Description
Hearty Louisiana crawfish casserole brings Southern comfort directly to dinner tables with rich, creamy goodness. Spicy Cajun flavors meld perfectly, inviting you to savor this classic bayou-inspired comfort dish that celebrates Gulf Coast culinary heritage.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb crawfish tails
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked rice
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped green onion
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
Canned Ingredients:
- 1 (10.75 oz) can French onion soup
- 1 (10.75 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel tomatoes & chilies
Cheese and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the cooking vessel by coating a spacious baking dish with a light layer of grease, then warm the oven to a moderate 350°F (175°C).
- Create a robust culinary mixture by thoroughly blending crawfish tails, French onion soup, cream of mushroom soup, Rotel tomatoes & chilies, uncooked rice, melted butter, diced bell pepper, chopped green onion, minced parsley, finely chopped celery, salt, and pepper in a generously sized mixing bowl until ingredients are uniformly distributed.
- Transfer the expertly combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even spread, then securely cover the dish with aluminum foil to lock in moisture and flavors.
- Position the covered casserole in the preheated oven and allow it to bake for approximately 45 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the rich, savory liquid and the ingredients to meld together harmoniously.
- After the initial baking period, carefully remove the foil and generously sprinkle a blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses across the surface, creating an enticing golden topping.
- Return the uncovered casserole to the oven and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, watching as the cheese melts into a bubbling, appetizing layer.
- Once completed, extract the casserole from the oven and permit it to rest briefly, allowing the intense flavors to settle and the dish to achieve optimal serving temperature.
Notes
- Check crawfish quality by ensuring they smell fresh and have no discoloration before using in the dish.
- Adjust rice cooking time if using pre-cooked rice to prevent mushy texture.
- Consider using low-sodium soups to control salt content for health-conscious diners.
- Swap crawfish with shrimp or imitation crab for alternative protein options during seafood shortages.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cajun/Creole
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg