Get ready to experience a culinary journey that brings the heart of Southern cuisine right to your dinner table! This Baked Cheese Grits with Herbed Creole Shrimp Topping is not just a recipe – it's a flavor explosion that combines creamy, cheesy grits with perfectly seasoned, succulent shrimp that will transport you straight to the Louisiana bayou. Whether you're a Southern food enthusiast or a curious home cook looking to impress, this dish promises to be your new go-to comfort meal that's both elegant and irresistibly delicious.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup grits
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil. Slowly whisk in the grits, reducing heat to low. Stir continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
- Cook grits for 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently, until they become thick and creamy. Remove from heat and stir in butter, milk, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix until cheese is fully melted and incorporated.
- Pour the creamy grits into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Set aside while preparing the shrimp topping.
- Pat shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add shrimp to the skillet and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp are pink and slightly curled, being careful not to overcook.
- Arrange the cooked shrimp evenly over the grits. Sprinkle chopped green onions on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until the edges of the grits are slightly golden and the shrimp are heated through.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional green onions if desired.
Tips
- Whisk Constantly: When cooking grits, continuous whisking is key to preventing lumps and achieving that smooth, creamy texture.
- Shrimp Cooking Hack: Pat your shrimp completely dry before cooking to ensure they get a beautiful golden sear and don't become watery.
- Cheese Selection: While cheddar is classic, try experimenting with a blend of cheeses like sharp cheddar and monterey jack for extra depth of flavor.
- Seasoning Secret: Don't be shy with the Cajun seasoning – it's what gives this dish its signature Southern kick!
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the grits and shrimp separately earlier in the day and assemble just before baking for easy entertaining.
- Doneness Check: Shrimp are perfectly cooked when they turn pink and slightly curl – overcooking will make them tough and rubbery.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately after resting to enjoy the dish at its peak temperature and creaminess.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 520kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 250mg
