Spicy Shrimp and Grits Casserole with Gouda Cheese is the South's perfect comfort food. Here, it's made into an easy-to-make and make-ahead casserole!
A classic dish in Southern coastal cuisine is shrimp and grits, which features a creamy ground corn porridge that resembles polenta.
Although the true birthplace of shrimp and grits is thought to be Charleston, South Carolina, it has since gained widespread popularity. This dish was even declared the official state food of South Carolina in 1976. Although initially intended as a breakfast dish, it has evolved to become a favorite option for lunch, brunch, and dinner across the Southern United States.
Before moving to the South 25 years ago, I never had grits, nor shrimp and grits. Frankly, grits scared me because I thought them to be bland and boring.
I finally tried them some years back when my husband and I stayed at an elegant bed-and-breakfast in Mississippi while taking the long way home from New Orleans. Breakfast was plated and served to all the guests and there they were in front of me: Grits.
Not boring at all, but creamy and delicious cheese grits.
After that day and after enjoying shrimp and grits at numerous restaurants if they're on the menu, I'm now somewhat of a fanatic.
Here's that classic combination in casserole form. It's inspired by a casserole a dear friend makes. It's also one of my most popular recipes on Pinterest.
Which grits to use for a shrimp and grits casserole:
For this recipe, use the type of grits you’re most comfortable with:
- If using stone-ground grits, cook them separately first, then add the vegetable combination and the remaining ingredients.
- Quick-cooking grits (not instant) also work in a casserole such as this because of the other textures.
- I don't recommend instant for this dish. They cook too fast and can turn mushy quickly.
Recipe Ingredients:
- Butter
- Scallions
- Red Bell Pepper
- Jalapeno Pepper
- Garlic
- Diced canned tomatoes with green chiles
- Chicken Broth
- Quick-Cooking Grits (See note above if using stone-ground grits)
- Salt and Black Pepper
- Wild-Caught Shrimp
- Bacon
- An Egg
- Gouda Cheese
See the FULL RECIPE AT FROM A CHEF'S KITCHEN FOR THE EXACT QUANTITIES. (Post includes affiliate links. If you purchase anything through the affiliated links, the author/website may earn a commission.)
Type of shrimp to use:
Something else I’m a fanatic about is always using wild-caught American shrimp. (Now...farmed and imported shrimp is something to be afraid of!) I do not eat shrimp nor prepare shrimp for my clients unless it's wild-caught.
Nearly all commercial shrimp sold is individually quick-frozen. The shrimp sold in the seafood display case likely has been thawed. If purchasing thawed shrimp, be sure to use it quickly and don’t refreeze it.
Time-saving tip:
If you don't want to go to the trouble of cooking and crumbling bacon, use “recipe ready” cooked and crumbled bacon available in the salad dressing area of the grocery store.
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