Cheesy Shrimp And Grits Casserole
A hearty casserole combining creamy cheesy grits, succulent shrimp, and flavorful vegetables, perfect for comfort food lovers and suitable for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 cups chicken broth ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 cup regular grits ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 cup Monterey Jack with peppers ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons butter ⓘ
- 6 green onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 pound fresh shrimp, peeled and cooked ⓘ
- 1 can diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Bring chicken broth and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a boil in a large saucepan and stir in the grits.
- Cover and reduce heat, then simmer for 20 minutes.
- Stir together the cooked grits, 3/4 cup shredded cheddar, and all of the Monterey Jack cheese.
- Melt butter in a large skillet and add chopped green peppers, chopped green onions, and minced garlic; sauté for 5 minutes.
- Stir together the onion mixture, grits mixture, cooked shrimp, drained diced tomatoes with green chilies, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- Pour the mixture into a lightly greased 2-quart baking dish and sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 to 45 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half instead of chicken broth. You can substitute the shrimp with cooked chicken or even use a plant-based protein for a vegetarian option. If you prefer a spicier kick, add sliced jalapeños to the sautéed vegetables. Don't hesitate to mix in other cheeses like Gouda or Pepper Jack for a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cheesy Shrimp and Grits Casserole alongside a fresh garden salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Quickie Soup for a comforting dinner. For an added touch, garnish with additional green onions or a sprinkle of paprika before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions on medium power, stirring occasionally, until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheesy Shrimp And Grits Casserole contains roughly 1799 calories, with 32g protein, 120g carbohydrates, and 136g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (235% of the Daily Value), protein (65% of the Daily Value), and calcium (60% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 789mg per serving (34% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat to your casserole, incorporate diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the onion mixture. You might also consider using spicy Monterey Jack cheese for an extra kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).