A cozy twist on a Southern classic, this Creamy Shrimp and Grits Casserole layers tender shrimp, creamy grits, and sharp cheddar in one bubbly, golden bake. Perfect for weeknights or weekend brunches, it’s rich, hearty, and packed with bold Cajun flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup grits
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil. Whisk in grits and reduce heat. Simmer until thickened, about 5–7 minutes.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic until soft and fragrant.
- Add shrimp and Cajun seasoning; cook until shrimp are pink and just cooked through, about 3–4 minutes.
- Stir heavy cream and half of the shredded cheddar into the cooked grits until creamy.
- Fold in the shrimp mixture and transfer everything to a greased casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar on top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden edges.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve warm.
Variations
- Andouille Sausage Twist
Swap out half the shrimp for sliced and sautéed Andouille sausage. This adds a smoky, spicy depth and makes the dish even heartier—perfect for a more robust, meaty version. - Smoked Gouda Instead of Cheddar
For a richer, more complex flavor, try replacing the cheddar with smoked gouda. It melts beautifully and brings a hint of smokiness that pairs wonderfully with the Cajun seasoning. - Veggie Lover’s Version
Leave out the shrimp and double up on sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach. It’s a great vegetarian option that still delivers bold, creamy comfort.
Cooking Notes
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp
Shrimp cook fast—just a few minutes until pink and opaque. Overcooking makes them rubbery, so keep a close eye and pull them off the heat as soon as they’re done. - Grits Thickness is Key
The grits should be thick but still creamy when you fold in the shrimp mixture. If they’re too thin, the casserole may be soupy; if too thick, it can become dense after baking. - Use Low-Sodium Broth
Since cheese and Cajun seasoning already bring salt to the dish, using low-sodium chicken broth helps you control the final saltiness without compromising on flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a Simple Green Salad
A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the casserole. Try arugula, baby greens, or romaine with a lemon or balsamic dressing. - Serve with Cornbread or Buttermilk Biscuits
For a true Southern-style meal, serve this casserole alongside warm cornbread or fluffy biscuits. Their mild sweetness complements the creamy, savory filling. - Top with Hot Sauce or Pickled Jalapeños
If your guests like a little heat, serve with your favorite hot sauce on the side or scatter a few pickled jalapeño slices over each serving for a zesty kick.
Tips
- Prep Ingredients in Advance
Dice the vegetables and peel the shrimp before starting—this makes the cooking process smoother and helps avoid overcooking anything while multitasking. - Let it Rest Before Serving
Once out of the oven, let the casserole sit for 5–10 minutes. This allows it to firm up slightly, making it easier to slice and serve clean portions. - Make It Ahead
You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. When ready to serve, bring it to room temperature and bake as directed. Great for entertaining or busy weeknights!
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 780mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just be sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before cooking. Excess moisture from frozen shrimp can water down the dish and prevent browning. - What kind of grits should I use?
Quick grits or regular grits both work well, depending on your time. Avoid instant grits, as they tend to become too mushy and won’t hold up well in the casserole. - Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the entire dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before putting it in the oven. - Is there a dairy-free option?
You can substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use a dairy-free shredded cheese alternative. The flavor will be slightly different but still creamy and delicious.
Conclusion
Creamy Shrimp and Grits Casserole with Cheddar Crust is the kind of dish that brings people together. It’s warm, bold, and loaded with comforting Southern charm. Whether you’re hosting brunch, prepping a cozy family dinner, or just craving something hearty and cheesy, this casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Serve it up hot, garnish with green onions, and enjoy every rich, savory bite!
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Creamy Shrimp and Grits Casserole with Cheddar Crust
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A cozy twist on a Southern classic, this Creamy Shrimp and Grits Casserole layers tender shrimp, creamy grits, and sharp cheddar in one bubbly, golden bake. Perfect for weeknights or weekend brunches, it’s rich, hearty, and packed with bold Cajun flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup grits
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil. Whisk in grits and reduce heat. Simmer until thickened, about 5–7 minutes.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic until soft and fragrant.
- Add shrimp and Cajun seasoning; cook until shrimp are pink and just cooked through, about 3–4 minutes.
- Stir heavy cream and half of the shredded cheddar into the cooked grits until creamy.
- Fold in the shrimp mixture and transfer everything to a greased casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar on top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden edges.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use smoked cheddar or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Want a spicier kick? Add diced jalapeños when cooking the bell peppers.
- This dish reheats well just cover and warm in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
Keywords: shrimp and grits, Southern casserole, creamy grits, cheddar crust, baked shrimp