Are you ready to elevate your holiday table with a dish that’s bursting with flavor? This seafood dressing recipe is the perfect blend of coastal charm and traditional comfort food. Whether you’re preparing for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a special family dinner, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and leave everyone craving seconds. Let’s dive into this culinary delight and create the best seafood dressing recipe you’ve ever tasted!
Overview
This seafood dressing recipe combines fresh seafood, savory seasonings, and classic cornbread to create a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious. It’s a versatile side that works for holiday dinners, special occasions, or a flavorful weeknight meal. Explore its simplicity and adaptability for any occasion!
Why You’ll Love This Seafood Dressing Recipe
Seafood dressing is a Southern favorite that combines the rich flavors of crab, shrimp, and sometimes oysters with the heartiness of cornbread. Here’s why this recipe stands out:
- Packed with Flavor: The combination of seafood and savory seasonings makes this dish irresistible.
- Versatile: It’s great as a side dish or by itself as a meal.
- Easy to Customize: Swap ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses easy-to-find items, making it accessible to all cooks.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family gatherings and special occasions.
What You’ll Need to Make This Flavorful Seafood Dressing Recipe
Ingredients
To create this mouthwatering dish, gather the following ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- Cornbread: 4 cups, crumbled (homemade or store-bought).
- Shrimp: 1 pound, peeled and deveined.
- Crab Meat: 1 cup, lump or claw meat.
- Celery: 1 cup, finely chopped.
- Onion: 1 large, diced.
- Bell Pepper: 1 medium, diced (optional for extra flavor).
Seasonings and Liquids
- Chicken or Seafood Stock: 2 cups.
- Butter: ½ cup, melted.
- Eggs: 2, beaten.
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon.
- Old Bay Seasoning: 1 teaspoon.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped.
Optional Add-Ins
- Oysters: ½ cup, chopped (for an authentic Southern touch).
- Andouille Sausage: ½ cup, diced (for added smokiness).
Directions
Follow these simple steps to create your seafood dressing:
• Prepare the Cornbread: If you’re making cornbread from scratch, prepare it ahead of time. Crumble it into small pieces once it’s cooled.
• Sauté the Vegetables: Warm up 2 tablespoons of butter in a big pan over medium-low heat. Add the celery, onion, and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
• Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and sauté until pink and fully cooked, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
• Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the crumbled cornbread, cooked vegetables, shrimp, crab meat, and optional add-ins like oysters or sausage.
• Mix the Seasonings: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, chicken or seafood stock, beaten eggs, garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the cornbread and seafood mixture.
• Blend Everything Together: Gently stir until all ingredients are evenly combined. The mixture should be moist but not soupy. Adjust with additional stock if necessary.
• Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the mixture out evenly in a baking dish that has been greased. Put it in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a little crispy.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 275kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Sodium: 680mg | Potassium: 245mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 450IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 80mg | Iron: 2mg
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 35 minutes | Course: Side Dish | Cuisine: Southern
Recipe Tips
- Use Fresh Seafood: Fresh shrimp and crab meat will enhance the flavor of your dressing. If fresh isn’t available, high-quality frozen seafood works well too.
- Don’t Overmix: Gently fold the ingredients together to maintain the texture of the seafood and cornbread.
- Add a Crispy Topping: For extra crunch, sprinkle the top with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers before baking.
- Make It Ahead: Prepare the dressing up to the baking step and refrigerate overnight. Bake it fresh on the day of serving.
Storage and Freezing
Leftovers can be kept in the fridge for up to three days in a container that doesn’t let air in. To freeze, wrap tightly and store for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Creative Ways to Serve Seafood Dressing Recipe
- Seafood-Stuffed Bell Peppers: Cut bell peppers in half and remove the seeds. Fill each half with the seafood dressing, then bake in the oven at 375°F until the peppers are tender and the top is golden. This adds a fresh and slightly sweet contrast to the savory dressing.
- Crispy Dressing Fritters: Shape the leftover dressing into small patties. Heat oil in a skillet and fry the patties until crispy on both sides. Serve with a dollop of sour cream or a tangy dipping sauce for a delightful appetizer or snack.
- Seafood-Stuffed Mushrooms:Clean large mushroom caps and remove the stems. Fill each cap with seafood dressing, top with grated Parmesan, and bake at 375°F until the mushrooms are tender and the topping is golden brown. These are perfect bite-sized starters for a dinner party.
- Breakfast Casserole: Layer seafood dressing in a casserole dish with scrambled eggs and shredded cheese. Bake at 350°F until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Add a drizzle of hot sauce or hollandaise for a rich breakfast treat.
- Seafood Sandwich Filling: Spread seafood dressing on toasted sandwich bread or a bun. Add fresh lettuce, sliced tomato, and a smear of tartar sauce for a quick, flavorful sandwich that works for lunch or a casual dinner.
- Seafood-Stuffed Zucchini Boats: Cut zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out the centers to create “boats.” Fill with seafood dressing, sprinkle with breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F until the zucchini is tender. A healthy and creative way to enjoy leftovers.
- Bite-Sized Appetizers: Spoon seafood dressing into pre-made phyllo pastry cups. Bake in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, or until the cups are crispy and the filling is heated through. These are elegant, easy-to-serve bites for entertaining guests.
Check More Dressing Recipes
- How to Make the Best Pineapple Dressing Recipe at Home
- The Best Hot Bacon Dressing Recipe You’ll Ever Try
- Simple Classic Chicken and Dressing Recipe
Conclusion
Seafood dressing is a versatile and flavorful dish that brings together the best of Southern comfort and coastal cuisine. Whether served as a side dish for holidays or a star on your dinner table, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. Don’t forget to try our Flavorful Seafood Boil Sauce Recipe for an even more indulgent seafood sauce feast.
Let us know how your seafood dressing turned out and share your favorite tips or twists in the comments below. Happy cooking!😉
seafood dressing – Recipe Card
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Cornbread: 4 cups crumbled (homemade or store-bought).
- Shrimp: 1 pound peeled and deveined.
- Crab Meat: 1 cup lump or claw meat.
- Celery: 1 cup finely chopped.
- Onion: 1 large diced.
- Bell Pepper: 1 medium diced (optional for extra flavor).
Seasonings and Liquids
- Chicken or Seafood Stock: 2 cups.
- Butter: ½ cup melted.
- Eggs: 2 beaten.
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon.
- Old Bay Seasoning: 1 teaspoon.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons chopped.
Optional Add-Ins
- Oysters: ½ cup chopped (for an authentic Southern touch).
- Andouille Sausage: ½ cup diced (for added smokiness).
Instructions
- Prepare the Cornbread: If you’re making cornbread from scratch, prepare it ahead of time. Crumble it into small pieces once it’s cooled.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Warm up 2 tablespoons of butter in a big pan over medium-low heat. Add the celery, onion, and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and sauté until pink and fully cooked, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the crumbled cornbread, cooked vegetables, shrimp, crab meat, and optional add-ins like oysters or sausage.
- Mix the Seasonings: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, chicken or seafood stock, beaten eggs, garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the cornbread and seafood mixture.
- Blend Everything Together: Gently stir until all ingredients are evenly combined. The mixture should be moist but not soupy. Adjust with additional stock if necessary.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the mixture out evenly in a baking dish that has been greased. Put it in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a little crispy.
Notes
- Use Fresh Seafood: Fresh shrimp and crab meat will enhance the flavor of your dressing. If fresh isn’t available, high-quality frozen seafood works well too.
- Don’t Overmix: Gently fold the ingredients together to maintain the texture of the seafood and cornbread.
- Add a Crispy Topping: For extra crunch, sprinkle the top with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers before baking.
- Make It Ahead: Prepare the dressing up to the baking step and refrigerate overnight. Bake it fresh on the day of serving.
Storage and Freezing
Leftovers can be kept in the fridge for up to three days in a container that doesn’t let air in. To freeze, wrap tightly and store for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.Nutrition Information : Calories: 275kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Sodium: 680mg | Potassium: 245mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 450IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 80mg | Iron: 2mg
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