Shrimp & Grits Casserole

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There’s something almost poetic about a good plate of shrimp and grits the way creamy, buttery cornmeal cradles tender, smoky shrimp in one perfect bite. It’s the kind of dish that tastes like home, no matter where you’re from.
This Shrimp & Grits Casserole takes that Southern favorite and gives it a make-ahead twist: baked, cheesy, and family-sized. It’s perfect for slow Sunday mornings, cozy dinners, or potluck gatherings when you want to serve something that feels both down-home and just a little indulgent.

Ingredients for Shrimp & Grits Casserole

For the Grits Base:

• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup quick-cooking grits (gluten-free if needed)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter texture)
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Shrimp Layer:

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

Optional Add-Ins:

• Crumbled bacon or andouille sausage (for smoky flavor)
• Chopped parsley, green onions, or chives (for freshness)
• A pinch of cayenne for extra heat

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
2. Cook the Grits
   In a medium saucepan, bring chicken broth and water to a boil.
   Gradually whisk in the grits, reduce heat, and simmer for about 5–7 minutes until thickened. Stir often to prevent clumps.
3. Add Creaminess
   Remove from heat and stir in cream, butter, 1½ cups of the cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and glossy. Set aside.
4. Sauté the Vegetables
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic; cook until softened and fragrant, about 4 minutes.
5. Cook the Shrimp
   Stir in shrimp, Cajun seasoning, and smoked paprika. Cook just until shrimp turn pink — about 3 minutes. Don’t overcook; they’ll finish in the oven.
6. Combine Everything
   Fold the shrimp and veggie mixture into the cheesy grits. Mix gently so the shrimp stay tender.
7. Assemble and Bake
   Pour mixture into your greased casserole dish. Top with remaining cheese.
   Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
8. Cool and Serve
   Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley or green onions for color and a fresh bite.

Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Casserole

• Make-Ahead Magic:
  Assemble up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add 5–10 minutes to the baking time when starting from cold.
• Cheese Depth:
  Mix cheddar with smoked Gouda or Monterey Jack for richer flavor.
• Avoid Rubbery Shrimp:
  Shrimp cook fast — stop when they’re just pink.
• Freezing Tip:
  Freeze before baking for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as usual.

Variations & Substitutions

• Spicy Southern Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
• Veggie-Forward: Replace shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or zucchini.
• Meat Lover’s Twist: Stir in cooked bacon or sausage before baking.
• Herb Upgrade: Sprinkle in fresh chives or thyme for aromatic depth.
• Cheesy Upgrade: Add a handful of Parmesan or blue cheese crumbles for boldness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use instant grits?

Yes! Instant grits work fine. Follow package directions for liquid ratio — just note they’ll have a softer, less rustic texture.

Can I freeze the casserole?

Absolutely. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze up to 2 months, thaw overnight, and bake as directed.

How can I prevent lumpy grits?

Gradually whisk the grits into the hot liquid while stirring continuously. Patience pays off here.

Is this dish spicy?

Mild by default. You control the heat — add extra Cajun seasoning or cayenne to turn it up.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your grits and Cajun seasoning are certified gluten-free.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fat: 23g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 870mg

Note: Nutrition will vary depending on cheese type and added ingredients.

Southern food has a way of making time slow down a reminder that simple, familiar ingredients can feel like a warm embrace. This Shrimp & Grits Casserole captures that spirit: humble, rich, and endlessly comforting.

Whether it’s brunch with friends or a weeknight dinner that needs to feel special, this dish brings the kind of joy that lingers long after the plates are cleared.

So go ahead, grab your whisk, turn up some blues, and bake a little Southern sunshine into your evening.

Shrimp & Grits Casserole — Creamy Southern Comfort Bake

Discover the best Shrimp & Grits Casserole recipe — creamy grits, Cajun shrimp, and melted cheese baked to golden perfection. Easy, make-ahead, and full of flavor.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Grits Base:

• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup quick-cooking grits (gluten-free if needed)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter texture)
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Shrimp Layer:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (red or green)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
• ½ tsp smoked paprika

Optional Add-Ins:

• Crumbled bacon or andouille sausage (for smoky flavor)
• Chopped parsley, green onions, or chives (for freshness)
• A pinch of cayenne for extra heat

Instructions

 

• Preheat the Oven

  Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
• Cook the Grits

  In a medium saucepan, bring chicken broth and water to a boil.

  Gradually whisk in the grits, reduce heat, and simmer for about 5–7 minutes until thickened.

  Stir often to prevent clumps.
• Add Creaminess

  Remove from heat and stir in cream, butter, 1½ cups of the cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and glossy. Set aside.
• Sauté the Vegetables

  In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.

  Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic; cook until softened and fragrant, about 4 minutes.
• Cook the Shrimp

  Stir in shrimp, Cajun seasoning, and smoked paprika. Cook just until shrimp turn pink — about 3 minutes. Don’t overcook; they’ll finish in the oven.
• Combine Everything

  Fold the shrimp and veggie mixture into the cheesy grits. Mix gently so the shrimp stay tender.
• Assemble and Bake

  Pour mixture into your greased casserole dish. Top with remaining cheese.

  Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
• Cool and Serve

  Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley or green onions for color and a fresh bite.

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?