HERBED SEAFOOD CASSEROLE

Herbed Seafood Casserole image

A friend shared this recipe when I needed a seafood dish for my annual Christmas Eve buffet. The casserole is wonderfully rich and creamy. When it comes to Christmas seafood casserole recipes, this is one of the best. -Donna Schmuland, Wetaskiwin, Alberta

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 1h30m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 25

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups uncooked long grain rice
2 tablespoons butter
3 celery ribs, thinly sliced
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 medium carrot, shredded
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
1-1/2 teaspoons snipped fresh dill or 1/2 teaspoon dill weed
SEAFOOD:
1 pound uncooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 pound bay scallops
1 can (16 ounces) crabmeat, drained, flaked and cartilage removed
5 tablespoons butter, cubed
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1-1/2 cups half-and-half cream
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, cubed
1-1/2 teaspoons snipped fresh dill or 1/2 teaspoon dill weed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
TOPPING:
1-1/2 cups soft bread crumbs
2 tablespoons butter, melted

Steps:

Preheat oven to 325°. Cook rice according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat butter over medium-high heat. Add celery, onion and carrot; cook and stir until crisp-tender. Add garlic, salt and pepper; cook 1 minute longer., Add to cooked rice. Stir in parsley and dill. Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish., Fill a large saucepan two-thirds full with water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium. Add shrimp; simmer, uncovered, 30 seconds. Add scallops; simmer 2-3 minutes longer or just until shrimp turn pink and scallops are firm and opaque. Drain, reserving 1 cup cooking liquid. Place seafood in a large bowl; stir in crab., In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour until blended; gradually stir in cream and reserved cooking liquid. Bring to a boil; cook and stir 2 minutes or until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat. Stir in cream cheese, dill and seasonings until smooth. Stir into seafood mixture., Pour over rice mixture. Toss bread crumbs with melted butter; sprinkle over top. Bake, uncovered, 50-55 minutes or until golden brown. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 404 calories, Fat 20g fat (12g saturated fat), Cholesterol 150mg cholesterol, Sodium 616mg sodium, Carbohydrate 29g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 26g protein.