Easy Spicy Shrimp and Grits Casserole Recipe That Wows Everyone

Southern kitchens buzz with excitement over this spicy shrimp and grits casserole that combines coastal flavors and hearty comfort.

Creamy cheese blends seamlessly with plump seafood, creating a dish that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Bold Cajun seasonings dance through each delectable bite, promising an unforgettable meal.

Unexpected ingredients spark surprising depth in this classic Southern staple.

Layers of rich textures melt together, promising a delightful experience for anyone seeking robust flavors.

Coastal charm meets rustic elegance in a casserole that screams pure deliciousness.

Quick preparation means you can enjoy gourmet magic without spending hours in the kitchen.

Dive into this recipe and let your taste buds celebrate a truly memorable feast.

Spicy Shrimp and Grits Casserole – Southern Classic, New Twist

• Quick Southern Comfort: Discover the delightful reasons to love this spicy shrimp and grits casserole!
• Effortless Cooking: Prepare a gourmet-style dish with minimal culinary skills, perfect for home cooks of all levels.
• One-Pan Wonder: Simplify your cooking process with a single baking dish that combines protein, grains, and vegetables in one delicious meal.
• Flavor Explosion: Enjoy a bold, zesty combination of spicy jalapeños, smoky bacon, and creamy Gouda cheese that tantalizes your taste buds.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Impress guests at brunch, potlucks, or family gatherings with this hearty and satisfying Southern-inspired casserole.

Core Components in Shrimp and Grits Casserole

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that brings a tender, ocean-sweet flavor to the casserole.
• Bacon: Adds smoky, crispy texture and rich depth to the dish.
• Egg: Helps bind the casserole ingredients together and provides structure.

• Gouda Cheese: Creamy, slightly nutty cheese that melts beautifully and adds richness.
• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps with cooking and greasing the baking dish.

• Scallions, Red Bell Pepper, Jalapeño: Fresh vegetables that add color, heat, and complex flavor layers.
• Garlic: Brings aromatic and pungent depth to the overall dish.
• Diced Tomatoes with Chiles: Adds moisture, tanginess, and a subtle spicy kick.

• Grits: Classic Southern cornmeal base that creates a creamy, hearty foundation.
• Chicken Broth: Provides additional flavor and helps cook the grits.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing and balancing the overall taste of the casserole.

How to Bake Spicy Shrimp and Grits Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Crank up the oven to 375°F.

Grab an 8×8-inch baking dish and lovingly coat it with butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetable Medley

Heat butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.

• Scallions
• Red bell pepper
• Jalapeño

Lower the heat and cook for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables become tender and fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

• Garlic
• Diced tomatoes with chiles
• Chicken broth

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, creating a rich and spicy foundation.

Step 4: Cook the Grits

Slowly introduce the grits to the boiling liquid, stirring constantly.

Keep stirring until the mixture returns to a boil.

Reduce heat to low and let simmer, giving occasional stirs, for 5-7 minutes until the grits thicken beautifully.

Remove from heat and season with salt and black pepper to your taste.

Step 5: Combine Casserole Ingredients

• Shrimp
• Crispy bacon
• Egg
• Gouda cheese

Transfer the entire mixture to the prepared baking dish.

Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top for an extra cheesy crust.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when it’s bubbling and heated through.

Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Casserole Wisdom For Shrimp & Grits

• Adjust jalapeño quantity to match your heat tolerance, removing seeds for milder flavor or adding extra for more kick.
• Replace Gouda with cheddar or pepper jack for different flavor profiles while maintaining creamy texture.
• Use turkey bacon or omit entirely for lighter version, or substitute with vegetarian bacon bits for plant-based diets.
• Choose fresh, high-quality shrimp and remove tails before mixing to ensure easier eating and better texture throughout casserole.
• Prepare casserole components in advance, refrigerate assembled dish, and bake just before serving to save time during meal preparation.

Reheating Shrimp and Grits Casserole Without Overcooking

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, freeze up to 1 month. Label container with date for easy tracking.
• Warm refrigerated casserole at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. Uncover last 5 minutes for crispy cheese top.
• Heat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming. Add splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture.

Rich Matches For Shrimp And Grits

• Perfect Wine Pairing: Select a crisp, slightly acidic white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the richness of the creamy grits and complement the spicy shrimp.
• Craft Beer Companion: Choose a hoppy IPA or a light wheat beer that balances the casserole's spicy kick and enhances the smoky bacon notes with its refreshing carbonation.
• Southern Cocktail Match: Mix a classic Bloody Mary with extra hot sauce, which echoes the dish's spicy profile and provides a zesty, tomato-based counterpoint to the creamy casserole.
• Refreshing Non-Alcoholic Option: Prepare a sparkling ginger lemonade that offers a tangy, effervescent backdrop to cool down the spicy elements while matching the dish's vibrant flavor complexity.

Shrimp And Grits Casserole Styles

• Vegetarian Grits Casserole: Replace shrimp with roasted cauliflower or black beans. Swap bacon for smoked tempeh or vegetarian bacon bits to maintain a similar smoky flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free chicken broth and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Replace regular grits with stone-ground corn grits for a safe alternative.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute grits with cauliflower rice or riced turnips. Use fewer cheese quantities and add more protein-rich ingredients like extra shrimp or diced chicken.
• Dairy-Free Version: Replace Gouda cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives. Use coconut milk or almond milk in place of traditional dairy products for a creamy texture.

FAQs

• What are the key flavor elements in this Spicy Shrimp and Grits Casserole?

The dish combines bold flavors from jalapeños, red bell peppers, bacon, and Gouda cheese, creating a spicy and rich taste profile that balances heat with creamy texture.

• Can I use a different type of cheese if I don't have Gouda?

Absolutely! Cheddar or monterey jack work great as substitutes and will still provide that melty, creamy element to the casserole.

• Is this recipe considered spicy or mild?

The recipe has a moderate heat level due to jalapeños and diced tomatoes with chiles, but you can adjust the spiciness by removing jalapeño seeds or using less peppers.

• What makes this dish different from traditional shrimp and grits?

This version is a casserole-style preparation that bakes all ingredients together, creating a more unified and convenient one-dish meal compared to traditional stovetop preparations.

Spicy Shrimp and Grits Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Southern comfort meets zesty elegance in this spicy shrimp and grits casserole, where creamy cheese-infused grits cradle succulent Gulf Coast shrimp. Rich coastal flavors and bold spices combine in a hearty dish that promises comfort and excitement on every delicious forkful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 lb large shrimp (16–20 count), peeled, deveined, and cooked
• 2 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 large egg, beaten

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 bunch scallions, chopped (white and light-green parts only)
• 1/2 large red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped (seeded if less heat is desired)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (10 ounces / 283 grams) diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained

Base and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons butter (plus more for baking dish)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2/3 cup quick-cooking grits (not instant)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 1/4 cups shredded Gouda cheese, divided

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375°F and coat an 8 x 8-inch baking dish with a thin butter layer to prevent sticking.
2. Heat butter in a large saucepan over medium-high temperature, then introduce scallions, red bell pepper, and jalapeño, reducing heat to medium and sautéing until vegetables soften and release their aromatic qualities.
3. Incorporate minced garlic, diced tomatoes with chiles, and chicken broth, raising the temperature to create a boiling liquid environment.
4. Slowly introduce grits into the bubbling mixture, continuously stirring to prevent lumps, then reduce heat and allow the mixture to simmer and thicken, periodically stirring to ensure smooth consistency.
5. Remove the grits from heat and let them cool momentarily, seasoning with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
6. Fold in raw shrimp, crispy bacon pieces, beaten egg, and a generous portion of Gouda cheese, ensuring even distribution throughout the creamy base.
7. Transfer the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating an even surface and sprinkling the remaining cheese across the top for a golden, melted finish.
8. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake until the surface turns golden brown, edges become slightly crispy, and the interior reaches a bubbling temperature.
9. Allow the casserole to rest for several minutes after removing from the oven, which helps the ingredients settle and makes serving easier.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting jalapeño quantities or using different chile peppers for personalized spiciness.
• Swap shrimp with chicken or andouille sausage for alternative protein options that maintain Southern comfort food essence.
• Use low-fat cheese and turkey bacon for a lighter version without compromising rich, satisfying flavor profile.
• Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process and reduce overall kitchen time, making this dish perfect for busy weeknight dinners.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern (American)

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 160mg