Shrimp & Grits Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Shrimp & Grits Casserole is a comforting Southern classic made easy in one dish. Creamy grits meld with flavorful shrimp and cheese, baked to bubbly perfection. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or feeding a hungry crowd.

Ingredients

• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup quick-cooking grits
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or nonstick spray.
2. Step 2: In a large saucepan, bring the chicken broth and water to a boil.
3. Step 3: Gradually whisk in the grits. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring often, until the grits thicken.
4. Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream, butter, 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
5. Step 5: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
6. Step 6: Add the shrimp, Cajun seasoning, and paprika to the skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
7. Step 7: Fold the cooked shrimp mixture into the prepared grits mixture until well combined.
8. Step 8: Pour the entire mixture into the greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
9. Step 9: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown.
10. Step 10: Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set.

Tips & Variations

• Use smoked cheddar for a deeper flavor that complements the Cajun seasoning.
• Substitute the bell pepper with diced tomatoes for a slightly tangy twist.
• For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños when cooking the shrimp.
• If you prefer a thicker casserole, use stone-ground grits but increase cooking time when simmering.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through, adding a splash of cream or broth if needed to restore creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp; just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.

Can this dish be made ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake it the next day, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time if needed.

Shrimp & Grits Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 147 reviews

This Shrimp & Grits Casserole combines creamy, cheesy grits with flavorful sautéed shrimp seasoned with Cajun spices, baked to golden perfection. It’s a comforting Southern classic reimagined as an easy one-dish meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

• Author: Rico
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Grits Base

• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup quick-cooking grits
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Shrimp Mixture

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking during baking.
2. Cook Grits: In a large saucepan, bring the chicken broth and water to a boil. Gradually whisk in the quick-cooking grits to avoid lumps, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until the mixture thickens.
3. Add Cream and Cheese: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the heavy cream, butter, 1½ cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, salt, and black pepper until the grits are smooth and creamy.
4. Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic, cooking until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
5. Cook Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet along with Cajun seasoning and paprika. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
6. Combine Shrimp and Grits: Gently fold the shrimp and vegetable mixture into the creamy grits until evenly combined.
7. Assemble Casserole: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top for a golden crust.
8. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
9. Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes to set before serving warm.

Notes

• You can substitute sharp cheddar with pepper jack for a spicier twist.
• If preferred, add chopped green onions or parsley as a garnish for freshness.
• For creamier texture, use stone-ground grits but increase cooking time accordingly.
• Adjust the level of Cajun seasoning based on your spice preference.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: shrimp and grits casserole, Cajun shrimp, Southern casserole, baked shrimp dish, comfort food, cheesy grits, shrimp recipe