Description
A rich, savory Creole casserole with Gulf shrimp, mirliton squash, and the Cajun holy trinity — perfect for holidays and cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Produce:
- 4 medium mirlitons (chayote), halved, boiled, peeled, seeded, and diced
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery ribs, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 green onions, sliced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Protein:
- 1½ lbs medium raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ lb turkey sausage, diced (optional)
Dairy & Pantry:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- ½ cup plain breadcrumbs (for topping)
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- ¾ cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- ½ tsp Creole seasoning
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Finishing Touches:
- Olive oil spray or melted butter for greasing
- Extra chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Boil Mirlitons: In a large pot of salted water, boil halved mirlitons for 45–50 minutes until tender. Cool, peel, remove seeds, and dice. Let drain in a colander for 20 minutes.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a sauté pan over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter. Add onion, celery, and bell pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes. Stir in garlic, parsley, green onions, and sausage if using. Cook 2 more minutes. Season with Creole seasoning, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- Cook Shrimp: Push veggies aside in the pan. Add shrimp and cook 2 minutes per side until just pink. Stir into the veggie mix.
- Assemble Casserole: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch dish. In a large bowl, mix mirlitons, shrimp-vegetable mix, egg, melted butter, seasoned breadcrumbs, and chicken broth. Spread in dish. Top with plain breadcrumbs and optional butter pats.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes until golden and bubbling. Let rest 10–15 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley or green onions.
Notes
- Mirlitons may be replaced with zucchini.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
- Substitute shrimp with crab, fish, or chicken.
- Prepare ahead and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Creole, Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 275 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 460 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg