This creamy, savory Pioneer Woman Shrimp and Grits Casserole Recipe is made with sharp cheddar cheese, tender shrimp, and smoky bacon, ready in 60 minutes. Pulling the baking dish from the oven reveals a golden, bubbling layer of rich cheese melting directly into the spiced seafood mixture. I appreciate how assembling everything in a single dish cuts down on last-minute stovetop stress.
Try More Casserole Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
- Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole
- Pioneer Woman Tex Mex Chicken Casserole
Why You Will Love This Pioneer Woman Shrimp And Grits Casserole Recipe:
- The “Set It and Forget It” Convenience: Unlike traditional shrimp and grits that require constant attention, this version is baked in a single dish. Once it’s in the oven, you’re free to enjoy your coffee or chat with guests.
- Ultimate Texture Contrast: You get the best of both worlds—a creamy, velvety interior of cheesy grits paired with a slightly golden, crisp top layer that develops beautifully in the oven.
- Savory Flavor Explosion: This isn’t just plain cornmeal; it’s loaded with sharp cheddar cheese, smoky bacon bits, and plenty of butter, creating a rich base that perfectly complements the succulent shrimp.
- The Perfect Make-Ahead Meal: You can prep the grits and the shrimp mixture in advance, assemble the casserole, and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. It’s the ultimate stress-free brunch or “fancy” weeknight dinner.
- Succulent, Not Rubbery: By layering the shrimp correctly, they steam gently inside the casserole, ensuring they stay tender and juicy rather than getting tough or overcooked.
- A Crowd-Pleasing Showstopper: Bringing a bubbling, golden casserole to the table is always more impactful than serving individual bowls. It’s rustic, elegant, and practically begs for a second helping.
- Built-in “Kick”: In true Pioneer Woman fashion, there’s usually a hint of heat from cayenne or hot sauce that cuts through the richness of the cheese and grits, keeping every bite interesting.
Pioneer Woman Shrimp and Grits Casserole Ingredients
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
How To Make Pioneer Woman Shrimp and Grits Casserole
- Cook the Grits: Bring the chicken broth and heavy cream to a boil in a large saucepan. Slowly whisk in the grits, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20 minutes until thickened.
- Add the Cheese: Remove the grits from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and smooth.
- Fry the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, fry the chopped bacon until crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving the drippings in the pan.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the bacon drippings, cooking for 5 minutes until soft. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Sear the Shrimp: Toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning and add them to the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes until just pink, then remove from heat and stir in the cooked bacon.
- Bake the Casserole: Spread the cheesy grits into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Top evenly with the shrimp mixture, then bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until bubbly.
Recipe Tips
- Use the right grits: Stone-ground grits provide the best texture and hold up well in the oven, whereas instant grits turn mushy.
- Do not overcook shrimp: The shrimp will finish cooking in the oven, so pull them from the skillet as soon as they turn slightly pink.
- Grate your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly into the hot grits.
What To Serve With Shrimp and Grits Casserole?
Serve this Shrimp and Grits Casserole hearty Southern dish with a light, acidic side like a crisp arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette. Slices of buttered crusty French bread are also great for soaking up the rich savory sauce.
How To Store Leftovers Shrimp and Grits Casserole?
Keep leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover the dish with foil and warm in a 350°F oven. Freezing is not recommended as the grits can become watery upon thawing.
How To Reheat Leftovers Shrimp and Grits Casserole?
The Oven (Best for Keeping the Texture): This is the gold standard for casseroles. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the leftovers in an oven-safe dish and add a splash of chicken broth, milk, or a pat of butter over the top to rehydrate the grits. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap the steam. Bake for 15–20 minutes. The steam will gently loosen the grits without overcooking the shrimp.
The Stovetop (Best for Maximum Creaminess): If you want to restore that velvety, “just-made” feel, move the leftovers to a skillet over low heat. Add a tablespoon of heavy cream or broth per serving. Stir gently and constantly. As the grits warm up, they will absorb the liquid and become creamy again. Remove from the heat the second the shrimp are warmed through to keep them tender.
FAQs
Can I assemble this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the grits and shrimp mixture separately, store them in the fridge overnight, and assemble just before baking. You may need to add 5 to 10 minutes to the baking time.
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
Whole milk or half-and-half will work well if you want a slightly lighter dish. Just keep an eye on the consistency of the grits as they simmer.
What size shrimp works best?
Large shrimp, usually labeled 26 to 30 count, are ideal. They remain plump and tender without getting lost in the dense casserole layers.
More Casserole Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Zucchini Casserole Recipe
- Joanna Gaines Green Bean Casserole Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Stuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe
Pioneer Woman Shrimp And Grits Casserole Recipe Nutrition Fact
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Total Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 185 mg
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 26 g
- Protein: 28 g
Pioneer Woman Shrimp And Grits Casserole Recipe
Course: Dinner, Lunch, MainCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Medium6
servings20
minutes40
minutes480
kcal1
hourCreamy, savory Pioneer Woman Shrimp and Grits Casserole Recipe combines sharp cheddar, plump Cajun shrimp, and crispy bacon. Ready in 60 minutes, this baked comfort food is a hearty, hands-off dinner for busy weeknights or weekend brunches.
Ingredients
1 cup stone-ground grits
4 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Directions
- 1. Cook the Grits: Bring the chicken broth and heavy cream to a boil in a large saucepan. Slowly whisk in the grits, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20 minutes until thickened.
- 2. Add the Cheese: Remove the grits from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and smooth.
- 3. Fry the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, fry the chopped bacon until crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving the drippings in the pan.
- 4. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the bacon drippings, cooking for 5 minutes until soft. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- 5. Sear the Shrimp: Toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning and add them to the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes until just pink, then remove from heat and stir in the cooked bacon.
- 6. Bake the Casserole: Spread the cheesy grits into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Top evenly with the shrimp mixture, then bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until bubbly.
