Name: Shrimp Grits Casserole: 7 Reasons to Love This Southern Dish
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon cooking spray, butter or oil; 1 pound medium-large uncooked shrimp; to taste salt; to taste freshly ground black pepper; 2 slices bacon; 3 tablespoons butter; 1 bunch scallions; 1 small red bell pepper; 1 medium jalapeño pepper; 3 cloves garlic; 1 can (10-ounce) diced tomatoes with green chiles; 2 cups chicken broth or fish stock; 3/4 cup quick-cooking grits; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 1/2 cups shredded Gouda cheese; to taste chopped fresh parsley

Introduction

Shrimp Grits Casserole combines the rich flavors of the South into a single dish that will warm your heart. This creamy delight features succulent shrimp, cheesy grits, and a hint of spice, making it an irresistible choice for family dinners or gatherings. The perfect blend of textures and flavors ensures that every bite is a comforting experience. Whether you’re new to Southern cuisine or a long-time enthusiast, this dish will quickly become a staple in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Grits Casserole

This Shrimp Grits Casserole is not just food; it’s an experience that brings joy to your kitchen. Here are a few reasons why this dish stands out:

It’s a complete meal in one dish.
Rich in flavor with a nice kick from jalapeños.
Perfect for feeding a crowd.
Easy to prepare and bake ahead of time.
Combines the classic flavors of a Southern shrimp and grits dish.
Versatile; can be adapted with various add-ins like vegetables.
Great for leftovers or meal prep.
This recipe is gluten-free, catering to different dietary needs.

Enjoy the ease of a shrimp and grits bake that captures the essence of Southern comfort food.

Ingredients for Shrimp Grits Casserole

Gather these items:

1 tablespoon cooking spray, butter or oil
1 pound medium-large uncooked shrimp
to taste salt
to taste freshly ground black pepper
2 slices bacon
3 tablespoons butter
1 bunch scallions
1 small red bell pepper
1 medium jalapeño pepper
3 cloves garlic
1 can (10-ounce) diced tomatoes with green chiles
2 cups chicken broth or fish stock
3/4 cup quick-cooking grits
1 large egg
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 1/2 cups shredded Gouda cheese
to taste chopped fresh parsley

How to Make Shrimp Grits Casserole Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: In a medium saucepan, bring water to a rolling boil, add a pinch of salt, and drop in the uncooked shrimp for 10-15 seconds until pink.
Step 3: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy (5-7 minutes), then add scallions, red bell pepper, and jalapeño; sauté for 3-4 minutes.
Step 4: Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, then add diced tomatoes and broth; bring to a gentle boil.
Step 5: Sprinkle quick-cooking grits into the mixture, stir constantly, reduce heat to low, and simmer for about 5-7 minutes until thick.
Step 6: Let the grits mixture cool for 15 minutes, then mix in salt, pepper, cornstarch, and egg; fold in shrimp and bacon.
Step 7: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle with the remaining Gouda cheese.
Step 8: Bake for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and golden, then let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Shrimp Grits Casserole: 7 Reasons to Love This Southern Dish - Shrimp Grits Casserole - main visual representation

Pro Tips for the Best Shrimp Grits Casserole

Keep these in mind:

Serve with chopped fresh parsley as garnish.
Use wild-caught U.S. Gulf shrimp for best flavor.
For added richness, consider using cream instead of some of the broth.
Mix in additional vegetables like spinach or zucchini for a shrimp grits casserole with vegetables.

Best Ways to Serve Shrimp Grits Casserole

This dish is incredibly versatile. Here are some serving ideas:

Pair it with a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Top with extra cheese or a sprinkle of hot sauce for a spicy kick.

How to Store and Reheat Shrimp Grits Casserole

After baking, allow the casserole to cool before storing. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. This makes it a fantastic option for meal prep!

Frequently Asked Questions About Shrimp Grits Casserole

What’s the secret to perfect Shrimp Grits Casserole?

The secret lies in the quality of shrimp and cheese. Using wild-caught shrimp enhances the flavor, while a good Gouda adds creaminess to the dish, resulting in a truly indulgent shrimp and cheese grits casserole.

Can I make Shrimp Grits Casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve for a convenient meal option.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Shrimp Grits Casserole?

To avoid common pitfalls, ensure that the grits are fully cooked and thickened before adding the other ingredients. This ensures a creamy texture in your easy shrimp and grits casserole.

Variations of Shrimp Grits Casserole You Can Try

Experiment with these variations to make your casserole unique:

For a spicy kick, try a spicy shrimp grits casserole recipe by adding more jalapeños or hot sauce.
Incorporate different cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for a flavor twist.
For a low-carb option, use cauliflower rice instead of grits.
Mix in additional proteins like crab or sausage for a heartier meal.

Shrimp Grits Casserole: 7 Reasons to Love This Southern Dish - Shrimp Grits Casserole - additional detail

For more tips on Southern cooking, check out this guide on traditional recipes. If you’re interested in meal prep ideas, visit this resource for more information. You can also learn about the benefits of using fresh ingredients here.