This Shrimp and Grits Casserole is a Southern classic that brings together creamy grits, savory shrimp, and crispy bacon in one easy-to-make dish. Perfect for family gatherings or a weekend meal, this casserole combines all the comforting flavors of shrimp and grits, but in a convenient casserole form. With layers of tender shrimp, melted cheese, and creamy grits, this dish is sure to impress everyone at the table!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Grits:
- 2 cups heavy cream, divided
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup grits
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Shrimp Mixture:
- 4 slices bacon
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons scallions, chopped
Directions
- Prepare the Grits: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Coat an 11×7-inch baking dish with cooking spray. In a medium saucepan, bring milk and 2 cups of heavy cream to a boil. Stir in grits and butter; let it return to a boil, whisking often. Reduce heat to medium and cook, whisking constantly, until the grits are tender (5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in egg, cheese, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Spoon the grits mixture into the prepared baking dish. Cover and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until set.
- Cook the Bacon: Meanwhile, cook bacon in a large saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp, about 8 minutes. Drain on paper towels, reserving 3 tablespoons of drippings in the pan. Crumble the bacon and set aside.
- Prepare the Shrimp Mixture: In the same pan, add onion and bell pepper to the bacon drippings. Cook over medium-high heat until softened (about 3 minutes). Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Add shrimp and cook until they turn pink (about 3 minutes). Stir in wine and cook until the sauce thickens (2 minutes). Add chicken broth, parsley, thyme, black pepper, cayenne, and remaining heavy cream. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spoon the shrimp mixture over the baked grits using a slotted spoon. Sprinkle with scallions and crumbled bacon. Serve with the shrimp gravy from the pan in a separate bowl.
Nutrients
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 29g
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Potassium: 370mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
The Heart of the Dish: Creamy Grits
At the heart of this casserole is the grits—a Southern staple that gives this dish its signature comforting texture. Grits are made from ground corn, and when cooked with cream, milk, and butter, they transform into a creamy, velvety base. In this casserole, the grits are prepared in a rich combination of heavy cream, milk, and butter, which ensures that each spoonful is smooth and indulgent. The addition of cheddar cheese and a whisked-in egg provides richness and stability, making the grits the perfect foundation for the rest of the casserole.
What makes this casserole unique is how the grits hold everything together in one cohesive dish. They act as the base, providing a creamy layer that contrasts beautifully with the shrimp mixture on top. The grits also absorb the savory flavors of the shrimp and bacon, making each bite a flavorful combination of textures and tastes. When baked, the grits set into a firm, but creamy layer, creating a custard-like texture that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
The Shrimp Mixture: Bold and Flavorful
The shrimp is where the magic happens in this casserole. A shrimp and grits casserole wouldn’t be the same without plump, perfectly cooked shrimp, which adds a tender and juicy texture to the dish. In this recipe, the shrimp is sautéed in a rich mixture of bacon drippings, which infuses the shrimp with a smoky, savory flavor. The bacon drippings help to develop a deep, umami-rich foundation for the shrimp, while the added ingredients like onion, bell pepper, and garlic create layers of flavor in the dish.
The recipe also calls for white wine and chicken broth, which create a luscious, flavorful gravy that coats the shrimp and vegetables. This combination of ingredients ensures that the shrimp remains moist and tender, while the sauce adds richness and depth to the casserole. The addition of fresh parsley, thyme, black pepper, and a dash of cayenne offers a beautiful balance of earthy and herbal flavors, making each bite of shrimp a delight.
One of the defining characteristics of this dish is the harmony of the smoky bacon, creamy grits, and flavorful shrimp. The cayenne pepper adds just a touch of heat, which contrasts nicely with the rich creaminess of the grits and the savory flavor of the shrimp and bacon. This balance of flavors is what makes the casserole stand out from traditional shrimp and grits recipes.
Bacon: The Crispy Touch
No Southern dish is complete without bacon, and this casserole is no exception. The crispy bacon in this recipe adds texture, flavor, and a salty kick to the dish. After frying the bacon, the drippings are used to sauté the shrimp and vegetables, ensuring that every element of the casserole is infused with bacon flavor. The crumbled bacon is then sprinkled on top of the casserole before serving, giving each bite a delightful crunch that contrasts perfectly with the creamy grits and tender shrimp.
The bacon also provides a smoky richness that helps to deepen the flavors of the dish. Whether you’re serving this casserole for a family dinner or a special occasion, the crispy bacon brings a satisfying savoriness that elevates the entire meal.
Assembly and Serving: The Perfect Comfort Meal
Assembling the casserole is where the magic comes together. After cooking the grits and preparing the shrimp mixture, all that’s left is to layer the two components into a baking dish. The creamy grits are spooned into the baking dish as the base, and the shrimp mixture is spooned on top, creating a hearty and flavorful combination. After baking, the casserole forms a beautiful golden crust on top, while the grits remain creamy and tender underneath.
This dish is perfect for serving to a crowd. It’s easy to prepare, can be made ahead of time, and is guaranteed to impress. Shrimp and Grits Casserole also pairs beautifully with other Southern favorites like cornbread, fried green tomatoes, or a simple green salad. The fresh parsley and scallions sprinkled on top add a touch of brightness, while the gravy from the shrimp mixture can be served on the side for extra flavor.
If you’re looking to prepare a Southern-inspired dish that’s both comforting and satisfying, this casserole checks all the boxes. It’s a perfect option for family gatherings, brunch, or a weeknight dinner when you want to enjoy something hearty and flavorful without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Nutritional Benefits: Comfort Food with a Balanced Twist
While this dish is undeniably indulgent, it also provides a great balance of nutrients, thanks to the inclusion of shrimp, grits, and bacon. Shrimp is a low-calorie, high-protein seafood that adds lean protein to the dish, making it a filling yet light option for dinner. The creamy grits offer a source of carbohydrates, while the bacon and cheese provide healthy fats, which help to keep you satisfied throughout the evening.
Additionally, the onion, bell pepper, and garlic in the shrimp mixture provide antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, contributing to the dish’s overall nutritional value. The combination of flavors ensures that the casserole is as flavorful as it is nutritious.
Conclusion: A Southern Classic in Casserole Form
In conclusion, Shrimp and Grits Casserole is a perfect fusion of traditional Southern comfort food and modern convenience. By combining the creamy texture of grits with savory shrimp, smoky bacon, and aromatic herbs, this casserole offers a satisfying, flavorful meal that is both easy to prepare and hearty enough for any occasion. The convenience of baking everything in one dish makes it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or casual family dinners.
This recipe showcases the best of Southern cuisine while offering a modern, practical twist on the classic shrimp and grits dish. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a gathering or enjoy a comforting weeknight meal, Shrimp and Grits Casserole is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
