Shrimp and Cheesy Grits

<p>This comforting Southern casserole brings together tender shrimp in a smoky, savory gravy layered over creamy, cheesy grits. The combination creates a rich, hearty dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for family dinners or sharing with friends. It’s easy to prepare and bakes to a luscious, comforting meal that showcases the best of Southern flavors.</p> <p>I first tried this recipe on a chilly weekend and now it’s a goto for cozy dinners with friends who always ask for seconds</p>

Ingredients

<ul><li><strong>Whole milk:</strong> for creamy smooth grits that do not clump Choose fresh for best taste</li><li><strong>Heavy cream:</strong> adds richness Divided use keeps the grits luscious and the sauce silky</li><li><strong>Quick cooking grits:</strong> cut down cooking time without sacrificing texture Look for stone—ground for extra flavor</li><li><strong>Butter:</strong> for depth and a velvety feel in the grits</li><li><strong>Large egg:</strong> binds and adds a silky body to the grits mixture</li><li><strong>Sharp Cheddar cheese:</strong> provides tang and meltiness Opt for a good quality aged cheese</li><li><strong>Kosher salt:</strong> balances and enhances all the flavors</li><li><strong>Thick—cut bacon:</strong> gives the shrimp gravy a smoky backbone Thick cut crisps up nicely</li><li><strong>Red onion and red bell pepper:</strong> add sweetness and color in the gravy</li><li><strong>Fresh garlic:</strong> for aromatic pungency</li><li><strong>All—purpose flour:</strong> thickens the gravy Use fresh flour to avoid lumps</li><li><strong>Medium shrimp:</strong> peeled and deveined Fresh or properly thawed frozen shrimp are best</li><li><strong>Dry white wine:</strong> brings brightness and acidity to cut through richness</li><li><strong>Chicken broth:</strong> rounds out the sauce and adds savory depth</li><li><strong>Flat—leaf parsley:</strong> for a fresh herbaceous note</li><li><strong>Fresh thyme leaves:</strong> complement shrimp with subtle earthiness</li><li><strong>Black pepper and cayenne:</strong> add heat and warmth without overpowering</li><li><strong>Scallions:</strong> for a fresh finish and garnish</li></ul>

Instructions

<dl><dt><strong>Searing and Preparing the Grits:</strong></dt><dd>Bring the milk and most of the heavy cream to a gentle boil over medium—high heat Pour in the grits and butter next then immediately reduce heat Whisk constantly for 5 to 7 minutes so the grits become tender and creamy without lumps</dd><dt><strong>Binding and Baking the Grits:</strong></dt><dd>Take the grits off the heat then stir in the lightly beaten egg cheese and salt thoroughly until everything is combined into a smooth cheesy mixture Spoon it into a greased 11 by 7 inch baking dish and cover Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 35 to 40 minutes until set but still creamy</dd><dt><strong>Cooking the Shrimp Gravy:</strong></dt><dd>In a large pan over medium—high heat cook the chopped bacon slowly for about 8 minutes so it crisps but does not burn Remove the bacon on paper towels and leave about 3 tablespoons of drippings in the pan Add the finely chopped red onion and red bell pepper Sauté gently for 3 minutes until softened Add the minced garlic and stir continuously for 30 seconds for fragrant release Sprinkle in the flour and cook for 1 minute to remove raw flour taste and start thickening Add the shrimp and cook for about 3 minutes until they turn pink Pour in the white wine and cook for 2 minutes letting the alcohol reduce and the sauce thicken slightly Pour the chicken broth chopped parsley thyme the remaining cream black pepper cayenne and salt Simmer gently until everything melds and the gravy is smooth</dd><dt><strong>Assembly and Serving:</strong></dt><dd>Use a slotted spoon to spread the shrimp gravy evenly over the set grits in the baking dish Sprinkle on the cooked bacon pieces and scallions finishing with a fresh pop of flavor Serve the remaining gravy in a bowl on the side so guests can add more sauce as they like</dd></dl>

<p>My favorite part is the smoky bacon in the shrimp gravy It adds this deep Southern warmth that transports me back to family dinners on slow weekends The combination of creamy grits with shrimp and bacon gravy is a texture and flavor dream that always makes the meal feel special</p>

Storage Tips

<p>Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days Reheat gently on low in the oven or microwave to keep the sauce creamy without drying out You can freeze the casserole but it might be best to freeze the grits base and shrimp gravy separately in sealed containers and combine when reheating so the textures stay fresh</p>

Ingredient Substitutions

<p>Stone—ground grits can replace quick cooking ones but cooking time will be longer Use smoked sausage instead of bacon for a smoky flavor and extra meaty bite If you do not have white wine you can use extra chicken broth with a splash of lemon juice for acidity Parmesan cheese can be swapped with Cheddar if you prefer a nuttier flavor For a dairy free version substitute butter and cream with plant based alternatives such as coconut milk or cashew cream</p>

Serving Suggestions

<p>Serve this casserole with a crisp green salad or steamed greens like collards for a fresh bright contrast to the rich dish Add a side of roasted vegetables such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts to balance the meal A slice of crusty bread or cornbread on the side helps mop up the delicious shrimp gravy</p>

<p>This shrimp and grits casserole is a comforting, crowd pleasing dish that’s perfect for cozy dinners. Pair it with a simple green salad or crusty bread to soak up the gravy.</p>

Common Questions About the Recipe

→ What type of grits works best for this dish?

Quick-cooking grits deliver a creamy texture and reduce cooking time, though stone-ground can be used for more flavor but requires longer cooking.

→ Can I use frozen shrimp for the gravy?

Yes, but be sure to thaw and drain the shrimp well before cooking to avoid excess moisture diluting the sauce.

→ How can I adjust the spice level in the gravy?

You can easily modify the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it altogether to make the gravy milder or spicier according to preference.

→ Is using white wine important in the gravy?

White wine adds acidity and brightness but can be substituted with extra chicken broth plus a splash of lemon juice if desired.

→ Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the grits and shrimp gravy separately in advance, then assemble and bake when ready to serve fresh.

→ What toppings best enhance the final dish?

Fresh scallions and crispy bacon pieces add a nice texture contrast and savory bursts of flavor to finish the dish.