When it comes to comfort food with a luxurious twist, few dishes rival a creamy, cheesy seafood casserole. And if you’ve ever dined at the legendary Captain George’s Seafood Restaurant, you know exactly why their seafood casserole is such a sought-after favorite. The Captain George’s Seafood Casserole recipe is a perfect blend of shrimp, scallops, crab, and sometimes lobster, all baked together in a velvety cream sauce with golden breadcrumbs on top.
This dish captures the essence of the coast: rich, briny flavors of the sea wrapped in a warm, home-style casserole that’s perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or a special weekend dinner. Whether you’re trying to recreate that restaurant-style indulgence at home or simply craving a hearty seafood bake, this recipe guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
Why You’ll Love This Captain George’s Seafood Casserole Recipe
- Restaurant-style at home – Bring the flavors of a famous seafood buffet into your own kitchen.
- Rich and creamy – The sauce is indulgent, made with cream, cheese, and a hint of seafood stock.
- Versatile – Use your favorite seafood: shrimp, scallops, crab, clams, or even chunks of white fish.
- Perfect for gatherings – A casserole pan serves multiple people, making it ideal for parties or family dinners.
- Customizable – Adjust seasonings, cheeses, or seafood types to your liking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need for an authentic Captain George’s seafood casserole recipe:
Seafood:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 lb scallops (bay or sea scallops)
- 1/2 lb lump crabmeat (picked free of shells)
- 1/2 lb lobster meat (optional, for extra indulgence)
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for richness)
- 1/2 cup seafood stock (or chicken stock)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko works well)
- 3 tbsp melted butter
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Seafood
- Lightly season shrimp and scallops with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
- In a skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter and sauté shrimp and scallops just until pink and opaque (about 2–3 minutes). Don’t overcook; they’ll finish baking in the casserole.
- Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Cream Sauce
- In a saucepan, melt 4 tbsp butter. Stir in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to make a roux.
- Slowly whisk in milk, stock, and cream until smooth and thickened.
- Stir in cheddar, Parmesan, and cream cheese. Allow cheeses to melt.
- Add Old Bay seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Spread sautéed shrimp, scallops, crab, and lobster evenly in the dish.
- Pour the cream sauce over the seafood, spreading evenly.
Step 4: Prepare the Topping
- Mix breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan together.
- Sprinkle topping evenly over the casserole.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve hot with garlic bread, rice pilaf, or a fresh garden salad.
Tips for Making the Best Seafood Casserole
- Don’t overcook the seafood – Since it will bake in the oven, just par-cook it before assembling.
- Use fresh seafood if possible – Fresh shrimp, scallops, and crab elevate the dish. Frozen works too but thaw thoroughly.
- Enhance the flavor – A splash of white wine or sherry in the cream sauce adds depth.
- Make it ahead – Assemble the casserole a day before and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
- Cheese choices – Sharp cheddar is classic, but Gruyère or Fontina also add amazing flavor.
Variations of Captain George’s Seafood Casserole Recipe
- Spicy version – Add cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce.
- Low-carb/keto version – Skip the breadcrumb topping and use crushed pork rinds or almond flour.
- Gluten-free version – Substitute gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
- Extra veggie boost – Add spinach, mushrooms, or asparagus for a balanced dish.
- Budget-friendly version – Replace lobster with white fish like cod or tilapia.
What to Serve With Seafood Casserole
The richness of Captain George’s Seafood Casserole recipe pairs beautifully with light, refreshing sides:
- Garlic bread – Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Steamed vegetables – Asparagus, green beans, or broccoli.
- Rice pilaf or wild rice – A hearty, complementary base.
- Garden salad – Crisp lettuce, cucumbers, and a lemon vinaigrette cut through the richness.
- Cornbread – Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the seafood.
Storing and Reheating
- Refrigerator – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer – Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat – Warm in the oven at 325°F until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it may overcook the seafood.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approx.)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 640mg
(Nutrition varies depending on seafood and cheese selection.)
Why This Recipe Stands Out
The reason Captain George’s Seafood Casserole recipe has become iconic isn’t just because of the ingredients—it’s the harmony of flavors. The sweetness of crab, the tenderness of scallops, and the brininess of shrimp combine with a creamy, cheesy sauce that feels indulgent yet homey. It’s a dish that works equally well for a family weeknight dinner or a special holiday celebration.
Recreating this restaurant classic at home gives you the freedom to adjust flavors, add your favorite seafood, and create a truly personalized casserole that still captures that same unforgettable taste.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever longed for the flavors of a seafood feast without heading out to the coast, this Captain George’s Seafood Casserole recipe brings the magic straight to your table. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender seafood, it’s a dish that will have your family and guests coming back for seconds.
So next time you’re in the mood for something rich and comforting, skip the buffet lines and bake this casserole at home. One bite, and you’ll see why it has become a beloved classic.