If you’re anything like me, the words “seafood stuffing recipe” might bring back memories of big holiday dinners, laughter echoing in the kitchen, and a slightly chaotic but heartwarming scene of everyone asking, “Did you make the stuffing again this year?” Well, you’re in luck—because today, I’m sharing a flavorful, easy-to-make seafood stuffing that’s about to become a new family favorite.

Seafood Stuffing Recipe for Busy Nights

Whether you’re prepping for Thanksgiving or just craving a warm, hearty side that could totally double as a main dish (hello, weeknight win), this one’s for you. With tender shrimp, sweet crab, and savory, herb-packed cornbread, this dish is everything you love about seafood recipes rolled into one comforting casserole.

As a busy mom who juggles two kids, a food blog, and a tendency to burn the garlic bread if I blink too long—let me tell you, I live for recipes like this. They’re impressive without being intimidating, satisfying without being overly rich, and most importantly… everyone goes back for seconds. And thirds.

Why You’ll Love This Seafood Stuffing Recipe

Let’s be honest—traditional stuffing is great, but sometimes you want to shake things up. This seafood stuffing recipe is everything the classic version dreams it could be: savory, rich, buttery, and loaded with tender bites of shrimp and sweet crab. It’s like a Southern-style seafood boil and your grandma’s stuffing had a delicious baby.

Here’s why this one’s a keeper:

• Packed with flavor: The combination of Old Bay seasoning, fresh sautéed veggies, and seafood gives this dish that down-home flavor with a coastal twist.
• Perfect for gatherings: It serves 7 (or fewer if you’re like my family and can’t stop picking at the crispy edges).
• Flexible and forgiving: Got leftover seafood? Toss it in. Prefer chicken broth over seafood stock? That works too.
• Beginner-friendly: If you can sauté and stir, you can make this stuffing. It’s that accessible.

And did I mention it pairs beautifully with other seafood recipes like a seafood casserole or even a cajun seafood boil sauce recipe if you’re planning a full-on feast? (Yes, I’ve done that—and yes, it was divine.)

Ingredients: What You’ll Need

Let’s break it down. Here’s everything you’ll need for this comforting seafood stuffing recipe:

• Cornbread: Use store-bought or homemade (I highly recommend my cornbread recipe—link in the full recipe post). Toast the cubes until they’re golden and crunchy.
• Butter: Six tablespoons total, divided. Because buttery stuffing = happy bellies.
• Veggies: Chopped celery, onion, and red bell pepper for that classic flavor base.
• Seasonings: A hearty spoonful of Old Bay, plus dried rosemary and thyme for a warm herbal note.
• Seafood: 1 lb chopped shrimp (peeled and deveined) and 1 lb lump crab meat, drained.
• Eggs & Broth: Acts as the binder and gives moisture. Use seafood broth if you can—chicken works too.
• Fresh Sage (Optional): For that gorgeous, aromatic garnish.

Quick tip from my kitchen to yours: If you’re making this for a holiday, toast the cornbread cubes a day ahead to save time. It makes the day-of prep much smoother (and we all know every minute counts when your kitchen turns into a mini war zone before dinner).

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make this seafood stuffing recipe without breaking a sweat:

Seafood Stuffing Recipe Guide - 30minrecipes

Easy seafood stuffing Recipe with shrimp, crab, and cornbread—perfect for holidays or cozy weeknight dinners.

Type: Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine: Southern, American

Keywords: seafood stuffing, Thanksgiving side dish, Southern seafood recipe, holiday stuffing, crab and shrimp stuffing, cornbread stuffing, seafood casserole, seafood recipes, cozy comfort food

Recipe Yield: 7 servings

Calories: Approx. 310 per serving (you can adjust based on nutritional calculator used)

Preparation Time: PT30M

Cooking Time: PT45M

Total Time: PT1H15M

Recipe Ingredients:

• 3 cups toasted cornbread cubes (store-bought or homemade)
• 6 tbsp butter (divided)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 small red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 tsp Old Bay seasoning
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
• Salt, to taste
• 1 lb lump crab meat, drained
• 3 eggs, beaten
• 3 cups seafood or chicken broth
• Fresh sage (for garnish, optional)

Recipe Instructions: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13" baking dish. Toast cornbread cubes on a baking sheet for 30 minutes or until golden and crunchy. In a large skillet, melt 3 tbsp butter over medium-high heat. Sauté chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery for 3 minutes. Add Old Bay, rosemary, and thyme. Season shrimp with salt, then add to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute, stirring gently. In a large mixing bowl, combine shrimp mixture, crab meat, and toasted cornbread. Add beaten eggs and broth; stir until fully coated. Transfer mixture to the baking dish. Dot top with remaining butter. Bake for 30–45 minutes or until golden brown on top. Garnish with fresh sage and serve warm.

Editor's Rating:
4.9

Pro Tips to Elevate Your Seafood Stuffing Recipe

You know that satisfying moment when everyone at the table goes quiet because the food is just that good? Yeah, let’s make that happen. Here are a few tried-and-true tips from my kitchen to yours:

1. Go for quality seafood.

If you’re using frozen shrimp or crab, make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry. Excess moisture can make your stuffing soggy, and we want those beautiful crispy golden edges.

2. Make it ahead.

This stuffing actually gets better when made ahead! You can prep the whole thing up to the baking step and refrigerate it overnight. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready.

3. Toast the cornbread well.

Don’t skip this step. Toasting gives the cubes structure so they don’t turn to mush once mixed with broth. Plus, it adds a subtle nuttiness that’s chef’s kiss.

4. Spice it up (if you dare).

Want to add a little kick? Toss in a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce when sautéing the veggies. This little nod to a cajun seafood boil sauce recipe brings a bold layer of flavor that’ll wow your guests.

5. Turn it into a meal.

Serve it with a light salad or roasted veggies, and boom—dinner is done. It’s hearty enough to stand alone, but also plays well with sides.

FAQs About This Seafood Stuffing Recipe

You asked, I’m answering! Here are the most common questions I get from fellow home cooks and seafood lovers:

Can I use different seafood in this recipe?

Absolutely. While shrimp and crab are a classic combo, feel free to get creative with what you have. Scallops, crawfish tails, or even chunks of cooked white fish can be delicious. Just keep it around 2 pounds of total seafood.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Just sub in gluten-free cornbread or stuffing mix. Double-check that your broth and seasonings are gluten-free, too.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in a 350°F oven covered with foil for about 15–20 minutes. Or microwave it in short bursts with a splash of broth to bring it back to life.

Can I freeze seafood stuffing?

Yep! Once baked and cooled, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven. It makes a great freezer meal for busy weeks.

What can I serve this with?

It’s versatile! Try pairing it with:

• A side salad and crusty bread
• Roasted green beans or brussels sprouts
• As a seafood side dish alongside a seafood casserole recipe
• Or go bold and serve it as part of a seafood boil spread (yes, really—it works!)

Bonus Twist: Turn It Into a Southern Cajun Seafood Boil Stuffing

If you’re craving a bigger flavor punch and want to turn this into a showstopper, you can level up this recipe with a cajun seafood boil sauce recipe twist. Here’s how:

• After sautéing the veggies, add a tablespoon of cajun seasoning and a splash of hot sauce or lemon juice.
• Stir in a little melted butter and garlic (think of that buttery, spicy boil sauce flavor) before mixing everything together.
• Top with a drizzle of spicy garlic butter before serving. It brings all the flavor of a seafood boil right into your stuffing pan.

You could even serve it with a small side of seafood boil seasoning recipe on the table for guests to sprinkle on top. I’ve done it. No regrets. Zero leftovers.

And hey—if you’re feeling fancy or a little adventurous, this stuffing would totally vibe next to something like a squid ink seafood pasta recipe for an elegant seafood spread that will have people thinking you trained in Italy. (Just say “Grazie!” and smile )

A Final Word: This Seafood Stuffing Recipe is Pure Comfort

Here’s the thing: life is busy. Some days feel like a nonstop sprint from school drop-offs to emails to dinner table negotiations with tiny picky eaters (been there, still there). But when I tell you that this seafood stuffing recipe will be one of those go-to dishes you’ll make over and over again, I’m not exaggerating.

It’s the kind of dish that looks fancy but feels like home. It’s familiar yet exciting—thanks to the blend of herbs, sweet seafood, and that golden, buttery top that practically begs you to dig in. And best of all, it’s flexible enough to fit any occasion, from holiday spreads to a weeknight where you just want to feel like you did something extra—without actually doing extra.

This recipe was born out of one of those moments where I needed to bring something special to the table but didn’t have time to overthink it. I had shrimp in the freezer, cornbread left over from Sunday, and a craving for something warm and cozy. A little mixing, a little baking, and suddenly—I had a dish that even my kids couldn’t stop eating. And let me tell you, that’s a rare win in my house.

Save Time, Savor Taste

At 30min Recipes, my mission is to support busy moms and home cooks with real-life recipes that don’t require a culinary degree or four hours of your life. This seafood stuffing recipe is a shining example of that: quick prep, minimal fuss, and maximum flavor.

You don’t have to wait for Thanksgiving to make it. And you don’t need a seafood market in your backyard either. Just some pantry staples, a few fresh ingredients, and that “let’s do this” energy we all have to summon before tackling dinner on a weeknight.

So go ahead—print this one out, bookmark it, or text it to your sister who always brings the same store-bought stuffing (no shade, we’ve all done it). Once you taste that first buttery bite with a little crunch on top and juicy shrimp inside, you’ll know: this is the one.

And hey, if you’re thinking of making it part of a bigger seafood-themed menu, don’t stop here. Pair it with something bold like this seafood casserole recipe or a spicy cajun seafood boil sauce recipe for a full-on Southern-inspired spread. You can even add some flair with a moody and elegant squid ink seafood pasta recipe if you’re feeling adventurous.

Let’s Stay in the Kitchen Together

If this recipe brought a little joy to your table today, I’d love for you to come hang out again. Whether you’re looking for fast dinner ideas, kid-approved meals, or just a moment of peace scrolling through deliciousness, this space was made with you in mind.

And remember—cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be incredible.

It just needs a little heart, a little butter… and maybe a pound of shrimp.

Save Time, Savor Taste

At 30min Recipes, my mission is to support busy moms and home cooks with real-life recipes that don’t require a culinary degree or four hours of your life. This seafood stuffing recipe is a shining example: quick prep, minimal fuss, and maximum flavor.

You don’t have to wait for Thanksgiving to make it. And you definitely don’t need a seafood market in your backyard. Just a few pantry staples, some fresh ingredients, and that “let’s make something amazing” energy.

Once you taste that first buttery bite with crispy cornbread edges and juicy shrimp in every forkful, you’ll know: this dish belongs in your rotation. And when your family asks for it again next week (trust me, they will), you’ll already be a pro.

Let’s Keep Cooking Together

If you loved this recipe, you’ll definitely want to explore more flavor-packed comfort meals and easy wins straight from my kitchen to yours:

Craving more cozy seafood? Try this rich and creamy seafood casserole recipe—it’s a reader favorite for a reason.
Want more quick, hearty dinners? Don’t miss the Instant Pot BBQ Chicken—set it and forget it, then come back to smoky goodness.
n the mood for something lighter? Check out how to make chicken salad or browse chicken salad recipes for every taste.
For plant-based days, warm your heart with these vegan Christmas cookies or whip up this vegan bread for busy days.
Feeling bold? Learn how to make smoked meatloaf or prep a batch of savory venison breakfast sausage.
And for dessert lovers… don’t miss the ridiculously indulgent slutty brownies recipe—you deserve a treat after dinner!

Or, if you just want to browse and be inspired, head over to the 30min Recipes Blog—I’m always sharing something new, something nostalgic, and something that makes life a little more delicious.