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Shrimp and Grits Casserole

Category: Dinner Ideas That Actually Work

This comforting Southern casserole features tender shrimp nestled in a rich and smoky gravy, layered over creamy, cheesy grits. The grits base is cooked with whole milk, cream, and sharp Cheddar, resulting in a smooth, buttery texture. The shrimp gravy is made by crisping bacon and simmering shrimp with sautéed onions, bell peppers, garlic, and herbs, enhanced by white wine and chicken broth. Baked together until set, the dish is garnished with scallions and bacon for added flavor. It serves six and is perfect for a satisfying family meal.

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Lili Clark smiling at the camera.
Created By Lili Clark
Updated on Sun, 21 Dec 2025 21:11:04 GMT
A bowl of shrimp and grits casserole. Save
A bowl of shrimp and grits casserole. | lilicooks.com

This shrimp and grits casserole is the ultimate comfort food combining creamy, cheesy grits with savory shrimp in a smoky, flavorful gravy. It feels like a warm hug on a plate and makes a perfect family meal with Southern flair.

Ingredients

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

Step-by-Step Instructions

Searing and Preparing the Grits:
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.
Binding and Baking the Grits:
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.
Cooking the Shrimp Gravy:
In a large pan over medium-high heat, cook the chopped bacon slowly for about 8 minutes so it crisps but doesn’t 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.
Assembly and Serving:
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.
A white bowl filled with shrimp and grits. Save
A white bowl filled with shrimp and grits. | lilicooks.com

Storage Tips

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.

Ingredient Substitutions

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 don’t 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.

Serving Suggestions

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.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of grits works best for this dish?

Quick-cooking grits provide a creamy texture and cook faster, making them ideal for this bake.

→ Can I use frozen shrimp for the gravy?

Yes, just make sure to thaw and drain the shrimp well before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

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

Modify the cayenne pepper amount or omit it to suit your preferred heat level.

→ Is it important to use white wine in the gravy?

White wine adds depth and acidity but can be substituted with extra chicken broth if preferred.

→ Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the grits and shrimp gravy separately in advance, then assemble and bake when ready.

→ What toppings enhance the final dish?

Scallions and crispy bacon pieces add texture and a burst of savory flavor.

Savory Shrimp and Grits Bake

Creamy grits topped with smoky shrimp gravy for a soulful Southern-style bake.

Preparation Time
25 min
Cooking Time
35 min
Overall Time
60 min
Created By: Lili Clark

Category: Dinner

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine Type: Southern

Output: 6 Serves

Dietary Options: ~

Ingredients

→ Grits Base

01 2 cups whole milk
02 2 1/4 cups heavy cream, divided
03 1 cup quick-cooking grits, uncooked
04 1/4 cup butter
05 1 large egg, lightly beaten
06 8 oz sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
07 1 tsp kosher salt

→ Shrimp Gravy

08 5 thick-cut bacon slices, chopped
09 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
10 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
11 2 garlic cloves, minced
12 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
13 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
14 1/2 cup dry white wine
15 1 cup chicken broth
16 1 tbsp flat-leaf parsley, chopped
17 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
18 1/2 tsp black pepper
19 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
20 1/2 tsp kosher salt
21 1/4 cup scallions, sliced

Steps

Step 01

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly coat an 11x7-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Step 02

Bring milk and 2 cups of heavy cream to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir in grits and butter. Reduce heat and whisk constantly for 5 to 7 minutes until tender.

Step 03

Remove from heat. Stir in beaten egg, shredded cheddar, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt until fully incorporated.

Step 04

Spoon the grits mixture into the prepared baking dish. Cover and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until set.

Step 05

In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, cook bacon until crisp, about 8 minutes. Transfer to paper towels and reserve 3 tablespoons of drippings in the pan.

Step 06

Add red onion and red bell pepper to the bacon drippings; cook for 3 minutes. Add garlic and stir constantly for 30 seconds.

Step 07

Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Add shrimp and cook until pink, approximately 3 minutes. Add wine and cook until thickened, about 2 minutes.

Step 08

Stir in chicken broth, parsley, thyme, black pepper, cayenne, remaining 1/4 cup cream, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Simmer until well combined.

Step 09

Spoon shrimp mixture over the baked grits using a slotted spoon. Garnish with sliced scallions and cooked bacon. Serve remaining gravy on the side for desired sauciness.

Tips

  1. Reserve excess shrimp gravy and serve on the side to allow guests to adjust sauciness to their preference.

Required Tools

  • 11x7-inch baking dish
  • Medium saucepan
  • Large saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Slotted spoon

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Contains dairy (milk, cheese, cream)
  • Contains shellfish (shrimp)
  • Contains gluten (flour)
  • Contains egg