Name: Shrimp and Mirliton Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 4 mirlitons (chayote squash), halved and seeded; 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1/2 bell pepper, finely chopped; 2 celery ribs, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup unsalted butter; 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup chopped green onions; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

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If there’s a humble hero of any holiday spread or family dinner in Louisiana, it’s the Shrimp and Mirliton Casserole. This vibrant, comforting bake transforms chayote squash with sweet Gulf shrimp, colorful veggies, a gentle Cajun kick, and a crispy parmesan crumb topping into a celebration of Southern flavor. Whether you’re looking for a fresh twist for your potluck, or simply craving a taste of coastal comfort at home, this casserole hits all the right notes — and then some.

Shrimp and Mirliton Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The joy of Shrimp and Mirliton Casserole lies in how these simple, Southern pantry staples come together to create something truly special. Each ingredient adds its own pop of flavor, texture, or color, making this dish as beautiful as it is delicious!

Mirlitons (chayote squash): Their mild, buttery flavor and tender bite soak up the Cajun spices perfectly and bring signature Southern charm.
Medium shrimp: Fresh, sweet shrimp provide delightful seafood flavor and a succulent, juicy contrast to the mirliton.
Onion: Adds a gentle sweetness and classic depth to the base of the casserole.
Bell pepper (any color): Lends a pop of color and subtle crunch for balance.
Celery ribs: Essential for that New Orleans “holy trinity” flavor — don’t skip it!
Garlic: Just a bit packs a punch and rounds out the savoriness beautifully.
Unsalted butter: Gives richness and helps marry the vegetables together as they sauté.
Seasoned breadcrumbs: The secret to that irresistible golden crust on top.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Salty and nutty, it crisps in the oven and takes the topping over the top.
Green onions: Sprinkle some freshness and faint oniony zing throughout.
Fresh parsley: Brightens each bite and gives the casserole beautiful flecks of green.
Cajun seasoning: Provides that gentle Louisiana heat — add a pinch more if you love it spicy!
Salt and black pepper: Adjust to taste to make every flavor sing.

How to Make Shrimp and Mirliton Casserole

Step 1: Prep and Cook the Mirlitons

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Next, halve and seed the mirlitons, pop them into a big pot of salted boiling water, and cook for 30 to 35 minutes, or until they’re tender enough to scoop. Let them cool just enough to handle, then gently scoop out the flesh, discarding any tough core or seeds. Give the mirliton flesh a rough chop. This step might look simple, but it sets the stage for the luscious, creamy texture that makes Shrimp and Mirliton Casserole so special.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Shrimp

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then toss in your diced onions, bell pepper, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until these veggies are soft and fragrant — about 5 to 7 minutes, letting the kitchen fill with that irresistible Cajun aroma. Add the chopped shrimp and cook just until barely pink, about 2 to 3 minutes. Don’t overcook the shrimp! Keeping them tender ensures every bite of casserole is succulent.

Step 3: Mix it All Together

Add your chopped mirliton to the skillet, followed by green onions, parsley, Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything gently; you want the mirliton to blend and the herbs to shine, but without losing those lovely chunks. Let everything cook together for another 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors meld perfectly.

Step 4: Finish and Assemble

Turn off the heat. Gently fold in half of your breadcrumbs and half of your Parmesan cheese. This creates a rich, cohesive casserole without getting too dense. Spoon the mixture into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish, using a spatula to smooth the top. Sprinkle the remaining breadcrumbs and Parmesan evenly over the surface — this layer is your golden, crispy crown!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place your assembled dish in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the top is golden brown, crisp, and bubbling around the edges. Let your Shrimp and Mirliton Casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving — it will firm up slightly and be easier to serve, plus the aromas are at their peak!

How to Serve Shrimp and Mirliton Casserole

Garnishes

To finish your Shrimp and Mirliton Casserole, I love a little confetti of freshly chopped parsley and green onions right before serving. If you want extra flair, a sprinkle of paprika or a few dashes of hot sauce gives the topping a pop of color and zing. Serve each square with a lemon wedge to brighten all the flavors with a squeeze of citrus.

Side Dishes

This casserole is wonderfully versatile at the table. Serve it with a crisp green salad or a batch of warm, fluffy cornbread to soak up every last bit. For special occasions, I like to add a scoop of dirty rice, or some tender braised greens — these classic Southern sides play so nicely with the flavors in Shrimp and Mirliton Casserole.

Creative Ways to Present

For a holiday buffet, consider baking the casserole in individual ramekins for personal servings — it looks elegant and lets everyone enjoy the crispy edges. Or, for parties, try spooning the filling into hollowed-out mirliton shells for a stunning presentation. Even just a big, family-style baking dish garnished lavishly feels festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your meal, simply let any extra Shrimp and Mirliton Casserole cool to room temperature. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate. It’ll keep well for up to three days, and the flavors become even richer overnight.

Freezing

Want to save some for later? You can freeze the unbaked or baked casserole. Just wrap the cooled dish tightly in foil and freeze for up to two months. For best results, sprinkle a fresh layer of breadcrumbs and Parmesan before reheating to retain that signature golden crust.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbling (about 20–25 minutes, longer from frozen). Remove the foil in the last few minutes to re-crisp the top. Individual portions can be popped in the microwave, but a quick broil afterward revives that lovely crunch.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Shrimp and Mirliton Casserole?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and pat the shrimp dry thoroughly before cooking. This keeps your casserole from getting watery and ensures the best texture.

Is there a substitute for mirliton if I can’t find it?

If mirliton isn’t available, zucchini or yellow squash make a fine substitute. The flavor and texture will be a bit different, but you’ll still have a tasty, fresh casserole.

How spicy is Shrimp and Mirliton Casserole?

The heat level is quite mild as written, with just a little warmth from Cajun seasoning. If you’re a spice lover, increase the Cajun seasoning or toss in a pinch of cayenne, and feel free to serve hot sauce on the side!

Can I make Shrimp and Mirliton Casserole ahead of time?

Definitely. Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate overnight. When ready to serve, bake as directed. It’s ideal for entertaining or busy weeknights.

What’s the best way to peel and seed mirliton?

After boiling and halving, mirlitons are soft enough to scoop out the flesh with a spoon. The seeds are typically large and easy to remove. Some cooks peel them before boiling, but it’s not necessary; the skin softens nicely in the casserole.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that captures the soul of Cajun cooking, Shrimp and Mirliton Casserole is it. I hope this recipe inspires you to gather friends and family around your table — the flavors, warmth, and memories are sure to last well after the last bite!

Shrimp and Mirliton Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Shrimp and Mirliton Casserole is a delightful Cajun-inspired dish that brings together the flavors of tender shrimp, mirliton squash, and a savory breadcrumb topping. Perfect for a comforting meal with a Southern twist.

Ingredients

Scale

Mirliton:

4 mirlitons (chayote squash), halved and seeded

Shrimp Mixture:

1 pound medium shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
1/2 bell pepper, finely chopped
2 celery ribs, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste

Additional Ingredients:

1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped green onions
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

Prepare Mirlitons: Boil mirlitons in salted water until tender, scoop out flesh, and chop.
Sauté Vegetables: Cook onions, bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Add shrimp and cook until pink.
Combine Ingredients: Mix in mirliton, green onions, parsley, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir in breadcrumbs and Parmesan.
Bake: Transfer mixture to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs and Parmesan. Bake until golden and bubbly.
Serve: Rest for 5 minutes before serving.