Easy Creamy Shrimp and Grits Casserole with Cheddar Crust Everyone Will Love Recipe
This Easy Creamy Shrimp and Grits Casserole with Cheddar Crust Everyone Will Love is the kind of soul-soothing comfort that brings folks running to the table. It’s everything you adore about Southern shrimp and grits—silky, cheesy, and just a touch decadent—baked into one bubbling, golden casserole that’s perfect for sharing. This recipe turns simple, honest ingredients into something unforgettable, with plump shrimp, sweet bell peppers, and the richest, creamiest grits all tucked beneath a glorious cheddar crust. If you want a crowd-pleaser that practically disappears the moment you set it down, this dish is it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering ingredients for this casserole is delightfully straightforward, but each item plays a starring role in flavor, texture, or color. These staple ingredients work their magic together to create a casserole that’s rich, comforting, and absolutely crave-worthy.
- Stone-ground grits (1 cup): The foundation of creamy texture with a nutty, satisfying bite that quick grits just can’t mimic.
- Water or low-sodium chicken broth (4 cups): Broth adds savory depth, but water works for a lighter base—choose whichever suits your taste.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning both the grits and the shrimp mixture perfectly.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): Lends luxurious richness to the grits, helping them become ultra-creamy.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (1 cup + ½ cup for topping): Gives that classic Southern tang and forms the signature cheesy crust.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Adds an extra layer of salty, nutty complexity to the casserole.
- Heavy cream (½ cup): Rounds out the richness, ensuring every bite melts in your mouth.
- Medium shrimp, peeled and deveined (1 pound): The stars of the show—juicy and sweet, they shine when cooked just until pink.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Perfect for sautéing the veggies and shrimp without weighing things down.
- Small onion, finely chopped (1): Delivers savory sweetness to every forkful.
- Small bell pepper, diced (1): A pop of color and subtle sweetness that brightens the casserole.
- Garlic cloves, minced (2): Aromatic magic to deepen every layer of flavor.
- Smoked paprika (½ teaspoon): Brings a touch of smoke and warmth that complements the shrimp beautifully.
- Cayenne pepper (¼ teaspoon, optional): Just enough to add a whisper of heat if you’d like a little kick.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Because a dish this good deserves perfectly balanced seasoning.
- Chopped green onions for garnish: Lively color and fresh zing to finish everything off with style.
How to Make Easy Creamy Shrimp and Grits Casserole with Cheddar Crust Everyone Will Love
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Preheat the Oven
Start by setting the stage for success—preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures that your Easy Creamy Shrimp and Grits Casserole with Cheddar Crust Everyone Will Love won’t stick and will bake up with those irresistible golden edges.
Step 2: Cook the Grits
In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water or low-sodium chicken broth to a boil and stir in the teaspoon of salt. Gradually whisk in the stone-ground grits, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer, stirring every so often so nothing sticks, for 15 to 20 minutes. You’re looking for grits that are thick, creamy, and spoonable, the perfect base for all the goodness to come.
Step 3: Make the Grits Extra Creamy
Once the grits are cooked, stir in the butter, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan, and heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This is where they transform into the creamiest, dreamiest foundation for the Easy Creamy Shrimp and Grits Casserole with Cheddar Crust Everyone Will Love. Taste and adjust seasoning—don’t be shy!
Step 4: Sauté the Veggies and Shrimp
While the grits work their magic, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the onion and bell pepper and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add the minced garlic, shrimp, smoked paprika, and a sprinkle of cayenne if you like it spicy. Sauté just until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through, about 3 to 4 minutes—succulent, never rubbery.
Step 5: Combine and Transfer to Baking Dish
Gently fold the sautéed shrimp and veggie mixture into your hot, cheesy grits. Pour the whole mixture into your prepared baking dish and smooth it out. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese all over the top for the luscious crust that makes this Easy Creamy Shrimp and Grits Casserole with Cheddar Crust Everyone Will Love live up to its name.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, just until the top is gloriously golden and bubbly. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This pause makes slicing and serving a breeze and gives the flavors a chance to settle in.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finish your casserole with a handful of chopped green onions for a hit of freshness and color. You’re now ready to enjoy a meal that’s bound to become a new tradition—truly the Easy Creamy Shrimp and Grits Casserole with Cheddar Crust Everyone Will Love!
How to Serve Easy Creamy Shrimp and Grits Casserole with Cheddar Crust Everyone Will Love
Garnishes
Top each square with a generous sprinkle of green onions, or try crispy crumbled bacon for extra crunch and smoky flavor. A dash of hot sauce on the side lets guests adjust their own heat level. The garnishes really put the finishing touch on your Easy Creamy Shrimp and Grits Casserole with Cheddar Crust Everyone Will Love, making every bite pop.
Side Dishes
Pair this casserole with a simple arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette, classic Southern collard greens, or even roasted asparagus for a hint of earthiness. Fluffy buttermilk biscuits or honey cornbread are wonderful options for soaking up every last bit of cheesy sauce. These sides complement the main dish without overpowering the flavor of the shrimp and grits.
Creative Ways to Present
For brunch, offer individual portions in ramekins for an elegant touch. At potlucks, slice into hearty squares for easy serving—no need for fussy plating. You can also spoon the casserole over buttery toast rounds for an unexpected appetizer. However you serve it, the Easy Creamy Shrimp and Grits Casserole with Cheddar Crust Everyone Will Love always steals the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep leftovers fresh, transfer the cooled casserole to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The creamy texture stays luscious, and the flavors deepen even more overnight, making lunches and late-night snacks incredibly rewarding.
Freezing
Want a ready-to-go dinner for a busy night? You can freeze the baked casserole, tightly wrapped, for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. While the cheesy crust may lose just a bit of its crispness, the flavor of this Easy Creamy Shrimp and Grits Casserole with Cheddar Crust Everyone Will Love is still top notch.
Reheating
To reheat, simply cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15–20 minutes. For smaller portions, a quick zap in the microwave works too! If you want to restore the cheddar crust’s crispiness, pop the casserole under the broiler for a couple of minutes at the end.
FAQs
Can I use quick grits instead of stone-ground?
Yes! Quick grits will cut down on cooking time and still deliver a delicious result, though they’ll be a bit less rustic in texture. Stone-ground grits offer the best flavor and body for the Easy Creamy Shrimp and Grits Casserole with Cheddar Crust Everyone Will Love, but feel free to use what you have on hand.
What’s the best way to prepare shrimp for this casserole?
Peel, devein, and remove the tails from your shrimp before cooking. Pat them dry and be careful not to overcook—they only need a few minutes until just pink for the most tender texture in your casserole.
Can I make this casserole spicy?
Absolutely! The recipe includes cayenne as an optional addition for some heat. You can also stir in chopped jalapeño, use pepper jack cheese, or finish with your favorite hot sauce to turn up the spice level to your liking.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, as written, the Easy Creamy Shrimp and Grits Casserole with Cheddar Crust Everyone Will Love is naturally gluten-free—just double check that your broth and seasonings are labeled gluten-free if sensitivities are a concern.
Can I add other proteins or vegetables?
Definitely! Smoked sausage, andouille, or even cooked crab would all be delicious. Roasted corn, diced tomatoes, or chopped spinach fold in well too. This is a dish that loves a little improvisation, so have fun making it your own.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a new comfort classic that’s practically guaranteed to win over every guest, you have to try making the Easy Creamy Shrimp and Grits Casserole with Cheddar Crust Everyone Will Love. Each bite is bursting with Southern flavor, and the golden, bubbling top is impossible to resist. Make it for family suppers, brunches, or any time you want a dish that brings everyone together—your table will thank you!
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Easy Creamy Shrimp and Grits Casserole with Cheddar Crust Everyone Will Love Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of this Easy Creamy Shrimp and Grits Casserole with a crispy Cheddar crust. A Southern-inspired dish that will please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
For the Grits:
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 4 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound medium shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails removed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small bell pepper, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup additional shredded cheddar for topping
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Grits: Boil water or broth, whisk in grits, cook until creamy, then stir in butter, cheddar, Parmesan, and cream. Season.
- Cook Shrimp: Sauté onion and bell pepper, add garlic, shrimp, paprika, and cayenne. Combine with grits mixture.
- Bake: Transfer to baking dish, top with cheddar, bake until golden.
- Serve: Let rest before serving. Garnish with green onions.
Notes
- For a smoky twist, add cooked crumbled bacon.
- Quick grits can be used for faster prep.
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
