Crab and Shrimp Casserole (Print Version)

Indulge in this savory crab and shrimp casserole topped with cheese and breadcrumbs.

# Ingredients:

01 - 1 pound lump crabmeat
02 - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
03 - 1 cup chopped onion
04 - 1 cup chopped bell pepper
05 - 1 cup chopped celery
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1/4 cup butter
08 - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
09 - 2 cups milk
10 - 1 cup chicken broth
11 - 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
12 - Salt and pepper to taste
13 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
14 - 1 cup breadcrumbs
15 - Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
02 - In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
03 - Stir in the flour and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
04 - Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth until smooth. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes. Season the sauce with Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
05 - Gently fold in the lump crabmeat and shrimp, making sure they are evenly coated with the sauce.
06 - Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole, followed by the breadcrumbs.
07 - Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and golden brown on top.
08 - Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before garnishing with chopped fresh parsley and serving.

# Notes:

01 - You can use fresh or canned crabmeat for this dish, depending on availability and preference.
02 - Feel free to add other seafood such as scallops or lobster for extra variety.
03 - Serve the casserole with crusty bread or over cooked rice for a complete meal.
04 - Thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat them dry to remove excess moisture before using.