

The nutritional information for this dish shows that it offers a good balance of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. At around 322 calories per serving, it’s a reasonable option for those looking for a flavorful and filling meal without overindulging.

Conclusion: A Flavorful, Elegant Seafood Dish

New England Seafood Casserole is a perfect dish for anyone who loves seafood or is looking to try something new and flavorful. The combination of fresh seafood, a creamy sauce, and a crunchy cracker topping creates a dish that is both indulgent and comforting. Whether served for a family dinner or at a special occasion, this casserole will surely impress your guests with its delicious flavors and elegant presentation. Its simplicity and versatility make it a dish that you’ll want to make again and again, perfect for both casual meals and festive gatherings.