Most casseroles feel like leftovers from the past—comfort food, heavy, and familiar. But this one changes that. Shrimp and grits casserole takes the Southern classic and gives it structure without losing what makes it great.
It’s creamy, savory, a little spicy, and every bite still tastes like it came straight off the stovetop—just with crisp edges and golden cheese on top.
The first time I made this was for a small get-together. I needed something warm and filling that could sit on the table and still taste great 20 minutes later.
The shrimp were tender, the grits held together with just enough cream and cheese, and no one asked if it came from a cast iron skillet—because it didn’t need to. This is shrimp and grits made easier for serving, sharing, and saving.
Why You’ll Want to Make This Again
This dish delivers rich, comforting flavor while working well for meal prep, holidays, or feeding a group without fuss.
- Classic Southern taste in a new format
- Holds together like a casserole but stays creamy
- Feeds a crowd and reheats well
- Cheesy, buttery, and just the right amount of spice
What You’ll Need for Shrimp and Grits Casserole
The ingredients are simple, but each one plays a role. The base is creamy, the shrimp are seasoned, and the cheese brings it all together.
- Quick-Cooking Grits – The foundation; creamy but holds firm after baking
- Raw Shrimp (Peeled & Deveined) – Medium to large; seasoned and folded in
- Butter – Adds depth and keeps the grits rich
- Milk or Half-and-Half – Creamy texture without making it heavy
- Cheddar Cheese – Melts into the grits and forms a golden topping
- Garlic & Onion – For flavor and savory balance
- Cajun or Creole Seasoning – A little spice for the shrimp and the base
- Eggs – Help set the grits while baking
- Optional: Green Onions or Hot Sauce – For topping and extra flavor
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Shrimp and Grits Casserole
This dish builds flavor in layers—start with creamy grits, fold in seasoned shrimp, and bake until it sets with golden edges.
- Cook the Grits – Prepare according to package instructions, then stir in butter, milk, and cheese until smooth.
- Sauté the Shrimp – Toss shrimp with seasoning and cook briefly with garlic and onion until just pink.
- Combine and Mix – Fold the cooked shrimp and sautéed aromatics into the warm grits. Add lightly beaten eggs and stir to combine.
- Transfer to Dish – Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and smooth the top. Add more cheese if you want a browned crust.
- Bake and Finish – Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes until golden and set. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
The result is spoonable but firm enough to cut, with rich, creamy layers and bursts of shrimp in every bite.
What to Serve on the Side
This casserole is hearty enough to stand alone, but a few sides help balance it with crunch, greens, or acidity.
| Side | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Simple Arugula Salad | Light and peppery to offset the richness |
| Roasted Green Beans | Adds color and a fresh bite |
| Cornbread Muffins | More Southern comfort, slightly sweet |
| Pickled Okra or Veggies | Sharp, vinegary contrast |
| Sautéed Collard Greens | Earthy and deeply savory |
Pair it with one or two sides for a meal that feels both cozy and complete.
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Storage and Reheating Tips
This casserole holds up well for leftovers and even improves in flavor after sitting overnight.
Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual portions gently with a splash of water or broth to loosen the texture.
It also freezes well—wrap tightly and thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning.
2. Can I make it ahead of time?
You can assemble the whole casserole and refrigerate it overnight. Bake fresh the next day.
3. What kind of grits should I use?
Quick-cooking or regular grits work best. Avoid instant or stone-ground for this format.
4. Is it spicy?
Only mildly. Adjust the seasoning to suit your taste, or add hot sauce when serving.
5. Can I leave out the eggs?
The eggs help set the texture. If you skip them, the casserole will be looser—still good, but more spoonable than sliceable.
Shrimp and grits casserole brings everything people love about the original dish, just baked into a form that’s easier to make, serve, and enjoy again later.
Shrimp and Grits Casserole
Equipment
- Saucepan For cooking grits
- Skillet For sautéing shrimp and aromatics
- Baking Dish For assembling and baking the casserole
Ingredients
- 1 cup quick-cooking grits
- 2 cups milk or half-and-half
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded, plus extra for topping
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 pound raw shrimp peeled, deveined, chopped
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 eggs lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon Cajun or Creole seasoning
- salt and pepper to taste
- green onions optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Cook grits according to package instructions. Stir in butter, milk, and shredded cheese until smooth and creamy.
- In a skillet, sauté onion and garlic in oil or butter until soft. Add shrimp and Cajun seasoning; cook until shrimp is just pink.
- Combine grits with shrimp mixture and stir in beaten eggs. Mix well and season with salt and pepper.
- Pour into prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with extra cheese if desired.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, until set and golden on top. Let cool 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with green onions.
Notes
- Use medium or large shrimp, chopped for easier mixing.
- To make ahead, assemble fully and refrigerate before baking the next day.
- Serve with hot sauce or extra cheddar for extra flavor.
Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!