Seafood Stuffing Recipe: Seafood stuffing is one of those luxurious dishes that instantly elevates any meal. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, planning a fancy weekend meal, or just love seafood, this stuffing will blow your tastebuds away. Think tender chunks of shrimp, crab, and scallops, blended with aromatic herbs, sautéed vegetables, and buttery breadcrumbs—golden and crispy on the outside, moist and savory on the inside. Sounds good, right?
This isn’t your average stuffing. It combines the richness of seafood with the comfort of traditional stuffing, giving you a side (or main) dish that’s flavorful, hearty, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s super customizable—you can make it spicy, cheesy, gluten-free, or even throw in extra shellfish if you’re feeling fancy.
Let’s dive into the essentials of making the perfect seafood stuffing from scratch.
Benefits of Making Homemade Seafood Stuffing
Why go the homemade route when pre-packaged stuffing mixes exist? Because homemade seafood stuffing beats store-bought in every way.
- Full control over ingredients: You choose the quality and type of seafood, seasonings, and mix-ins.
- More flavor: Fresh herbs, sautéed vegetables, and real seafood bring richness and complexity.
- Healthier: Skip the preservatives and sodium overload of boxed versions.
- Customizable: Add what you love—lobster, scallops, or even a dash of spice.
Once you try making this from scratch, you’ll never want to go back.
Best Types of Seafood for Stuffing
You can use just one kind of seafood or mix it up. Here are the best choices:
Crab
Crab meat (especially lump crab) gives your stuffing a rich, sweet flavor. It’s delicate but adds a luxurious touch.
Shrimp
Shrimp is affordable, easy to cook, and adds great texture. Chop it up to make it more stuffing-friendly.
Scallops
Bay scallops are smaller and ideal for stuffing. They’re mildly sweet and cook quickly.
Lobster
Want to impress? Add lobster meat. It’s buttery and slightly sweet—perfect for an upscale dish.
You can use fresh, frozen (and thawed), or even pre-cooked seafood, depending on what’s available.
List of Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s your essential seafood stuffing shopping list:
Seafood
- 1 cup lump crab meat
- 1 cup cooked shrimp (chopped)
- ½ cup bay scallops
- Optional: ½ cup lobster meat
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 celery stalks (finely chopped)
- 1 small bell pepper (any color)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
Herbs & Seasonings
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Binders
- 2 cups seasoned breadcrumbs or cornbread stuffing mix
- 1 egg (lightly beaten)
- ½ cup chicken broth or seafood stock
Fats & Liquids
- 4 tbsp butter (unsalted)
- Juice of ½ lemon
This combo gives your stuffing a balanced flavor: savory, herbaceous, and briny from the seafood.
Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flavor
Want to take it to the next level? Add any of these:
- Cooked bacon bits
- Parmesan or sharp cheddar cheese
- Chopped spinach or kale
- Chopped green onions
- A splash of white wine
- Red pepper flakes for a kick
These extras aren’t necessary, but they can help tailor the dish to your taste.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Before you start cooking, get your tools ready:
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Mixing bowls
- 9×13 baking dish or casserole dish
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Aluminum foil (if baking covered)
- Oven mitts
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Seafood Stuffing
Let’s get cooking! Follow this simple, step-by-step method.
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by chopping your veggies and seafood. If you’re using frozen seafood, make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables and Aromatics
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt your butter. Add diced onions, celery, and bell pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic, thyme, paprika, and Old Bay seasoning. Let the garlic cook for 1 minute—don’t let it burn!
Step 3: Add Seafood and Season
Add your crab, shrimp, and scallops to the pan. Stir gently and cook for 2–3 minutes just to heat through (don’t overcook). Squeeze in the lemon juice and toss everything together.
Step 4: Mix in Breadcrumbs and Binders
Turn off the heat. Add your breadcrumbs or stuffing mix directly into the pan. Pour in the chicken or seafood broth a little at a time, stirring to moisten. Add the egg and stir again. The texture should be moist but not soggy.
If it feels too dry, add a bit more broth. If it’s too wet, add extra breadcrumbs.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the stuffing to your prepared baking dish. Press it down gently to flatten the top. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes, until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy.
Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Enjoy the aroma!
How to Tell When Seafood Stuffing is Done
There’s nothing worse than undercooked stuffing—or worse, overcooked and dried out! So how can you tell when your seafood stuffing is cooked perfectly?
Here are a few signs:
- Golden top: The surface should be crisp and golden brown, with a bit of crust on top from the breadcrumbs.
- Steamy center: When you insert a spoon or knife into the center, it should come out hot and steamy.
- Firm, not soggy: The stuffing should hold together but still be moist. If it’s too dry, add a touch of broth and bake a few more minutes.
- Internal temperature: If you’re using a thermometer, the center should hit at least 165°F (74°C) to be safe for serving.
Just remember—not all ovens are the same. Keep an eye on it in the final 10 minutes to avoid overbaking.
Tips for Perfect Seafood Stuffing Every Time
Want stuffing that’s restaurant-worthy every single time? Follow these pro tips:
- Use fresh seafood when possible: It really enhances flavor. But if using frozen, always thaw and drain properly to avoid excess water.
- Sauté aromatics thoroughly: This brings out sweetness in onions, garlic, and celery.
- Don’t overbake: Overcooking seafood makes it rubbery. Remember, the seafood is already pre-cooked or just briefly heated before baking.
- Use broth, not water: Chicken or seafood broth adds depth. Water will make it bland.
- Let it rest after baking: This helps everything settle and makes the stuffing easier to serve.
Want extra crunch? Sprinkle some panko breadcrumbs on top with a drizzle of melted butter before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Seafood stuffing can be a side dish, a main course, or even a stuffing for other proteins like fish or poultry. It’s super versatile.
Here are some delicious ways to serve it:
- As a side dish at Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners.
- Stuffed into mushrooms for party appetizers.
- Alongside roasted fish like salmon or halibut.
- Paired with steak or prime rib for a surf-and-turf vibe.
- Stuffed inside a whole roasted chicken for extra moisture and flavor.
Serve with a squeeze of lemon, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, or even a dollop of spicy aioli on top for a fancy finish.
Best Dishes to Pair with Seafood Stuffing
Wondering what to serve with this delicious stuffing? Try these pairings:
- Roasted vegetables (Brussels sprouts, carrots, green beans)
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Grilled or baked fish
- Garlic butter chicken
- Buttery corn on the cob
- Light salad with vinaigrette
The rich and savory flavors of the stuffing go best with lighter, zesty, or creamy sides to balance it out.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Good news: seafood stuffing reheats beautifully.
To Store:
- Place in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- You can also freeze it for up to 2 months, but be sure it’s completely cooled first.
To Reheat:
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat for 15–20 minutes.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
If it feels dry, add a splash of broth before reheating to revive the moisture.
Can You Make Seafood Stuffing Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! This dish is perfect for prepping in advance, especially if you’re making it for a holiday meal or large gathering.
Make-Ahead Tips:
- Prep the mixture the day before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight.
- Bake just before serving so it’s fresh and crispy.
- If baking ahead of time, undercook slightly and reheat uncovered in the oven for a crispy finish.
Bonus: the flavors deepen when they sit overnight, so it might even taste better the next day!
Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Alternatives
Have dietary restrictions? No problem. You can still enjoy seafood stuffing with a few easy swaps.
For Gluten-Free:
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or cornmeal.
- Check that your broth and seasonings are certified gluten-free.
For Dairy-Free:
- Replace butter with olive oil or dairy-free margarine.
- Skip cheese (or use dairy-free cheese if desired).
The taste and texture remain amazing with these alternatives—just be sure to adjust liquids slightly based on the new ingredients.
FAQs about Seafood Stuffing Recipe
1. Can I freeze seafood stuffing?
Yes! Cool it completely, wrap it tightly or store in an airtight container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating in the oven.
2. How long does seafood stuffing last in the fridge?
It will stay fresh for about 3 days when stored properly. Make sure to reheat it thoroughly before eating.
3. What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?
Try crushed crackers, gluten-free stuffing mix, or even day-old cornbread. Just keep the moisture balance right.
4. Can I use canned seafood?
Yes, especially for crab. Just drain well and pick through for any shells. Fresh or frozen will taste better, but canned is fine in a pinch.
5. Is seafood stuffing safe for kids?
Absolutely! Just make sure the seafood is cooked properly and not too spicy. It’s a great way to introduce new flavors.
Conclusion
There you have it—your ultimate guide to making mouthwatering, savory, and oh-so-satisfying seafood stuffing from scratch. It’s easier than it looks and way more rewarding than anything out of a box. Whether you’re dressing up your holiday table or simply craving something a little extra for dinner, this recipe brings flavor, elegance, and comfort all in one dish.
So the next time you want to impress guests—or just treat yourself—don’t skip this seafood stuffing. With a crispy top, moist interior, and rich seafood flavor, it’s bound to become a new favorite.
Now it’s your turn—grab those ingredients, fire up the oven, and make some magic in your kitchen!
