Shrimp and Mirliton Dressing

Dive into the vibrant flavors of the South with this Shrimp and Mirliton Dressing recipe, a quintessential Cajun-inspired casserole that's perfect for any occasion. Featuring tender mirliton (chayote squash) combined with sweet, juicy shrimp, aromatic vegetables, and a medley of bold seasonings like Cajun spice and paprika, this dish is a true celebration of Louisiana's culinary heritage. Seasoned breadcrumbs and seafood stock create a moist, flavorful base, while optional Parmesan cheese adds a hint of richness. With its golden-brown, crispy topping and savory filling, this dressing makes an irresistible addition to holiday tables or everyday meals. Easy to prepare and bursting with coastal charm, this mirliton dressing is sure to become a family favorite. Perfect for keywords such as "Shrimp and Mirliton Dressing," "Cajun recipes," "holiday casserole," and "Louisiana cuisine."

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:25 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 4 whole medium mirlitons (chayote squash)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 stalks celery stalks, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
• 2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped
• 3 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
• 1.5 cups seasoned breadcrumbs
• 1 cup seafood stock (or chicken stock)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large casserole dish with butter or a nonstick spray and set aside.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the mirlitons and boil for 20-25 minutes, or until fork-tender. Carefully remove them from the water and let them cool until they’re safe to handle.

Step 3

Once cooled, cut each mirliton in half lengthwise and remove the seed. Scoop out the flesh with a spoon, being careful not to puncture the thin skin, and place the flesh into a medium bowl. Chop the flesh into small pieces and set aside.

Step 4

In a large skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent.

Step 5

Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant. Add the chopped shrimp and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.

Step 6

Add the chopped mirliton flesh to the skillet along with the parsley, green onions, salt, black pepper, Cajun seasoning, and paprika. Stir well to combine all the flavors and cook for 3-4 minutes.

Step 7

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the breadcrumbs and seafood stock. Mix until the breadcrumbs absorb the liquid and the dressing reaches a moist but not overly wet consistency.

Step 8

Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning if needed. If you’d like, stir in the optional Parmesan cheese for added richness.

Step 9

Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy.

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let the dressing cool for 5-10 minutes. Serve warm, and enjoy your delicious Shrimp and Mirliton Dressing!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2330.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2528.1

Total Fat 122.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 57.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 1082.9mg	0%
Sodium 8463.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 197.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 30.3g	0%
Total Sugars 28.9g
Protein 183.9g	0%

Vitamin D 811.1IU	0%
Calcium 1869.8mg	0%
Iron 13.0mg	0%
Potassium 3279.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 42.0%

Protein: 28.0%

Carbs: 30.0%