Easy Shrimp & Grits (Printable version)
Creamy grits topped with seasoned shrimp and cheese baked into a delicious Southern-style casserole.
# What You'll Need:
→ Grits Base
01 - 1 cup stone-ground grits
02 - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
03 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
04 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
05 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
→ Shrimp Preparation
06 - 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
07 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
08 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
09 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
10 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
11 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
12 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
→ Vegetables & Aromatics
13 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
14 - 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
15 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
16 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
→ Topping
17 - 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
18 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
# How to Prepare:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.
02 - Bring chicken broth to a boil in a large saucepan. Stir in grits and kosher salt. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in butter and sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
03 - In a bowl, combine shrimp with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and kosher salt. Toss until evenly coated and set aside.
04 - Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and green bell pepper; sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute until fragrant.
05 - Add seasoned shrimp to the skillet with the vegetables. Sauté for 2-3 minutes just until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove from heat immediately to prevent overcooking.
06 - Spread the cooked grits evenly in the prepared casserole dish. Top with the shrimp and vegetable mixture, distributing evenly. Sprinkle Monterey Jack cheese over the entire surface.
07 - Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
08 - Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to set. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving warm.
# Expert advice:
01 -
- The texture contrast between silky grits and slightly crisp topped cheese is absolutely worth planning your weekend around
- Everything cooks in one dish after some quick prep work leaving you more time for coffee and conversation
02 -
- Overcooking the shrimp before baking makes them rubbery since they continue cooking in the oven
- Stone-ground grits genuinely taste better than quick or instant versions and are worth the extra simmer time
03 -
- Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded for the smoothest melt
- Pat the shrimp dry before tossing with spices for better coating adherence