Mirliton Casserole

Bring bold Creole flavors to your table with this irresistible mirliton casserole, a comforting Southern classic brimming with shrimp, tender chayote squash, and a medley of aromatic vegetables. Perfectly seasoned with Creole spices, this dish balances savory richness with a hint of freshness from parsley and a crispy Parmesan breadcrumb topping. The mirlitons are boiled until tender, then scooped, chopped, and combined with sautéed shrimp, onions, celery, and bell peppers, creating a hearty filling that’s baked to golden perfection. Serve it in a casserole dish or use the mirliton shells for a stunning presentation. This mirliton casserole is an excellent choice for holiday gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner, offering an authentic taste of Louisiana cuisine in every bite.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 4 large mirlitons (chayote squash)
• 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 stalks celery, finely diced
• 1 large green bell pepper, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 0.5 cup milk
• 2 teaspoons Creole seasoning
• 2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 1 small can cooking spray

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray.

Step 2

Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Cut the mirlitons in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Boil the mirlitons until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain and let them cool.

Step 3

Once cool enough to handle, scoop out the flesh of the mirlitons, leaving a thin shell if you want to use them for presentation. Chop the flesh and set it aside.

Step 4

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 5

Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn pink and start to curl, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 6

Stir in the chopped mirliton flesh and season with Creole seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix in the parsley and cook for another 2 minutes.

Step 7

Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the breadcrumbs, milk, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.

Step 8

Spoon the mixture into the prepared casserole dish (or into the mirliton shells if using) and spread it out evenly.

Step 9

Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2242.1 grams (2242.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3779

Total Fat 269.20g	345%
Saturated Fat 36.80g	184%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.50g
Cholesterol 1040mg	347%
Sodium 5617mg	244%
Total Carbohydrate 153.40g	56%
Dietary Fiber 25.60g	91%
Total Sugars 38.50g
Protein 155.40g	311%

Vitamin D 63IU	313%
Calcium 1226mg	94%
Iron 11mg	62%
Potassium 3240mg	69%

*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: 66.2%

Protein: 17.0%

Carbs: 16.8%