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To make a tasty shrimp and grits casserole, gather these key ingredients: - 1 cup grits (quick-cooking or regular) - 4 cups water or chicken broth - 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup milk - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and black pepper to taste - Chopped green onions for garnish These ingredients create a rich and creamy base. The shrimp adds a nice touch of seafood flavor. The bell pepper and onion give great texture and sweetness. The cheese brings a creamy, cheesy element that everyone loves. You can make your casserole even better with some garnishes. Here are some ideas: - Extra shredded cheese on top - Chopped parsley or cilantro - Sliced jalapeños for heat - Diced tomatoes for freshness These toppings add flavor and color. They make your dish look lovely when served. If you don't have some ingredients, don't worry! Here are some substitutes you can use: - Grits: Polenta or couscous can work in a pinch. - Shrimp: Try cooked chicken or sausage instead. - Cheddar cheese: Use Monterey Jack or Colby cheese for a different flavor. - Milk: Almond milk or oat milk can work well for a dairy-free option. These substitutes allow you to customize the casserole. Feel free to adjust based on what you have on hand. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish. In a large saucepan, bring 4 cups of water or chicken broth to a boil. Once it’s boiling, slowly whisk in 1 cup of grits. Lower the heat to low. Stir often until the mixture thickens, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes. After thickening, remove it from heat and let it cool slightly. In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 diced bell pepper and 1 small chopped onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften. Then, add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for another minute. Next, add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp. Cook until the shrimp turn pink, which takes around 3 to 4 minutes. In a large bowl, mix the cooked grits, sautéed shrimp, and vegetables. Add 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 cup of milk, and 2 large eggs. Then, stir in 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning, ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Once mixed well, pour the entire mixture into your greased casserole dish. Spread it evenly. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the casserole sets and the top looks golden. After baking, let it cool for a few minutes, then garnish with chopped green onions before serving. To cook grits well, start with the right liquid. I prefer using chicken broth for extra flavor. Bring the broth to a boil before adding the grits. Stir them in slowly to avoid lumps. Cook them on low heat, stirring often. This helps them become creamy. If they seem too thick, add a bit more broth or water. Remember to let them cool slightly before mixing with other ingredients. For tasty shrimp, use fresh or frozen shrimp. If using frozen, thaw them completely. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking, as shrimp can become tough. Season with salt and pepper for added flavor. The key to a great casserole is balance. The grits should be creamy but not runny. Make sure to mix in enough cheese and milk to keep the dish moist. Cajun seasoning adds a nice kick, but adjust it to your taste. If you want more flavor, consider adding a splash of hot sauce or fresh herbs. Garnish with green onions for a fresh touch. This enhances the look and flavor of the dish. Pro Tips Use Fresh Shrimp: For the best flavor and texture, opt for fresh shrimp if available. Frozen shrimp can work in a pinch, but ensure they are properly thawed and drained before use. Customize Your Cheese: While sharp cheddar adds a nice kick, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like pepper jack or gouda for a different flavor profile. Make It Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge overnight. Just pop it in the oven when you're ready to eat! Garnish Creatively: In addition to green onions, consider adding diced tomatoes or a dollop of sour cream on top for added flavor and visual appeal. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of the casserole by adding vegetables. Some good choices are: - Zucchini, diced - Spinach, chopped - Mushrooms, sliced - Corn, fresh or frozen These veggies add texture and taste. You can mix and match based on what you like or have at home. Just sauté them with the onion and bell pepper. This keeps everything nice and soft. If you want to switch up your protein, shrimp is not your only option. Here are some tasty alternatives: - Chicken, diced and cooked - Sausage, sliced and cooked - Tofu, cubed and sautéed Each protein brings its own flavor. Just cook them well before mixing them into the grits. This way, you add variety and fun to your meals. You can easily make this casserole vegan or dairy-free. Here’s how: - Replace shrimp with chickpeas or lentils. - Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. - Swap milk for almond or oat milk. - Use vegan cheese or skip it entirely. These changes keep the dish tasty and satisfying. You can enjoy a rich flavor without dairy or meat. Be creative and find what works for you! To store leftover casserole, let it cool first. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil. You can also transfer it to an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for up to three days in the fridge. Make sure to label the container with the date. When you want to reheat the casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in the oven, covered with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes. This keeps it moist and brings back its tasty flavors. You can also use a microwave. Just warm it in short bursts, stirring in between. If you want to freeze the casserole, let it cool completely. Cut it into serving sizes and wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Label the bag with the date. The casserole can stay fresh for up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. You have many options for sides. A fresh green salad pairs well. Try serving some sautéed greens, like spinach or kale. Cornbread also makes a great side. For a light touch, serve some pickled veggies. These sides balance the rich flavors of the casserole. The casserole is done when it is set and golden on top. You can poke it with a fork. If the fork comes out clean, it’s ready. The edges should pull away from the dish slightly. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Yes, you can prepare it the day before. Just assemble it and cover well. Keep it in the fridge overnight. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Then bake as directed. This makes meal prep easy and saves time! To sum up, we explored the key ingredients for Shrimp & Grits Casserole, from main components to garnishes and substitutes. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparing, sautéing, combining, and baking. You learned tips for cooking grits and shrimp, along with variations to customize your dish. Finally, we covered storage information and answered common questions. This dish is simple and tasty. Enjoy making it for friends and family!

Savory Shrimp & Grits Casserole

A delicious and hearty casserole featuring shrimp and creamy grits, perfect for any occasion.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Southern
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup grits (quick-cooking or regular)
  • 4 cups water or chicken broth
  • 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 bell pepper diced (red or green)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
  • 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste Salt and black pepper
  • for garnish Chopped green onions

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish and set aside.
  • In a large saucepan, bring the water or chicken broth to a boil. Slowly whisk in the grits, reduce the heat to low, and stir frequently until thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
  • In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté the diced bell pepper and onions until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  • In a large bowl, combine the cooked grits, sautéed vegetables, shrimp, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, eggs, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is fully incorporated.
  • Pour the grits mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the casserole is set and the top is golden.
  • Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Notes

Serve the casserole in squares, topped with additional shredded cheese for garnish and a sprinkle of chopped green onions for color. Enjoy hot!
Keyword casserole, comfort food, grits, shrimp