If you love creamy seafood dishes and cheesy casseroles, this Cheesy Seafood Crepe Bake is a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Tender shrimp, flaky seafood, creamy sauce, and melted cheese are tucked inside delicate homemade crepes, then baked until bubbling and beautifully golden.
It looks elegant enough for a special dinner but is surprisingly simple to assemble. Serve it with a crisp green salad and a side of vegetables for a comforting meal the whole family can enjoy.
Ingredients
For the Crepes
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup water
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder, optional
For the Seafood Filling
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- 8 ounces cooked crab meat or imitation crab, chopped
- 6 ounces scallops, chopped, optional
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ small onion, finely diced
- ½ cup chopped bell pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
For the Creamy Cheese Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- A pinch of paprika, optional
Instructions
1. Make the Crepe Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
Add the eggs, milk, and water gradually, whisking until smooth.
Stir in the melted butter.
The batter should be thin and pourable. If it seems too thick, add another tablespoon or two of water or milk.
Let the batter rest for about 10 minutes.
2. Cook the Crepes
Heat a lightly buttered nonstick skillet over medium heat.
Pour approximately ¼ cup of batter into the center and quickly swirl the pan to spread it into a thin layer.
Cook for about 1–2 minutes, until the edges begin to lift and the bottom is lightly golden.
Flip and cook the other side for about 30 seconds.
Transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining batter.
You should have approximately 8–10 crepes.
3. Prepare the Seafood Filling
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the onion and bell pepper and cook for about 2–3 minutes.
Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Add the shrimp and scallops, if using.
Season with paprika, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and a small amount of salt.
Cook until the seafood is just cooked through. Shrimp should be opaque and reach 145°F (63°C) internally.
Remove from the heat.
Gently fold in the crab meat, parsley, and ½ cup mozzarella.
Avoid overcooking the seafood because it will continue cooking during baking.
4. Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute.
Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream.
Continue whisking until the sauce thickens, about 3–5 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low.
Stir in the Parmesan, mozzarella, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper.
Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth.
Taste and adjust the seasoning.
5. Assemble the Crepe Bake
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spread a thin layer of cheese sauce across the bottom of a 9 × 13-inch baking dish.
Place one crepe on a flat surface.
Spoon some seafood filling down the center and roll the crepe gently.
Place it seam-side down in the baking dish.
Repeat with the remaining crepes and filling.
Pour the remaining cheese sauce evenly over the top.
Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.
Add a small pinch of paprika if desired.
6. Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and lightly golden.
For a deeper golden top, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching carefully.
7. Rest and Serve
Let the casserole rest for about 5–10 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Helpful Tips
- Don’t overcook the seafood: It will cook again in the oven, so cook it only until just done in the skillet.
- Keep the crepes thin: Thin crepes roll more easily and create a delicate texture.
- Make the sauce smooth: Add the milk gradually while whisking to prevent lumps.
- Use cooked crab carefully: If using pre-cooked crab meat, add it toward the end so it doesn’t become tough.
- Let the bake rest: A few minutes of resting makes it easier to serve without the filling sliding out.
Seafood Variations
You can customize the filling according to what you have available.
Try combinations such as:
- Shrimp and crab
- Shrimp and scallops
- Shrimp, crab, and lobster
- Crab and cooked white fish
- Mixed seafood with spinach and mushrooms
If using frozen seafood, thaw it safely and pat it thoroughly dry before cooking to prevent excess liquid from making the filling watery.
What to Serve With Seafood Crepes
Because this dish is rich and creamy, lighter sides work particularly well:
- Fresh green salad
- Steamed broccoli
- Roasted asparagus
- Lemon-dressed vegetables
- Garlic bread
- Simple cucumber salad
A squeeze of fresh lemon over each serving also adds a bright contrast to the creamy sauce.
Make-Ahead Instructions
The crepes can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container.
The seafood filling and cheese sauce can also be prepared in advance. When ready to assemble, bring the components together, fill the crepes, cover the casserole, and refrigerate until baking.
If baking directly from the refrigerator, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Make sure the center is thoroughly hot before serving.
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container within 2 hours of cooking.
Enjoy within 3–4 days and reheat thoroughly before serving.
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Seafood Crepe Bake brings together everything you want in a cozy seafood dinner: delicate crepes, tender shrimp and crab, a rich creamy cheese sauce, and a golden layer of bubbling mozzarella.
It’s elegant enough for guests but comforting enough for a family dinner. Add your favorite seafood combination, serve it with a fresh salad and vegetables, and you’ve got a delicious meal that’s sure to impress.