Easy Shrimp & Grits Casserole (Printable)
Southern-inspired dish combining creamy grits, seasoned shrimp, and melted cheese for a warm, savory meal.
# Ingredient List:
→ Grits Base
01 - 1 cup stone-ground grits
02 - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
03 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
04 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
05 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
→ Shrimp Preparation
06 - 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
07 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
08 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
09 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
10 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
11 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
12 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
→ Vegetables & Aromatics
13 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
14 - 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
15 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
16 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
→ Topping
17 - 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
18 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
# How to Make:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.
02 - Bring chicken broth to a boil in a large saucepan. Stir in grits and salt. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and creamy. Remove from heat and stir in butter and cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
03 - In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt until evenly coated. Set aside.
04 - Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper, sautéing for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 additional minute.
05 - Add seasoned shrimp to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque. Remove from heat immediately.
06 - Spread cooked grits evenly in the prepared casserole dish. Top with shrimp and vegetable mixture. Sprinkle Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the surface.
07 - Bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
08 - Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving warm.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- Everything bakes together in one dish, leaving you with minimal cleanup and maximum comfort
- The creamy grits and spicy shrimp balance each other perfectly, hitting every craving at once
02 -
- Overcooking the shrimp makes them rubbery, so pull them from the skillet as soon as they turn pink
- The grits will continue thickening in the oven, so keep them slightly looser than you want them finished
03 -
- Stir the grits constantly during the first few minutes of cooking to prevent lumps
- Let the casserole rest for the full 5 minutes so it sets up and serves more cleanly