Name: Shrimp and Grits Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 2 cups milk (whole milk recommended, but any lighter variety works); 3/4 cup chicken broth; 1 cup quick-cooking grits; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons butter; 4 ounces cream cheese (less fat Neufchatel-type is fine); 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (or dried); 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley); 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 egg, lightly beaten; 1 pound peeled raw shrimp, roughly chopped

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 32 reviews

If you adore the cozy, satisfying flavors of the South, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Shrimp and Grits Casserole Recipe. It takes the traditional shrimp and grits we all love and transforms it into a creamy, cheesy casserole that’s irresistibly comforting and incredibly easy to whip up. Perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish balances rich, buttery grits with tender shrimp and fresh herbs, creating a warm hug of flavor in every bite.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows a close-up of a spoon lifting a creamy shrimp dish from a clear glass baking dish. The dish contains soft, white grains or rice mixed with whole pink shrimp and small green herb pieces, creating a textured, mixed layer of white, pink, and green. The shrimp are lightly cooked, showing a smooth, slightly shiny surface. The background is a white marbled texture, and the focus is on the spoonful, giving the food a rich and creamy look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Shrimp and Grits Casserole Recipe lies in its simplicity and the magic each ingredient brings to the table. From creamy cheeses to fresh herbs and perfectly cooked shrimp, every component plays a key role in building layers of flavor and texture you won’t want to miss.

2 cups milk: Whole milk is best for creaminess, but feel free to use lighter milk if you prefer a less rich dish.
¾ cup chicken broth: Adds a subtle savory depth and keeps the grits perfectly moist.
1 cup quick-cooking grits: The foundation of this casserole, providing a smooth and comforting base.
¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty kick that melts beautifully.
2 tablespoons butter: Infuses the dish with a rich, velvety texture.
4 ounces cream cheese: Use less fat Neufchatel for a lighter option; it makes the casserole delectably creamy.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives: Provides a mild onion flavor and fresh green color.
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Offers bright, herbal notes to balance the richness.
1 tablespoon lemon juice: Adds a fresh, zesty lift to brighten the entire dish.
1 egg, lightly beaten: Helps to bind the casserole and give it a luscious, firm texture.
1 pound peeled raw shrimp, roughly chopped: The star of the dish—sweet, tender shrimp perfectly distributed throughout.

How to Make Shrimp and Grits Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Grits Base

Start by bringing the milk and chicken broth to a gentle boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Gradually add the quick-cooking grits along with the salt, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking for about 5 minutes while stirring constantly until the mixture thickens into a smooth, creamy base. This careful process ensures the grits are perfectly tender without any graininess.

Step 2: Enrich the Grits

Once your grits are ready, remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese, butter, and cream cheese until they melt beautifully into the warm mixture. This step gives the dish that signature richness and velvety texture that makes it absolutely dreamy. Don’t rush it—let those cheeses work their magic!

Step 3: Mix in the Flavorful Extras

Next, stir in the chopped fresh chives, parsley, lemon juice, and lightly beaten egg. These ingredients add brightness, freshness, and help bind everything together. Then, fold in the chopped raw shrimp. The shrimp will cook gently in the oven, staying tender and juicy as the casserole bakes.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Coat an 11x7-inch baking dish with cooking spray generously to prevent sticking. Spoon the grits and shrimp mixture evenly into the dish and spread it out. Bake in a preheated 375℉ oven for 25 minutes. You’re looking for the casserole to set fully and develop a slight golden glow on top, signaling that perfect balance of creamy and baked texture.

How to Serve Shrimp and Grits Casserole Recipe

A black cooking pot filled with three main layers: the bottom layer is thick white creamy mixture, the top left side has raw small peeled shrimp in a pale gray color piled together, the top middle has chopped green onions in bright green, and the top right side has finely chopped dark green herbs. A wooden spoon is resting in the pot with its handle toward the right side. The pot is on a stove with a white marbled surface in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To make your Shrimp and Grits Casserole Recipe really sing on the plate, sprinkle extra fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley on top just before serving. A little dusting of smoked paprika or a few thin lemon slices can add a gorgeous pop of color and that extra hint of zest to brighten each bite.

Side Dishes

This casserole is a hearty dish on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads or sautéed vegetables like garlic spinach or roasted asparagus. If you want to keep the Southern vibe, serve with a side of collard greens or sweet buttered corn for a truly comforting meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins for personal portions that look gorgeous and feel special. You can also transform leftovers into a decadent brunch by topping warm casserole portions with a fried egg and hot sauce for a bold flavor punch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can easily store leftover Shrimp and Grits Casserole Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it cool completely before sealing to keep the texture just right when reheated.

Freezing

This casserole freezes really well, making it an excellent make-ahead comfort food. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to ensure the shrimp stay tender and the texture remains creamy.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350℉ until warmed through to preserve the casserole’s baked quality. For a quicker option, microwave in intervals, stirring gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp. Adding a splash of milk before reheating can help maintain creaminess if the casserole seems a bit dry.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this casserole?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain the shrimp well to avoid excess moisture, which can make the casserole watery.

What type of grits works best for this recipe?

Quick-cooking grits are ideal for speed and texture, but if you prefer stone-ground grits, just adjust the cooking time accordingly to get that perfect creamy consistency.

Is this dish spicy?

The classic recipe is mild and creamy, but you can easily add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce for some heat if you like it spicy.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

While shrimp is the star here, you could substitute with mushrooms or a medley of hearty vegetables to create a vegetarian-friendly version.

How do I know when the casserole is done baking?

Look for the top to be just golden in spots and the casserole to be set—not jiggly—when you gently shake the dish.

Final Thoughts

This Shrimp and Grits Casserole Recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a beloved Southern classic with minimal fuss but maximum flavor. Its creamy, cheesy beauty combined with tender shrimp and fresh herbs makes it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I can’t wait for you to try it out and make it your own staple for cozy family dinners or impressive gatherings with friends.