Baked Southern Comfort: The Ultimate Shrimp & Grits Casserole

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There’s nothing quite like the soulful embrace of Southern comfort food, and few dishes capture that essence better than Shrimp and Grits. This beloved classic, often cherished for its rich, creamy texture and savory seafood notes, has been reimagined into an incredibly easy-to-make casserole. Forget the fuss of constantly stirring grits on the stovetop; our Shrimp & Grits Casserole bakes to perfection, delivering a dish loaded with big, bold Southern and Cajun flavors in every comforting bite.

My love affair with grits began during my time in Texas, where a hearty bowl of creamy grits, adorned with all sorts of delectable toppings, was a culinary revelation. While the traditional skillet method for shrimp and grits is fantastic, it can sometimes be tricky to get the grits just right. This casserole recipe simplifies the process, allowing the grits to cook low and slow in the oven until they achieve that velvety, irresistible creaminess we all crave. It’s truly a no-fail approach to a quintessential Southern staple.

What truly elevates this dish is the impeccably flavored shrimp topping. While I once enjoyed the luxury of wild-caught Gulf shrimp in Texas, high-quality imported shrimp works beautifully. The shrimp are undoubtedly the star of this show, so investing in the best you can find will make all the difference. Imagine succulent shrimp swimming in a luscious, creamy sauce, generously seasoned with garlic, crispy bacon, tangy red onion, and vibrant bell pepper. This rich shrimp gravy is so good, you might be tempted to eat it straight from the pan!

Whether you prefer a fork or a spoon, this hearty casserole promises an authentic taste of the South, embodying Southern comfort food 101. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner, a casual brunch, or even an impressive holiday gathering. The combination of sweet corn grits and spicy, garlicky shrimp creates a symphony of flavors that is truly a match made in culinary heaven.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Easy Shrimp & Grits Casserole

This casserole isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, blending rich Southern traditions with a touch of spicy Cajun flair. Here’s why it’s destined to become a family favorite:

• Unforgettable Flavor Fusion: Experience the perfect marriage of the deep, comforting flavors of the South with the vibrant, zesty spice of Cajun cuisine. Every mouthful is a delightful dance of savory, creamy, and subtly spicy notes.
• Irresistibly Cheesy Grits: Who can resist cheese? Our recipe features a dynamic duo of sharp cheddar and pepper jack, melting together to create a profoundly cheesy grits base that’s utterly unforgettable. This gooey foundation provides the ultimate counterpoint to the flavorful shrimp.
• A Symphony of Textures: The inherent sweetness of corn grits finds its perfect partner in the robust, garlicky, and slightly spicy shrimp topping. The interplay of creamy grits, tender shrimp, and crisp bacon bits makes for an incredibly satisfying textural experience.
• Effortless Entertaining: As a casserole, this dish is wonderfully simple to assemble and bake, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. It’s also fantastic for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy Southern comfort throughout the week.

Essential Ingredients for Your Shrimp & Grits Casserole

Crafting this masterpiece requires a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. We’ll divide them into two main categories: the creamy grits base and the savory shrimp topping.

For the Creamy Grits:

The foundation of any great grits dish starts with the grits themselves. We opt for non-instant grits for superior texture and flavor, allowing them to slowly absorb the liquids and become incredibly creamy in the oven.

• Unsalted Butter: Essential for richness and flavor.
• Low-Sodium Chicken Broth & Milk: Our liquid base for cooking the grits, providing depth and creaminess. Using low-sodium broth allows for better control over the overall saltiness.
• Salt: Kosher salt is recommended for its pure flavor and larger crystals, which dissolve evenly.
• Grits: Crucially, choose non-instant grits (often labeled “regular” or “stone-ground”). These take longer to cook but offer a far superior texture and more authentic corn flavor compared to their instant counterparts.
• Shredded Sharp Cheddar & Pepper Jack Cheese: These cheeses provide both classic cheesy goodness and a subtle kick. Sharp cheddar offers tang, while pepper jack adds a gentle spice and wonderful melt.
• Egg: Lightly beaten, it acts as a binder, helping the grits set beautifully in the casserole.

For the Flavorful Shrimp Topping:

The shrimp gravy is where the magic happens, infusing the dish with incredible savory notes and a touch of spice. Each ingredient plays a vital role in building complex flavors.

• Bacon: Chopped and cooked until crisp, the bacon provides a smoky, salty crunch and, more importantly, a flavorful fat base for sautéing the aromatics.
• Red Onion: Sliced thinly, it offers a sweet and pungent aromatic foundation.
• Red Bell Pepper: Diced small, it adds a touch of sweetness, color, and a mild peppery note.
• Garlic Cloves: Minced, garlic is indispensable for that authentic Southern flavor profile.
• All-Purpose Flour: Used to create a roux, thickening the sauce into a rich, luscious gravy.
• Shrimp: Peeled and deveined raw shrimp are key. Look for medium to large shrimp for the best texture and visual appeal in the casserole. Freshness is paramount!
• Dry White Wine: A splash of dry white wine deglazes the pan, adding acidity and depth to the sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Again, low or no sodium added chicken broth for controlled seasoning.
• Chopped Parsley & Fresh Thyme Leaves: These fresh herbs brighten the sauce with their aromatic qualities.
• Black Pepper & Cayenne: Freshly ground black pepper adds warmth, while cayenne pepper provides that characteristic Cajun heat.
• Corn Niblets: A touch of sweetness and textural contrast.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Creates the luxurious, creamy consistency of the shrimp gravy.
• Sliced Green Onions: Used as a fresh, mild oniony garnish and for a pop of color.

How to Make This Hearty Shrimp & Grits Casserole

Creating this delicious casserole is a straightforward process, broken down into making the grits base and then the flavorful shrimp topping. Follow these steps for a perfect dish every time.

1. Prepare for Baking: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a baking dish (a 9×13 inch casserole dish or a large cast iron skillet works well) with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside. This ensures easy release and cleanup.
2. Simmer the Grits Base: In a large saucepan, combine the chicken broth, milk, 1 ½ teaspoons of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
3. Cook the Grits: Slowly whisk the non-instant grits into the simmering liquid. Continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the grits begin to thicken and cook through, which usually takes about 20 minutes. The grits will absorb most of the liquid and become creamy.
4. Enrich the Grits: Remove the grits from the heat. Stir in the unsalted butter until it melts and is fully incorporated. Allow the grits to cool slightly for a few minutes. Then, fold in the shredded sharp cheddar and pepper jack cheeses, along with the lightly beaten egg. The residual heat will help melt the cheese beautifully.
5. Bake the Grits: Transfer the prepared grits mixture into your greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 60 minutes, or until the grits are set, firm, and lightly golden brown on top. While the grits bake, you can start preparing the shrimp topping.
6. Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet (preferably cast iron for even heat), cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it’s wonderfully crisp. Using a slotted spoon, remove the bacon bits and drain them on paper towels, reserving for garnish. Drain off all but about 4 tablespoons of the rendered bacon fat from the skillet. This fat is essential for flavor!
7. Sauté Aromatics: Add the thinly sliced red onion and diced red bell pepper to the skillet with the reserved bacon fat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened, about 5-7 minutes.
8. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just an additional minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Turn off the heat briefly.
9. Create the Roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour into the skillet with the vegetables and bacon fat. Stir well to combine, forming a paste (this is your roux). Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to cook out the raw flour taste.
10. Deglaze and Thicken: Gradually pour in the dry white wine and chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Turn the heat back to low and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, continuing to whisk as it thickens into a rich, savory gravy.
11. Cook the Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp, chopped parsley, fresh thyme leaves, freshly ground black pepper, the remaining cayenne pepper, corn niblets, and heavy whipping cream to the sauce. Cook gently, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn opaque and are cooked through, about 3-5 minutes depending on their size. Avoid overcooking the shrimp, as they can become tough.
12. Assemble and Serve: Once the grits casserole is baked and the shrimp topping is ready, spoon the flavorful shrimp mixture evenly over the top of the hot grits. Sprinkle generously with the sliced green onions and the reserved crispy bacon bits. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Southern masterpiece!

Choosing the Best Shrimp for Your Casserole

The quality of your shrimp significantly impacts the final dish. When selecting shrimp for this casserole, freshness is paramount. Look for medium to large-sized shrimp (21-25 count or 16-20 count per pound) as they offer a good balance of tenderness and visual appeal. If you can find “EZ peel” shrimp, they will save you a lot of preparation time. Always check for a firm texture, a mild, fresh ocean scent (avoid any strong “fishy” odor), and a translucent, grayish-green color. Avoid shrimp that appear slimy, have black spots, or smell of ammonia. Fresh or frozen (and properly thawed) shrimp will both work well, just ensure they are peeled and deveined before cooking.

Chef Jenn’s Expert Tips for Success

Achieve perfection with your Shrimp & Grits Casserole by incorporating these insider tips:

• Salt Selection: Always opt for kosher salt in your cooking. Its larger crystals and lack of additives provide a cleaner, more balanced flavor compared to regular table salt.
• Cheese Creativity: While sharp cheddar and pepper jack are fantastic, don’t hesitate to experiment with other cheese variations. Smoked Gouda can add a deeper, smoky undertone, while Gruyere offers a nutty, complex flavor that pairs wonderfully with shrimp. A combination of several cheeses can also create a more dynamic profile.
• Grits Quality Matters: This cannot be stressed enough – avoid instant grits! The rapid cooking process of instant grits compromises their inherent texture and reduces their corn flavor. Non-instant (regular, old-fashioned, or stone-ground) grits yield a far superior creamy texture and richer, more authentic taste, making all the difference in this casserole.
• Bacon Fat is Flavor: Don’t discard all the bacon fat! Reserving 4 tablespoons to sauté your aromatics (onion, bell pepper, garlic) provides an incredible depth of smoky flavor that infuses the entire shrimp gravy.
• Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly. As soon as they turn opaque and pink, they are done. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery and less enjoyable.

Recommended Pairings

Make It A Complete Meal

To perfectly complement the richness of this Shrimp & Grits Casserole, consider serving it alongside some fresh, vibrant sides. Classic Southern collard greens or a crisp, light green salad with a delicious Russian dressing would balance the flavors beautifully. For beverages, a light white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, or a tall glass of sweet iced tea, would enhance the meal. If you’re looking to add another touch of freshness, a side of Smoked Asparagus would lighten things up wonderfully.

Storage Guidelines

This casserole is fantastic for leftovers and stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. When reheating, gently warm portions in the microwave or oven until heated through. While freezing is an option, it’s generally best to consume this dish fresh for the most authentic texture and optimal flavors, as grits can sometimes become a bit grainy after freezing and thawing.

Step-By-Step Visual Process

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Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (10 votes)

Shrimp and Grits Casserole

Creamy, cheesy grits baked low and slow in the oven and topped with a garlicky shrimp sauce? Yes please! Revolutionize your grits experience and try this easy, no-fail Shrimp & Grits Casserole today!

Course: Casseroles, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: casserole, easy shrimp recipe, grits, shrimp, shrimp and grits

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 659 kcal

Author: Chef Jenn

Ingredients

For the Grits:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 3 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon salt (kosher salt recommended)
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne (divided)
• 1 ¼ cups grits (non-instant grits recommended)
• 1 cup sharp cheddar (shredded)
• ¾ cup pepper jack cheese (shredded)
• 1 egg (lightly beaten)

For the Shrimp Topping:

• 4-5 slices bacon (chopped)
• ½ cup red onion (diced)
• ½ cup red bell pepper (sliced thinly)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 pound raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• ½ cup dry white wine
• 1 cup chicken broth (low or no sodium added)
• 2 tablespoon chopped parsley
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme leaves
• ½ teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 cup corn niblets
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream
• ½ cup sliced green onions

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Set this aside.
2. Combine chicken broth, milk, 1 ½ teaspoons of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of cayenne in a saucepan and bring to a simmer.
3. Slowly whisk in the grits and simmer until the grits start to cook and thicken, about 20 minutes. Stir in the butter and cool slightly. Then, add the shredded cheeses and beaten egg and transfer the grits to the prepared baking dish.
4. Bake the grits at 350°F (175°C) for about 60 minutes or until set and lightly brown on top.
5. Meanwhile, prepare the shrimp topping. Cook the chopped bacon in a large skillet until crisp. Drain on paper towels, reserving for garnish. Remove and discard all but 4 tablespoons of bacon fat from the skillet.
6. Add the diced red onion and thinly sliced red bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
7. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Turn off the heat.
8. Add the all-purpose flour and stir to combine, creating a roux.
9. Add the dry white wine and chicken broth, whisking vigorously to combine. Turn the heat to low and bring to a simmer, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens.
10. Add the raw shrimp, chopped parsley, fresh thyme leaves, black pepper, the remaining cayenne, heavy cream, and corn niblets. Cook until the shrimp are no longer opaque and are cooked through, about 3-5 minutes.
11. Spoon the shrimp mixture generously over the top of the baked grits casserole. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and the reserved crispy bacon bits before serving.

Notes

• Opt for kosher salt for a balanced flavor.
• Feel free to mix in other cheese variations like smoked Gouda or Gruyere for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Make sure your grits are not instant; the texture and flavor will be much better with regular or stone-ground grits.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1.5 cups | Calories: 659kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 19g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 213mg | Sodium: 1286mg | Potassium: 791mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 2334IU | Vitamin C: 38mg | Calcium: 479mg | Iron: 3mg

A Note on Nutritional Information: Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is calculated based on available online ingredient information. It is only an approximate value. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site cannot be guaranteed.

Craving More Delicious and Easy Recipes?

If you loved this comforting casserole, you’re in for a treat! Explore more mouth-watering recipes that are perfect for any occasion:

• Cooking Steaks on a Blackstone Griddle: Master the art of searing perfectly juicy steaks outdoors.
• Smoked Lamb Chops: Elevate your dinner with tender, smoky lamb chops that are bursting with flavor.
• Leftover Roast Beef Stroganoff: Transform your roast beef leftovers into a rich and creamy pasta dish.
• Smoked Shotgun Shells: An incredibly fun and flavorful appetizer or main course, perfect for BBQ enthusiasts.

Happy cooking, and enjoy bringing these incredible flavors to your table!