This fish casserole has creamy cheesy fish and shrimp baked under crispy buttery bread crumbs. It's super easy to throw together – and it's done in only 20 minutes.
It's Rich And Creamy And Cheesy!
Are you looking for a rich, cheesy seafood dish that’s sure to impress? This Easy Fish Casserole is the perfect choice for your next gathering. Packed with tender fish, juicy shrimp, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, this casserole is decadent and indulgent. We've tried serving it as an entree, but it's so extremely rich and cheesy. Rather than serving it as a main course, we recommend offering it as an appetizer with crackers or tortilla chips. It’s a crowd-pleaser that lets everyone enjoy a few delicious bites.
I used Crappie to make a Crappie Casserole, but you can use whatever fish you have on hand to make this Fish Casserole.
Why You'll Love This Fish Casserole
This fish casserole is an absolute treat for seafood lovers. It’s rich, cheesy, and full of flavor, making it the perfect appetizer for parties, holidays, or casual get-togethers. The combination of creamy sauce, tender fish and shrimp, and a crispy topping is simply irresistible. Best of all, it comes together in just 20 minutes, so you can whip it up without breaking a sweat.
I'll be honest and tell you that my original idea for this fish casserole was to serve it as an entree. But after a few bites, my wife and 10-year-old daughter and I all agreed there was no way we could eat a big portion of it. It's just too rich and cheesy! I made it again as an appetizer for a football party and everyone loved it! Offering this dish as an appetizer allows everyone to enjoy its indulgent flavors in smaller portions. Pair it with crunchy crackers or tortilla chips for a delicious bite-sized experience.
Helpful Hints For Making Baked Fish Casserole
- Serve Warm: This casserole tastes best when served warm with crackers or chips.
- Choose the Right Fish: Crappie, perch, or cod have all worked beautifully in this recipe when we tested it. Pick your favorite or use what you have on hand.
Make It A Crappie Casserole!
You can use whatever favorite fish you have on hand. However, I highly recommend using some crappie if you've got it.
Perhaps because I love showing up to a potluck and announcing I brought a Crappie Casserole!
Fish Casserole Ingredients
- 1 pound your favorite boneless fish fillets, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 pound large shrimp (16-22 count), peeled and deveined
- 2-3 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 Tablespoon kosher salt
- 3 Tablespoons butter, divided
- ⅔ cup mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons Old Bay Seasoning
- 4 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs
How To Make Fish Casserole
1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F and Grease a 2-quart casserole dish with 1 Tablespoon of butter.
2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1 Tablespoon salt. Add the spinach to the boiling water and cook for 1 minute. Remove the spinach with a strainer and transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate.
3. Add the fish to the boiling water and cook for 1 minute. Remove it with the same strainer and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
4. Add the shrimp to the boiling water and cook for 1 minute. Immediately transfer it to the same large mixing bowl.
5. Let the fish and shrimp cool for 5 minutes. Drain any water that collects at the bottom of the bowl, or use a paper towel to soak up excess liquid.
6. Add the mayonnaise and Old Bay Seasoning to the fish and shrimp. Stir to coat evenly.
7. Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, along with the spinach. Stir again to combine.
8. Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
9. Melt the remaining 2 Tablespoons of butter in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter and panko bread crumbs until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
10. Sprinkle the crumbs over the fish mixture.
11. Bake the casserole uncovered at 375 degrees F for 15 minutes, or until the center reaches 145 degrees F.
12. Broil the casserole for about 2 minutes to brown the bread crumbs. Then let it cool slightly for 5 minutes before serving.
Tested And Approved Fish Casserole
This fish casserole recipe, just like all of the recipes you'll find on this food blog, was tested and approved by my wife and our 10-year-old daughter. That way, you can be assured they are family friendly. It has also been served up to family and friends at a few potluck parties, and has been loved by everyone!
If you are looking for another great recipe for panfish, be sure and check out our Fried Bluegill Recipe or Perch Tacos or Potato Crusted Fish. Or find all of our fish recipes here.
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Easy Fish Casserole
Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 Tablespoon kosher salt
- 2-3 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 pound your favorite boneless fish fillets, cut into bite size pieces
- 1 pound large shrimp, 16-22 count, peeled and deveined
- ⅔ cup mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons Old Bay Seasoning
- 4 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- Grease a 2 quart casserole dish with 1 Tablespoon of the butter.
- Add the fish to the boiling water and cook for 1 minute. Remove with the same strainer and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Add the shrimp to the boiling water and cook for 1 minute. Immediately remove with strainer and transfer to same large mixing bowl.
- Let the fish and shrimp cool for about 5 minutes then drain off any water that collects at the bottom of the bowl, or use a paper towel to soak up any liquid at the bottom of the bowl.
- To the fish and shrimp, add mayonnaise and Old Bay Seasoning and stir to coat.
- Sprinkle on the cheese and cooked spinach and stir again to combine. Transfer the fish mixture to your prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly into the pan.
- Melt remaining 2 Tablespoons of butter in the microwave for about 10 - 15 seconds.
- Then in a separate small bowl, stir together the 2 Tablespoons melted butter and ½ cup panko bread crumbs until crumbs are evenly moistened. Sprinkle crumbs over the fish mixture.
- Bake uncovered at 375 degrees F for about 15 minutes or until the center reaches 145 degrees F using an instant-read thermometer. Now broil for about 2 minutes to brown the bread crumbs. Let it cool slightly for about 5 minutes before serving.
Elizabeth says
Where’s the spinach in the ingredients list! I need to know so I can make it!
Jeff Benda says
Sorry Vickie. When I first posted recipe I forgot to include spinach in the ingredient list. But it's fixed now.
Vickie Harris says
Sounds lovely but how much spinach do you use (it's probably there and I missed it)
Jeff Benda says
Sorry Vickie. When I first posted recipe I forgot to include spinach in the ingredient list. But it's fixed now.
Kathy says
I doubled spinach and used 4 cups. And used perch from ice fishing. Delicious!
Jeff Benda says
Great idea on adding more spinach Kathy!
C j Alexander says
I've tried most of these and they were well received. Thanks & quick 2 prepare.
Jeff Benda says
Thanks CJ! Glad you are enjoying the recipes!
Don Leapaldt says
Just curious, why do you boil the spinach?
Mark says
Easy to make and very tasty fish casserole.Always looking for different ways to experience walleyes. Excellent!
Kate says
Can I just put it all in without doing the one minute boil?
Jeff Benda says
Great question Kate! You do not have to boil the spinach, fish, and shrimp before adding it to the casserole. However, I include that step to ensure the fish and shrimp reach a safe temperature after only being in the oven for 15 minutes. Therefore, if you want to just toss them in, I would cut the shrimp into pieces vs. using whole shrimp, and make sure the fish is cut into small enough pieces as well in order to make sure everyone is fully cooked. Or you could add 5 or 10 minutes to the baking time to get the same result.