Savory Shrimp and Grits Bake (Print Format)
Creamy grits topped with smoky shrimp gravy for a soulful Southern-style bake.
# 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:
01 -
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly coat an 11x7-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
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.
03 -
Remove from heat. Stir in beaten egg, shredded cheddar, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt until fully incorporated.
04 -
Spoon the grits mixture into the prepared baking dish. Cover and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until set.
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.
06 -
Add red onion and red bell pepper to the bacon drippings; cook for 3 minutes. Add garlic and stir constantly for 30 seconds.
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.
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.
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:
01 -
Reserve excess shrimp gravy and serve on the side to allow guests to adjust sauciness to their preference.