If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food with a kick, you’ve just found it. This Spicy Shrimp and Grits Casserole is everything you love about the Southern classic—creamy, cheesy grits, perfectly spiced shrimp, and layers of bold, savory flavors—all baked together into one delicious, satisfying dish.
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Imagine digging into a warm, bubbling casserole straight from the oven, with the rich, creamy texture of the grits perfectly balancing the heat from the seasoned shrimp. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel at home, whether you’re serving it for a cozy weeknight dinner or wowing guests at a weekend brunch.
Trust me, this one’s a game-changer! Let’s dive into why you’re going to love it.
Why You’ll Love Spicy Shrimp and Grits Casserole
Versatile
Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Whether you need a quick, comforting dinner or a standout dish for a potluck, this casserole does it all.
Budget-Friendly
Made with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, so you won’t have to break the bank. Good food doesn’t have to be expensive!
Quick and Easy
No complicated steps here—just straightforward cooking with a delicious payoff. Even if you’re new to making grits, I’ll guide you through it.
Customizable
Love extra heat? Add more spice! Prefer a creamier texture? Stir in more cheese. This dish is easy to tweak to your taste.
Crowd-Pleasing
It’s a dish the whole family will devour. Even picky eaters won’t be able to resist the creamy, cheesy goodness paired with perfectly seasoned shrimp.
Ingredients in Spicy Shrimp and Grits Casserole
Here’s the magic of this casserole—it’s made with just a few pantry staples, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:
Shrimp
The star of the dish! Fresh shrimp, seasoned to perfection, brings that juicy, slightly sweet seafood flavor that pairs beautifully with the rich, creamy grits.
Grits
The foundation of this dish. Smooth, creamy, and slightly buttery, grits give this casserole its signature comforting texture.
Cheese
A generous amount of shredded cheese melts into the grits, making them ultra-rich and delicious. Sharp cheddar works beautifully, but feel free to mix in some pepper jack for a spicy kick.
Butter
Adds a velvety richness to the grits, making every bite extra indulgent.
Garlic and Onion
These two add depth and aroma, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Spices
Paprika, cayenne, and a hint of Old Bay seasoning give the shrimp a bold, smoky heat that perfectly balances the creamy grits.
Heavy Cream
A splash of cream takes the grits to the next level, making them ultra-smooth and decadent.
Chicken Broth
Cooking the grits in broth instead of water adds an extra layer of savory goodness.
Eggs
Help bind the casserole together, giving it a light, soufflé-like texture.
Green Onions and Parsley
A fresh garnish that adds color and a bright, herby finish.
(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F. This ensures even baking and a perfectly set casserole.
Cook the Grits
In a saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Slowly whisk in the grits, reduce the heat, and let them simmer until thick and creamy. Stir in butter, cheese, and heavy cream for extra richness.
Season and Cook the Shrimp
In a skillet, heat a little butter and sauté the garlic and onion until fragrant. Add the shrimp and season with paprika, cayenne, and Old Bay. Cook until the shrimp are just pink—remember, they’ll finish cooking in the oven!
Combine Everything
In a large bowl, mix the cooked grits with eggs and half of the green onions. Stir well to incorporate everything smoothly.
Assemble the Casserole
Spread half of the grits mixture in a greased baking dish. Layer the shrimp on top, then cover with the remaining grits.
Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for about 25 minutes, until the casserole is set and slightly golden on top.
Finishing Touches
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and the remaining green onions for a fresh pop of flavor.
Serve and Enjoy!
Dig in while it’s warm, and enjoy the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy grits and spicy, succulent shrimp.
How to Serve Spicy Shrimp and Grits Casserole
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- Fresh Salads: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances out the richness.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up every last drop of that cheesy, buttery goodness.
- Vegetable Sides: Roasted asparagus, sautéed spinach, or grilled zucchini make excellent additions.
- As a Standalone: Honestly, this casserole is hearty enough to enjoy all on its own!
Additional Tips
- Prep Ahead: Save time by chopping ingredients and prepping the shrimp in advance.
- Spice It Up: Add extra cayenne or hot sauce for a fiery kick.
- Dietary Adjustments: Swap heavy cream for coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to preserve the texture.
- Double the Batch: This casserole freezes beautifully—make extra and save for busy days!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A1: Yes! Just thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
Q2: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely. Assemble it, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. Bake when ready.
Q3: What’s the best cheese to use?
A3: Sharp cheddar is classic, but pepper jack or gouda add great depth of flavor.
Q4: Can I make this dish less spicy?
A4: Of course! Reduce the cayenne or omit it for a milder taste.
Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Q6: Can I freeze this casserole?
A6: Yes! Wrap it well and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Q7: Can I use instant grits?
A7: You can, but stone-ground grits give the best texture and flavor.
Q8: What can I substitute for heavy cream?
A8: Half-and-half, milk, or even a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk.
Q9: Can I add veggies to this casserole?
A9: Absolutely! Try adding sautéed bell peppers or spinach for extra color and nutrition.
Q10: What’s the best way to reheat this casserole?
A10: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes or microwave in short intervals.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Shrimp and Grits Casserole is comfort food at its best creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold flavor. Whether you’re making it for a casual family dinner or impressing guests, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit. Give it a try, and let me know what you think! Happy cooking!
Print
Spicy Shrimp and Grits Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Fish and Seafood
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Spicy Shrimp and Grits Casserole with Gouda Cheese is the ultimate Southern comfort food! Creamy grits, smoky bacon, tender shrimp, and melted Gouda cheese combine with a spicy kick for a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, this make-ahead casserole is a must-try!
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter (plus more for baking dish)
- 1 bunch scallions, chopped (white and light-green parts only)
- 1/2 large red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 jalapeño pepper, finely chopped (seeded if less heat is desired)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2/3 cup quick-cooking grits (not instant)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 lb large shrimp (16-20 count), peeled, deveined, and cooked
- 2 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 1/4 cups shredded Gouda cheese, divided
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8 x 8-inch baking dish with butter.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add scallions, red bell pepper, and jalapeño. Reduce heat to medium and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic, diced tomatoes with chiles, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil.
- Gradually stir in the grits and continue stirring until the mixture returns to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Stir in shrimp, bacon, egg, and 1 cup of Gouda cheese. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of cheese on top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until heated through and bubbling. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra smokiness, substitute Gouda with smoked Gouda or cheddar.
- Adjust spice level by adding more or fewer jalapeños.
- Can be assembled ahead of time and baked just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 474
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 245mg