Baked garlic butter shrimp casserole is one of the easiest and most flavorful seafood dishes you can prepare, especially when you want a meal that looks elegant but requires almost no effort. The dish in the image is a perfect example of this simplicity. It shows plump shrimp arranged neatly over a golden, bubbling butter base, topped with herbs and perfectly toasted parmesan crumbs. What makes this recipe so appealing is the way the shrimp absorb the garlic butter, creating a rich, savory flavor, while the topping adds a light crispness that balances the soft texture of the seafood. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, cooking a weeknight meal, or preparing a special dish for guests, this baked shrimp casserole offers restaurant-quality results straight from your oven.
Shrimp is one of the most versatile ingredients in cooking, and it pairs beautifully with garlic and butter. The natural sweetness of shrimp intensifies when baked, and the high heat helps them cook quickly while maintaining tenderness. This recipe uses large shrimp, cleaned and deveined, which ensures a firm bite and a juicy interior. The topping is made from parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and herbs, giving the casserole a lightly crunchy finish that enhances the flavor profile. The combination of butter, garlic, lemon, parmesan, and herbs creates a harmony that feels comforting, fragrant, and satisfying.
To prepare the dish, start by preheating your oven to 190°C (375°F). Choose a medium or large baking dish, preferably glass or ceramic, which helps distribute heat evenly. The first step is preparing the garlic butter base. In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt one stick (about 113 g) of unsalted butter. Add four to five minced garlic cloves and a tablespoon of lemon juice. The lemon brightens the richness of the butter and prevents the shrimp from tasting too heavy. Add a pinch of salt, black pepper, and one teaspoon of Italian seasoning or dried parsley. Mix everything until combined, then pour this mixture evenly into the bottom of the baking dish.
Next, prepare the shrimp. Use about 450–600 g of large shrimp, cleaned, shelled, and deveined, leaving the tails on or off depending on personal preference. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer over the garlic butter mixture. You can place them in rows or circles, as shown in the image, to create an attractive presentation. Once the shrimp are arranged, lightly season them with a bit more black pepper, paprika, or a dash of chili flakes if you want a spicier version.
The topping is what sets this dish apart, creating a beautiful golden crust. Combine half a cup of grated parmesan cheese, one-third cup of breadcrumbs, and a tablespoon of finely chopped fresh parsley. You can also add a pinch of garlic powder for extra flavor. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the shrimp, making sure every piece gets at least some topping. As the casserole bakes, the parmesan melts and browns slightly, while the breadcrumbs crisp up, adding texture and flavor.
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes. Shrimp cook very quickly, so be careful not to overbake them. The moment they turn pink and the topping becomes golden, the dish is ready. If you want a slightly crispier top, you can turn on the broiler for the last one to two minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. When you remove the dish from the oven, garnish with more chopped parsley for a fresh, colorful finish.
This baked garlic butter shrimp casserole is incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways depending on the occasion. For a satisfying main dish, pair the shrimp with white rice, buttered pasta, or creamy mashed potatoes. The garlic butter sauce at the bottom of the dish makes a perfect drizzle for any of these sides. If you prefer a lighter meal, serve the shrimp over a big green salad or alongside roasted vegetables. Garlic bread or crusty baguette slices also pair wonderfully, especially since they absorb the sauce beautifully.
What makes this recipe especially appealing is how easy it is to customize. If you enjoy citrus flavors, you can add lemon zest to the topping or squeeze extra lemon over the shrimp once they’re out of the oven. If you like a more robust herb flavor, add fresh dill, basil, or thyme. For a richer version, mix a tablespoon of cream or a spoonful of mayonnaise into the butter mixture before baking, creating a creamier sauce beneath the shrimp. You can even add vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, spinach, or thinly sliced zucchini, placing them under the shrimp to cook along with the dish.
This casserole is also ideal for meal prep because shrimp reheat well when warmed gently. Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven at a low temperature to maintain the texture. The flavor becomes even deeper the next day as the garlic and herbs continue to absorb into the shrimp.
Guests will be impressed not only by the flavor but also by the visual appeal. The shrimp remain plump and juicy, arranged over golden butter, and the toasted parmesan on top gives the dish a gourmet look. It’s the kind of recipe that looks like it took a long time to prepare, but in reality, it comes together in less than 20 minutes.
Overall, baked garlic butter shrimp casserole is a winning combination of simplicity, speed, and indulgent flavor. The melted butter, aromatic garlic, savory parmesan, and perfectly cooked shrimp create a meal that satisfies seafood lovers and impresses anyone who tastes it. Whether served as a centerpiece or paired with your favorite sides, this recipe brings warmth, elegance, and incredible taste to your table. Enjoy preparing it and savoring every bite of this delicious, golden shrimp dish.