A savory blend of crab, shrimp, cornbread, and breadcrumbs, this Seafood Stuffing is a showstopping twist on a holiday classic.
Before you know it, summer will fade into autumn and Thanksgiving will be here. The media will be all “turkey this” and “turkey that,” but I’m going to say something that may shock you: Not everyone likes (or eats) turkey. Now I’m not talking about myself here—I am first in line to fill up my plate with turkey, gravy, rolls, and my absolute favorite, stuffing. But what if you also don’t like your average stuffing? A sad plate of veggies, or no stuffing at all? Oh no, that won’t do. So for my friends out there who are looking for a new spin on stuffing, we now have seafood stuffing!
Seafood stuffing combines succulent crabmeat, plump shrimp, rich cornbread, crispy breadcrumbs, and buttery goodness! A real-life chef’s kiss. This Thanksgiving, you will be in food heaven.
By the way, did you know that stuffing is traditionally stuffed into a turkey? What many American families enjoy on Thanksgiving is actually a dressing, which is basically stuffing but not stuffed into the turkey. Stuffing and dressing are often used interchangeably, though the word “dressing” is more commonly recognized as being what you drizzle on top of salads. So even though our recipe today is technically a dressing, we will be calling it seafood stuffing, and we’ll be enjoying it just as much.
Is Seafood Stuffing Healthy?
If we’re being honest, pretty much no one is thinking about nutrition on a food holiday like Thanksgiving. That being said, it’s always good to be aware of what you’re eating. Seafood stuffing is high in protein and a source of vitamins and minerals, but it’s also high in carbohydrates, saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium. So while I wouldn’t call seafood stuffing a healthy dish, as long as you’re enjoying it in moderation, you should be fine.
Elevating Flavors
While this seafood stuffing is perfect as is, if you’re looking to add extra flavor, go right ahead! A dash of Old Bay seasoning or Cajun spice can bring a zesty kick that enhances the seafood’s natural flavor. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill add a vibrant, aromatic touch that complements the richness of the crab and shrimp. For a pop of color and sweetness, swap the green bell pepper for red or yellow, or mix in earthy chopped mushrooms or sweetcorn. Using panko instead of traditional breadcrumbs creates a lighter, crispier texture. Finally, consider folding in some chopped scallops or lobster meat to elevate the seafood medley and make the stuffing even more indulgent.
How To Make Ahead And Store
Thanksgiving leftovers are the best, and you can enjoy them with your seafood stuffing. Once made and cooled completely, store your seafood stuffing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. It can also be frozen for 2 months.
Serving Suggestions
If you’re enjoying seafood stuffing with your Thanksgiving meal, then you have to pair it with Cranberry Sauce, Mashed Potatoes, a buttery roll, and a sweet slice of Paleo Pumpkin Pie. And if you’re looking for an easy turkey recipe, give this Air-Fryer Turkey Breast a try.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 pound crabmeat drained and flaked
- 1/2 pound shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup onion finely chopped
- 1/2 cup celery finely chopped
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper finely chopped
- 6 ounces cornbread stuffing mix
- 1/2 cup dry breadcrumbs
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup 10.5 ounces
- 1 can low-sodium chicken broth 14.5 ounces
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the crabmeat, shrimp, onion, celery, and bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- In a large bowl, combine the cornbread stuffing mix and breadcrumbs. Add the cooked seafood and vegetables from the skillet and mix well.
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and chicken broth until the mixture is well combined.
- Transfer the stuffing mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and crispy.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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