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Shrimp & Grits Casserole 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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