Flavors Worth Savoring
As autumn arrives, the air grows crisp and pumpkin spice fills the kitchen. It’s a time for cozy traditions and family gatherings. In my childhood, the smell of cornbread and seafood filled our home on Thanksgiving. It was a time for sharing stories and making memories.
Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that brings back those moments. It’s the perfect seafood stuffing that will make your holiday feast unforgettable. Imagine a cornbread dressing filled with shrimp, crab, and other coastal flavors. This dish is not just a feast for the eyes but also a journey to the shores of New England or the bayous of the South.
Key Takeaways
- Seafood stuffing recipe featuring a savory cornbread dressing base
- Packed with fresh shrimp, crabmeat, and other coastal flavors
- Elevates traditional holiday meals with a unique and impressive dish
- Combines the heartiness of cornbread with the luxury of premium seafood
- Becomes a new Thanksgiving or Christmas tradition for your family
What is Seafood Stuffing?
Seafood stuffing, also known as seafood dressing, is a tasty side dish. It mixes a cornbread or bread base with seafood like shrimp, crab, and clams. Unlike traditional stuffing, it’s baked in a casserole or skillet, not inside a turkey.
Difference Between Stuffing and Dressing
The main difference between stuffing and dressing is how they’re cooked. Stuffing goes inside a bird, while dressing is baked as a side dish. Cornbread dressing, a Southern favorite, uses cornbread instead of bread cubes.
| Stuffing | Dressing |
|---|---|
| Cooked inside the cavity of a bird | Baked separately as a side dish |
| Typically uses bread cubes as a base | Can use cornbread as the main ingredient |
| Absorbs the juices of the bird during cooking | Baked in a casserole dish or skillet |
Whether you like seafood stuffing or seafood dressing, it’s a great side dish. It’s especially good during holidays. The cornbread or bread base is satisfying, and the seafood adds a tasty twist.
Nutritional Benefits of Seafood Stuffing
Seafood stuffing is a great choice for holiday meals. It’s packed with important nutrients. Shrimp and crab are full of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. These fats are good for your heart and fight inflammation.
The cornbread base adds vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This makes the stuffing a balanced and healthy dish.
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggest eating 2 servings of seafood weekly. This helps get enough DHA and EPA. Seafood is also a good source of protein and vitamins like vitamin D and B vitamins.
Eating seafood can boost brain function, especially in kids and pregnant women. It may also lower heart disease risk by 36%. Plus, it can help prevent age-related eye diseases.
| Seafood Item | Nutritional Benefits |
|---|---|
| Shrimp | Provides astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant |
| Scallops | Rich in magnesium, which supports muscle and nerve function |
| Crab | Contains vitamin B2, which aids in energy production |
| Mahi Mahi | Provides several B vitamins and selenium, which are important for a healthy immune system |
Adding this tasty seafood stuffing to your holiday meal is a smart choice. It’s both delicious and good for you.
Perfect for Pescatarians
If you follow a pescatarian diet, you’ll love this seafood stuffing. It’s filled with shrimp, crab, and herbs. It’s a tasty twist on traditional stuffing, made with cornbread.
Using vegetable broth makes it pescatarian-friendly. This way, everyone can enjoy the delicious, coastal flavors.
This seafood stuffing is just one of over 75 pescatarian recipes in the e-cookbook. It’s perfect for any holiday meal. It’s sure to impress and satisfy your guests.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Canola Oil | 1/2 cup |
| All-Purpose Flour | 1/2 cup |
| Yellow Onion, diced | 1 cup |
| Celery, diced | 1 cup |
| Green Bell Pepper, diced | 1 cup |
| Red Bell Pepper, diced | 1 cup |
| Garlic Cloves, minced | 3 |
| Tomato Paste | 3 tablespoons |
| Fresh Thyme | 1 teaspoon |
| Cayenne Pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| White Pepper (optional) | 1 teaspoon |
| Black Pepper | 1 teaspoon |
| Smoked Paprika | 1 teaspoon |
| Shrimp Stock | 3 cups |
| Bay Leaf | 1 |
| Kosher Salt | 1 teaspoon (or to taste) |
| Jumbo Shrimp, peeled, deveined, cleaned | 2 pounds |
| Green Onions, chopped (for garnish) | To taste |
This vegetarian stuffing is great for any holiday meal. It’s packed with rich, coastal flavors. It’s the perfect side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Ingredients for Seafood Stuffing Recipe
Making a tasty seafood stuffing recipe needs a mix of savory ingredients. It starts with a cornbread base. Then, it adds fresh seafood, veggies, and herbs.
The main parts of this seafood stuffing are:
- Cornbread (or cornbread stuffing mix)
- Unsalted butter
- Onion, celery, and bell pepper
- Garlic
- Fresh parsley
- Lump crab meat
- Peeled and deveined shrimp
- Canned chopped clams
- Seafood stock or vegetable broth
- Old Bay seasoning and dried sage
The mix of cornbread, fresh seafood, and herbs makes a delicious stuffing. It’s perfect for your holiday table.
“The secret to a truly outstanding seafood stuffing lies in the perfect balance of flavors and textures.”
This seafood stuffing recipe is great as a side or to stuff your holiday bird. It will impress your guests and make them want more.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing this seafood stuffing recipe is easy and delicious. Follow these steps to make it.
Prepping the Ingredients
Start by making homemade cornbread or using a mix. Let the cornbread dry for at least 8 hours. This makes it light and fluffy.
Cooking the Seafood and Veggies
In a skillet, sauté onion, celery, and bell pepper in 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Add garlic for another minute. This adds great flavors.
Combining the Stuffing Mixture
In a big bowl, mix crumbled cornbread, sautéed veggies, jumbo size shrimp (21-25 count per pound), Maryland blue crab meat, chopped clams, parsley, 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of Old Bay Seasoning, and 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt. Add seafood stock (or vegetable broth) and mix well.
Baking the Seafood Stuffing
Put the stuffing in a greased dish or cast-iron skillet. Sprinkle 6 tablespoons of panko breadcrumbs on top. Bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, until golden and crispy.
Enjoy this seafood stuffing as a side or main dish. It’s full of flavor and satisfying.
Serving Suggestions
Your seafood stuffing or dressing is perfect with many holiday main dishes. It goes great with roasted turkey, baked ham, prime rib, or beef Wellington. It also pairs well with pork tenderloin or roasted chicken.
For a full Thanksgiving or Christmas table, serve it with mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and dinner rolls. The seafood stuffing’s coastal flavors add a special touch to any holiday meal.
Pairing with Holiday Mains
The seafood stuffing or dressing is versatile and can be served with a variety of holiday main courses. Here are some perfect pairings:
- Roasted Turkey
- Baked Ham
- Prime Rib
- Beef Wellington
- Pork Tenderloin
- Roasted Chicken
To round out your Thanksgiving or Christmas feast, the seafood stuffing pairs beautifully with traditional side dishes like:
- Mashed Potatoes
- Cranberry Sauce
- Dinner Rolls
The unique coastal-inspired flavors of this seafood stuffing make it a standout addition to your holiday table, elevating your entire meal.
Seafood Stuffing Recipe with Shrimp, Crab, and More
Elevate your holiday dinner with this decadent seafood stuffing recipe. It combines juicy shrimp, tender crab meat, and briny chopped clams. This savory cornbread-based stuffing is a true seafood lover’s delight.
The recipe starts with a base of homemade or pre-made cornbread. It’s allowed to dry out for the perfect texture. Sautéed onions, celery, and bell peppers add depth of flavor. Old Bay seasoning and fresh parsley provide the classic coastal seasoning.
The star ingredients are the succulent shrimp, lump crab meat, and chopped clams. They create an indulgent and impressive seafood stuffing.
This seafood stuffing recipe is sure to be the hit of your holiday meal. It can be served as a stuffing for your main dish or as a standalone side. With a prep time of just 25 minutes and a cook time of 16 minutes, it’s quick and easy to make.
Ingredients for Seafood Stuffing
- 2 lbs of 16/20 count shrimp, peeled, deveined, and butterflied
- 8 oz of lump or claw crab meat (optional)
- 1 cup of cooked spinach
- 6 oz of chopped artichokes
- 1 cup of mayonnaise (or sour cream/cream cheese)
- 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
- 8 oz of shredded mozzarella and pepper jack cheese
- 1 tbsp of minced garlic
- Fresh lemon juice and zest
- Old Bay seasoning and chopped parsley for seasoning
With this seafood stuffing recipe, you can enjoy the perfect balance of flavors and textures. It creates a truly memorable holiday dish.
Variations and Tips
Seafood stuffing is a great holiday dish. But, you can make it your own with a few tweaks. This way, you can make it fit your diet and taste.
Making it Dairy-Free
For a dairy-free seafood stuffing, use plant-based butter instead of regular butter. Also, swap heavy cream for a dairy-free milk or cream. These changes make it safe for pescatarians and those with dairy issues.
Using Vegetable Broth for Pescatarians
To make it pescatarian-friendly, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This makes the cornbread dressing variations good for those who eat seafood but not meat.
You can also add your own twist to the cornbread dressing. Try Cajun spices, fresh thyme, or lemon zest. This way, you can make it your own special holiday dish.
Make-Ahead and Storage
Planning ahead is key for your holiday seafood stuffing. You can make it up to 2 days in advance. This saves time on the big day. Just prepare the stuffing, put it in a dish, cover it, and refrigerate until baking time.
For an even bigger head start, freeze the unbaked stuffing for up to 2 months. Assemble it in a dish, cover it tightly, and freeze. When ready, thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking.
Leftover seafood stuffing can be stored for 3-4 days in an airtight container. Reheat it in the microwave or oven for a delicious treat.
| Storage Method | Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated (Unbaked) | Up to 2 days |
| Frozen (Unbaked) | Up to 2 months |
| Refrigerated (Leftover) | 3-4 days |
Whether you make the seafood stuffing ahead or enjoy leftovers, it’s designed for ease. With simple storage, you can how to store seafood stuffing, can you make seafood stuffing ahead, and freezing seafood stuffing for convenience.
Seasoning and Topping Ideas
To make your seafood stuffing even better, try adding different seasonings and toppings. Old Bay or Cajun seasoning can add a nice kick. Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or sage give it a traditional Thanksgiving taste.
For a crunchy topping, mix breadcrumbs or crushed crackers into the stuffing. This adds a nice contrast to the soft seafood. A squeeze of lemon juice or a few wedges can also brighten the dish and balance the flavors.
Try out different seafood stuffing seasoning and seafood stuffing toppings to create unique seafood stuffing flavor variations. Mix spices, herbs, and garnishes to find the perfect mix for you.
“The beauty of seafood stuffing lies in its ability to take on a wide range of flavors. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own!”
These seasoning and topping ideas can make your seafood stuffing stand out. Whether it’s for a holiday feast or a cozy dinner, enjoy the delicious and versatile flavors of this coastal dish.
Nutrition Facts
The seafood stuffing recipe is a balanced mix of nutrients. It has protein, healthy fats, carbs, and vitamins and minerals. A 3-ounce serving has 186 calories, 8 grams of fat, 19 grams of carbs, and 8 grams of protein.
This dish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids from shrimp and crab. It also has vitamins A, C, and B12. But, it’s high in sodium and cholesterol. So, enjoy it in moderation for a balanced diet.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 186 |
| Total Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Cholesterol | 97mg |
| Carbohydrates | 19g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Protein | 8g |
| Vitamin A | 444IU |
| Vitamin C | 7mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 2mcg |
| Sodium | 391mg |
The nutritional values can change based on the ingredients and amounts used. Always eat this seafood stuffing in moderation for a healthy diet.
“Seafood, including fish, shrimp, and shellfish, are commonly found and eaten on Lowcountry dinner tables.”
Conclusion
This seafood stuffing recipe is a tasty twist on a classic side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas. It mixes savory cornbread, juicy seafood, and fragrant herbs and vegetables. This creates a dish that is both impressive and full of flavor, sure to wow your guests.
It’s not just delicious; it’s also good for you. Each serving has 320 calories, 25g of protein, 18g of fat, and 10g of carbohydrates. This makes it a great choice for a balanced meal at your holiday gathering. Plus, it’s perfect for pescatarians and anyone looking for a tasty seafood side dish.
Make your holiday table special with this seafood stuffing recipe. It brings together the tradition of the holidays with the fresh taste of seafood. Enjoy this dish and its perfect mix of textures and flavors. Your guests will be talking about it for a long time after the holidays.
FAQ
What is the difference between stuffing and dressing?
Stuffing is cooked inside a bird’s cavity. Dressing is baked as a side dish.
Is seafood stuffing a good option for pescatarians?
Yes, seafood stuffing is great for pescatarians. It uses vegetable broth to make it pescatarian-friendly.
What are the main ingredients in this seafood stuffing recipe?
The recipe has a cornbread base. It also includes sautéed onion, celery, and bell pepper. Plus, it has shrimp, crab meat, and canned clams. It’s seasoned with Old Bay, dried sage, and fresh parsley.
Can this seafood stuffing recipe be made in advance?
Yes, you can make it up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate it. Or freeze it for up to 2 months before baking.
How do the nutritional benefits of this seafood stuffing compare to traditional stuffing?
This seafood stuffing is balanced with protein, healthy fats, and carbs. It’s full of protein and omega-3s from the shrimp and crab. The cornbread adds vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
