Creamy Seafood Delight Casserole
First crafted on December 14, 1995, this Creamy Seafood Delight Casserole has become a beloved staple in my family and among friends. With a rich and creamy base fused with fresh seafood, it's a dish that brings warmth and joy to any table. This hearty casserole combines cod, salmon, and a medley of mushrooms, all coated in a velvety cheese sauce. Topped with buttery breadcrumbs, it offers a crunchy finish that pairs perfectly with white or wild rice. Whether enjoyed on a cozy evening or served at a festive gathering, this dish is versatile enough to complement any side or stand strong on its own. A true crowd-pleaser, it has been passed down through generations, creating memories as delightful as its taste.
N/A
Servings
350
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
cod or salmon
2 lbs (raw, cut into large pieces)
chicken bouillon cubes
2 (dissolved in cooking liquid)
butter
6 tablespoons (divided, melted)
flour
6 tablespoons (for thickening sauce)
cream
1 cup (cereal cream preferred)
egg yolks
2 (beaten)
grated cheddar cheese
1 cup (shredded)
mushrooms
1 cup (sliced)
Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon (for flavoring)
cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon (for seasoning)
breadcrumbs
3 cups (for topping)
melted butter
2 tablespoons (for mixing with breadcrumbs)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, bring 2 cups of water to a rolling boil. Add the raw fish (cod or salmon) and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, adjusting the time for frozen fish. Remove the fish, set aside, and allow it to cool slightly before flaking it into larger pieces.
2
Dissolve the chicken bouillon cubes in the cooking liquid. Add any liquid from canned shellfish for enhanced flavor. Set aside.
3
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 6 tablespoons of butter. Gradually stir in the flour, cooking for 2-3 minutes to create a roux.
4
Slowly whisk in the 2 cups of the hot liquid (prepared in the previous step) while continuing to stir. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
5
Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the grated cheddar cheese until fully melted and combined.
6
In a small bowl, beat the egg yolks and cream together. Gradually incorporate this mixture into the cheese sauce, whisking vigorously to prevent curdling.
7
In a separate pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and sauté the sliced mushrooms until they are tender and lightly browned, approximately 5 minutes.
8
Add the cooked mushrooms, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper, and the flaked shellfish (if using) to the sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt if necessary.
9
Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Grease a 1.5-quart casserole dish or individual scallop shells.
10
Pour the seafood mixture into the prepared dish. In a small bowl, toss the breadcrumbs with the 2 tablespoons of melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the top of the casserole.
11
Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the casserole is bubbling hot.
Nutrition Information
22.5g
Fat
18.75g
Carbs
22.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Creamy Seafood Delight Casserole?
It is a rich, hearty seafood dish with a creamy cheese sauce, mushrooms, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping, first created in 1995.
When was this recipe first created?
The recipe was first crafted on December 14, 1995.
What types of fish are recommended for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using 2 pounds of raw cod or salmon.
Can I use frozen fish?
Yes, you can use frozen fish, but you should adjust the simmering time accordingly.
How long should the fish be simmered?
The fish should be simmered in boiling water for 3 to 4 minutes.
How should the fish be prepared after cooking?
After cooling slightly, the fish should be flaked into large pieces.
What is the purpose of chicken bouillon cubes in this recipe?
The bouillon cubes are dissolved in the cooking liquid to create a flavorful base for the sauce.
How much butter is used for the sauce roux?
Six tablespoons of butter are used to create the roux.
How much flour is needed for thickening?
Six tablespoons of flour are used for thickening the sauce.
How long does it take for the sauce to thicken?
The sauce typically takes about 5-7 minutes of whisking over heat to thicken.
What kind of cheese is included in the sauce?
One cup of shredded grated cheddar cheese is stirred into the sauce.
How are the egg yolks used?
Two beaten egg yolks are mixed with cream and gradually incorporated into the cheese sauce.
What type of cream is preferred?
Cereal cream is the preferred choice for this recipe.
How do I prevent the egg mixture from curdling?
Whisk the mixture vigorously while gradually adding the egg and cream into the warm sauce.
How are the mushrooms prepared?
One cup of sliced mushrooms should be sautéed in 1 tablespoon of butter for about 5 minutes until tender.
What seasonings are added to the sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 450°F (230°C).
What size casserole dish is required?
A 1.5-quart casserole dish is recommended.
Can this dish be served in individual portions?
Yes, you can use individual scallop shells instead of a large casserole dish.
How many breadcrumbs are needed for the topping?
Three cups of breadcrumbs are used for the crunchy topping.
How is the breadcrumb topping prepared?
Toss the breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter before sprinkling them over the casserole.
How long does the casserole bake?
The dish should bake for 15-20 minutes.
What should the topping look like when finished?
The breadcrumbs should be golden brown and the casserole should be bubbling hot.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 350 calories per serving.
What is the protein content of this dish?
The dish contains 22.5g of protein.
How much fat is in this seafood casserole?
The recipe contains 22.5g of fat.
What is the carbohydrate count?
There are 18.75g of carbohydrates per serving.
What sides are suggested for serving?
It pairs perfectly with white or wild rice.
Can I enhance the sauce with shellfish liquid?
Yes, adding liquid from canned shellfish can enhance the overall flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for festive gatherings?
Yes, it is described as a crowd-pleaser and a beloved staple for festive gatherings.