Name: Easy Seafood Stuffing Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tbsp. Butter; ½ Onion, chopped; ½ Red Bell Pepper, chopped; 2 Celery Stalks, chopped; 2 tbsp. Old Bay Seasoning; 1 cup Raw Shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 cup Crab Meat; 1 Cornbread, diced (around 4 cups); 2 cup Seafood Broth; 2 Eggs, beaten; Fresh Parsley to serve

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If you’re craving a dish that combines the succulent flavors of the sea with the comforting, hearty texture of a classic stuffing, you are going to adore this Easy Seafood Stuffing Recipe. It takes just 40 minutes to prepare and delivers a mouthwatering blend of shrimp, crab, and cornbread layered with vibrant vegetables and a punch of Old Bay seasoning. This recipe is a delightful twist on traditional stuffing, making it perfect for family dinners or special occasions when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white oval baking dish filled with cornbread that is golden brown on top and crumbly inside, with some pieces scooped out by a vintage silver spoon resting in the dish. Around the dish, on a white marbled surface, there are several white bowls with ingredients: chopped white onions, small pieces of white fish, raw peeled shrimp, diced green celery, bright red diced bell peppers in a small wooden bowl, a glass bowl with beaten yellow eggs, a small gray bowl with pats of butter, and a clear measuring cup with a pale yellow liquid. The items are arranged neatly in a top-down view, with a calm and clean kitchen preparation feeling. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

To make this delicious seafood stuffing, you only need a handful of straightforward but impactful ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that brighten every bite.

Butter: Adds richness and helps soften the veggies beautifully.
Onion, chopped: Provides a sweet, aromatic base to the dish.
Red Bell Pepper, chopped: Brings a pop of color and mild sweetness.
Celery Stalks, chopped: Adds crunch and a refreshing herbal note.
Old Bay Seasoning: Infuses the stuffing with that classic, unforgettable seafood spice blend.
Raw Shrimp, peeled and deveined: Delivers tender seafood flavor with a satisfying bite.
Crab Meat: Offers a sweet, delicate contrast to the shrimp.
Cornbread, diced (around 4 cups): The heart of the stuffing, adding a crumbly, fluffy texture.
Seafood Broth: Moistens the stuffing and intensifies the oceanic flavor.
Eggs, beaten: Help bind everything together for the perfect consistency.
Fresh Parsley to serve: Adds freshness and a burst of color on the plate.

How to Make Easy Seafood Stuffing Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables and Shrimp

Start by heating butter in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once melted, toss in the chopped onion, red bell pepper, and celery. Sauté these for about 7 minutes until the onion turns soft and translucent. Then sprinkle in the Old Bay seasoning and arrange the shrimp in a single layer. Cook the shrimp until they are opaque and lightly browned on both sides. This mix lays the flavorful foundation that will carry through the whole dish.

Step 2: Combine the Mixture

Once your shrimp and veggies are done, transfer them to a large bowl. Add in the crab meat, diced cornbread, seafood broth, and beaten eggs. Gently fold everything together until all the ingredients are well incorporated. This is where the stuffing’s magic happens – the eggs and broth bring moisture and cohesiveness to the mix, while the crab and shrimp give it that irresistible seafood character.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Pour the stuffing mixture into a baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake for about 30 minutes or until the top turns golden and crunchy. This final step transforms the mixture into a beautifully textured dish that’s crispy on top but tender and flavorful inside.

How to Serve Easy Seafood Stuffing Recipe

A black cast iron pan holds a cooked mix of shrimp and diced vegetables. The shrimp are light pink with some orange seasoning, curled and spread across the pan. The diced vegetables beneath include red, green, and orange pieces with a soft, slightly browned texture, mixed with some chopped onions. The pan rests on a white marbled surface, and below it, there is a white bowl filled with small chunks of raw white fish. The scene shows a top-down view, emphasizing the colors and textures of the cooked shrimp and vegetables. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Finishing your Easy Seafood Stuffing Recipe with a sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds a lovely green contrast but also brightens the dish with its subtle herbal aroma. A squeeze of lemon juice right before serving can also elevate the seafood notes.

Side Dishes

This stuffing pairs wonderfully with simple sides like steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a crisp garden salad. The lightness of fresh vegetables balances the richness of the seafood stuffing, creating a well-rounded meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners or special occasions, consider serving your stuffing in individual ramekins for charming single servings. You can also create stuffed bell peppers or mushrooms by filling them with the mix and baking until golden. This adds fun variety and makes your Easy Seafood Stuffing Recipe the star of the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, place any leftover stuffing in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a perfect option for quick lunches or the next day’s dinner.

Freezing

You can freeze this seafood stuffing successfully if you want to plan ahead. Wrap it tightly in freezer-safe containers or aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftover stuffing in the oven at 325ºF for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and crisp on top again. Alternatively, use a microwave for convenience, but you might lose some of that lovely crunchy texture.

FAQs

Can I use other types of seafood instead of shrimp and crab?

Absolutely! This Easy Seafood Stuffing Recipe is flexible. You can swap shrimp and crab with scallops, lobster, or even firm white fish. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly to keep the seafood tender.

Is cornbread the only bread option for this stuffing?

Cornbread adds a distinct sweetness and texture, but you can substitute with white bread or even sourdough if you prefer. Just make sure it’s slightly stale or toasted for the best results.

Can I prepare the stuffing mixture ahead of time before baking?

Yes, you can mix all the ingredients up to the baking step, cover the dish tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if cold from the fridge.

What can I do if I don’t have seafood broth at home?

If you don’t have seafood broth, you can use vegetable or chicken broth as a substitute. To keep the seafood flair, add a touch of fish sauce or a squeeze of lemon to enhance the flavor.

Is this recipe suitable for a crowd or just small gatherings?

This recipe serves 4, but it scales up easily for larger groups. Just multiply the ingredients accordingly and use a bigger baking dish or multiple pans. It’s perfect for holiday meals or weekend get-togethers!

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly satisfying about creating a dish that’s both elegant and easy to make, and this Easy Seafood Stuffing Recipe fits that bill perfectly. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, it offers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that everyone will love. I encourage you to give it a try – it might just become your new favorite seafood comfort food!