Easy Shrimp & Grits Casserole (Printable)
Tender shrimp combined with creamy stone-ground grits and a savory cheese topping.
# What You'll Need:
→ Grits Base
01 - 1 cup stone-ground grits
02 - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
03 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
04 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
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
→ Topping
16 - 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
17 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
# How To Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.
02 - In a large saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil over high heat. 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 2 tablespoons butter and sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
03 - While grits cook, combine shrimp with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, black pepper, and salt in a bowl. Toss until evenly coated and set aside.
04 - Melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper, sautéing for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
05 - Add seasoned shrimp to the skillet with vegetables. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove from heat immediately to prevent overcooking.
06 - Spread cooked grits evenly in the prepared casserole dish. Distribute shrimp and vegetable mixture over the grits. Sprinkle Monterey Jack cheese evenly across the top.
07 - Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and beginning to brown lightly. The casserole should be heated through.
08 - Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving warm.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The creamy grits and succulent shrimp create the perfect comforting texture combination that makes everyone feel at home
- You get all the flavors of classic shrimp and grits without the stress of timing everything perfectly
- The casserole reheats beautifully for lunch the next day, if there's any left
02 -
- Overcooking the shrimp will make them rubbery and tough, so pull them from the heat the moment they turn completely pink
- Stone-ground grits really do need the full cooking time, so don't rush this step or they'll have an unpleasant, gritty texture
- The casserole needs those 5 minutes of resting time or it will be too loose to serve neatly
03 -
- Pat the shrimp completely dry before tossing them with spices, otherwise the seasoning slides right off
- Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded bags, which contain anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting