Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Shrimp and Mirliton Dressing combines the unique texture of mirlitons with savory shrimp, flavorful chicken sausage, and the richness of French bread. The Cajun trinity of onions, bell peppers, and celery adds depth, and the seasoning mix makes this dish bursting with flavor. It’s the perfect side dish for any occasion or holiday gathering.

Ingredients

• For the Dressing:

  • 2 ½ pounds mirlitons (about 4-5 mirlitons)

  • 4 tablespoons butter (divided in half)

  • 1 ½ pounds shrimp (51/60 medium/small shrimp)

  • 2 teaspoons liquid crab boil

  • Creole seasoning to taste (see note)

  • 1 pound chicken sausage (instead of pork sausage)

  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped

  • 1 bell pepper, chopped

  • 1 large stalk celery, chopped

  • 6 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce (see note)

  • Large loaf French bread (stale, about 8 cups when cubed)

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

  • 1 teaspoon dried basil

  • ¼ cup loosely packed fresh parsley leaves, chopped

  • ¼ – ½ cup chicken broth

  • ½ cup parmesan (finely grated)

  • ⅓ cup seasoned breadcrumbs

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Boil the Mirlitons

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the mirlitons. Boil for about 50 minutes until a fork easily pierces them.

2. Prepare the Shrimp and Vegetables

• Peel and devein the shrimp. Mix shrimp with crab boil and Creole seasoning, and set aside.

• Chop the onion, bell pepper, and celery. Mince the garlic and finely chop the parsley. Cut the stale bread into small ½ inch cubes. Grate the parmesan and mix with breadcrumbs.

3. Cook the Shrimp and Sausage

• Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat and melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Sauté the shrimp until just cooked through. Remove from the pot and set aside.

• Turn the heat down to medium and add the chicken sausage. Cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks (about 5-8 minutes).

4. Sauté the Vegetables

• Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery to the browned sausage and cook for 5-10 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan as you sauté. Add garlic and cook for another minute. Remove from heat.

5. Chop the Mirlitons

• Once the mirlitons are done, drain them and chop them into small ½ inch pieces.

6. Mix the Dressing

• Add the chopped mirlitons, cooked shrimp (along with any juices), hot sauce, cubed bread, oregano, thyme, basil, and parsley to the pot with the sausage and veggies. Mix well.

• Add just enough chicken broth to moisten the bread mixture but not make it soggy. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to absorb the liquid.

7. Assemble the Casserole

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13 casserole dish with cooking spray and transfer the mirliton mixture into it.

• Sprinkle the top with the parmesan and breadcrumb mixture. Dot with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, cut into small cubes.

• Bake for about 30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and crispy.

8. Serve

• Serve hot and enjoy this rich, flavorful dish!

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

• Rest Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes

• Yield: 16 servings

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Omit the sausage and shrimp, and replace them with a mix of sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and additional herbs for a vegetarian alternative.

• Spicy Kick: Increase the amount of hot sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to heat things up even more.

• Substitute for Mirlitons: If you can’t find mirlitons, try using zucchini or eggplant as a substitute. They have a similar texture, though the flavor will be different.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of broth to restore moisture.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish and refrigerate it overnight before baking. Just bake it fresh the next day!

2. What is a mirliton?

Mirlitons (also called chayote) are a mild, green vegetable commonly used in Southern cooking. They have a crunchy texture and absorb the flavors around them, making them perfect for dishes like this one.

3. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled dish before baking it. Wrap tightly and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight and bake as directed.

4. Can I use store-bought breadcrumbs instead of seasoned?

Yes, you can use plain breadcrumbs and add extra seasoning (like garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian herbs) to suit your taste.

5. How other seasonings can I use?

Feel free to add Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, or thyme for additional layers of flavor. Just be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as you go.

6. How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free bread and ensure that your breadcrumbs are gluten-free. You can also use gluten-free sausage to make it completely gluten-free.

7. How do I know when the dressing is done?

The dressing is done when the top is golden and crispy, and it’s hot throughout. You can check the center with a fork to ensure it’s heated all the way through.

8. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs?

Yes, you can use fresh herbs! Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried.

Conclusion

Shrimp and Mirliton Dressing is a flavorful, hearty dish with a wonderful balance of savory flavors and textures. Whether you’re making it for a holiday gathering or a comforting weeknight meal, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With its combination of shrimp, sausage, mirlitons, and bread, this dish truly captures the essence of Southern cuisine. Enjoy this classic recipe, and let it bring a taste of New Orleans to your table!