Description
Easy Creamy Shrimp and Grits Casserole with a Cheddar Crust is a comforting Southern classic. This dish features tender shrimp blended into creamy, cheesy grits, topped with a golden cheddar crust and baked to bubbly perfection. Perfect for brunch, holidays, or weeknight dinners, it’s a flavorful, hearty meal everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Grits Base
- 1 cup quick-cooking grits
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
Shrimp Mixture
- 1 pound raw shrimp (peeled, deveined, and chopped)
- 2 green onions (sliced)
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon or diced smoked sausage (optional)
Cheese Topping
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided: 1 cup for grits mixture, 1/2 cup for topping)
Other
- Nonstick spray or butter for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish using nonstick spray or butter to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick.
- Cook Grits: In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water and 1 teaspoon of salt to a boil. Slowly whisk in the 1 cup of quick-cooking grits, then reduce heat to low. Cook, stirring often, for 5–7 minutes until thickened and creamy.
- Add Seasonings and Dairy: Stir in 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (if using), 1/2 cup whole milk, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 tablespoon butter, and 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and the mixture is smooth.
- Incorporate Eggs and Shrimp: Remove the grits from heat and let them cool slightly. Then stir in the lightly beaten eggs. Fold in the chopped shrimp, sliced green onions, and optional cooked bacon or sausage gently to combine evenly.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the grits and shrimp mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese over the top. Bake in the oven for 30–35 minutes or until the casserole is set and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes. This allows it to set further and makes serving easier. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and bake it just before serving for convenience.
- For extra flavor, briefly sauté the shrimp in butter before folding them into the grits mixture.
- This dish is great for brunch, holidays, or a comforting weeknight dinner.
