The Story & Intro
The first time I made Baked Seafood Casserole with Ritz Topping, I was standing in my small kitchen in Crete, windows open, salty sea air drifting inside while my daughter played nearby. I remember my grandmother telling me that seafood should always feel comforting, never complicated. That advice stayed with me. This Baked Seafood Casserole with Ritz Topping reminds me of those moments warm, creamy, and filled with love.
Hi, I’m INAYA, 38, from the beautiful island of Crete in Greece. Cooking has been part of my life since I was a child, learning from my grandmother how to make traditional dishes full of flavor and heart. I believe food brings people together, especially women who love sharing warmth and happiness through cooking. I keep things simple but tasty, mixing classic recipes with a bit of creativity and yes, my kitchen still gets messy sometimes, but that’s where the magic happens.
This Baked Seafood Casserole with Ritz Topping is the perfect example of comfort food done right. It’s rich but not heavy, indulgent without being fussy. Creamy seafood baked gently, then topped with buttery, golden Ritz crackers every bite feels like a hug. Whether you’re hosting family, cooking for friends, or just craving something cozy, this Baked Seafood Casserole with Ritz Topping feels like home.
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients
| 🛒 Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Raw shrimp, peeled & deveined | 1 lb |
| Sea scallops | ½ lb |
| Lump crab meat | 8 oz |
| Butter | 6 tbsp |
| Yellow onion, finely chopped | 1 small |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 3 |
| All-purpose flour | 3 tbsp |
| Heavy cream | 1½ cups |
| Whole milk | ½ cup |
| Old Bay seasoning | 1½ tsp |
| Paprika | ½ tsp |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
| Black pepper | ¼ tsp |
| Lemon juice | 1 tbsp |
| Ritz crackers, crushed | 1½ cups |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | 2 tbsp |
Step-by-Step Instructions
👩🍳 Instructions
| 👩🍳 Step | What To Do |
|---|---|
| 1️⃣ | Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly butter a 9×13 baking dish. |
| 2️⃣ | In a skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tbsp butter. Add onion and cook until soft, about 4 minutes. |
| 3️⃣ | Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. |
| 4️⃣ | Sprinkle in flour and whisk continuously for 1 minute. |
| 5️⃣ | Slowly pour in cream and milk, whisking until smooth and thickened. |
| 6️⃣ | Season with Old Bay, paprika, salt, and pepper. |
| 7️⃣ | Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice. |
| 8️⃣ | Gently fold in shrimp, scallops, and crab meat. |
| 9️⃣ | Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish and spread evenly. |
| 🔟 | In a bowl, mix crushed Ritz crackers with remaining 3 tbsp melted butter. |
| 1️⃣1️⃣ | Sprinkle topping evenly over casserole. |
| 1️⃣2️⃣ | Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until bubbly and golden. |
| 1️⃣3️⃣ | Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley. |
Serving Suggestions
This Baked Seafood Casserole with Ritz Topping pairs beautifully with simple sides. I love serving it with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette. Steamed asparagus, roasted green beans, or buttery corn on the cob also work wonderfully.
For something heartier, serve it with warm crusty bread to soak up that creamy sauce. If you’re hosting, add a glass of chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. Trust me your guests will ask for seconds.
Recipe Card
⏱️ Time
| ⏱️ Prep | ⏱️ Cook | ⏱️ Total |
|---|---|---|
| 20 minutes | 35 minutes | 55 minutes |
🛒 Ingredients
| 🛒 Item | ✔ |
|---|---|
| Seafood mix (shrimp, scallops, crab) | ✔ |
| Cream & milk | ✔ |
| Butter & flour | ✔ |
| Ritz crackers | ✔ |
| Seasonings | ✔ |
👩🍳 Instructions
| 👩🍳 | ✔ |
|---|---|
| Make creamy sauce | ✔ |
| Add seafood | ✔ |
| Top with crackers | ✔ |
| Bake until golden | ✔ |
📝 Notes
| 📝 Tip |
|---|
| Use fresh or thawed seafood |
| Don’t overbake — seafood cooks fast |
| Swap Ritz for panko if needed |
🍽️ Nutrition (per serving)
| 🍽️ | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~420 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Fat | 30g |
| Carbs | 18g |
Conclusion
This Baked Seafood Casserole with Ritz Topping is more than just a recipe it’s comfort, warmth, and tradition baked into one dish. Every time I make it, I think of my grandmother, my childhood kitchen, and the joy of sharing food with people I love. Whether it’s a quiet family dinner or a special gathering, this casserole brings everyone together. I hope it fills your home with the same happiness it brings to mine 💙
