• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • All Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Brunch
    • Salads
    • Soup and Stew
    • Side Dishes
    • Desserts
    • Dinner
    • Cookies
    • Pasta
    • Breads
    • Beverages
    • Grilling
    • Seasonings
    • Asian Inspirations
    • Latin Flavors
    • Air Fryer
    • Instant Pot
    • Crockpot
    • Recipe Collections
  • IP Calculator
  • SV Chart
  • Subscribe

Smells Like Delish

menu icon
go to homepage
  • All Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Brunch
    • Salads
    • Soup and Stew
    • Side Dishes
    • Desserts
    • Dinner
    • Cookies
    • Pasta
    • Breads
    • Beverages
    • Grilling
    • Seasonings
    • Asian Inspirations
    • Latin Flavors
    • Air Fryer
    • Instant Pot
    • Crockpot
    • Recipe Collections
  • IP Calculator
  • SV Chart
  • Subscribe
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • All Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Brunch
    • Salads
    • Soup and Stew
    • Side Dishes
    • Desserts
    • Dinner
    • Cookies
    • Pasta
    • Breads
    • Beverages
    • Grilling
    • Seasonings
    • Asian Inspirations
    • Latin Flavors
    • Air Fryer
    • Instant Pot
    • Crockpot
    • Recipe Collections
  • IP Calculator
  • SV Chart
  • Subscribe
×
Home » Recipes » Seafood

Published: Mar 4, 2023 · Modified: Apr 14, 2023 by Kelly Bloom · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Cajun Shrimp and Grits

Jump to Recipe

Cajun shrimp and grits is bursting with bold, spicy flavors and satisfying textures. This classic Southern classic features blackened shrimp, creamy stone-ground grits, smoky bacon, and aromatic spices.

Casserole dish of blackened shrimp on grits garnished with green onion.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Bursting with bold seasoning and flavors, this Cajun shrimp and grits recipe will become a family favorite in no time!

Whether you’re looking for a fancy dinner party entrée or something special for meal times at home, this delicious twist on southern comfort food is sure to make everyone happy.

If you're ready to kick up your kitchen game with this delicious comfort food dish, read on!

Jump to:
  • Why You Will Love This Recipe
  • Ingredients
  • How to Make Cajun Shrimp and Grits
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Related Recipes
  • Substitutions and Variations
  • Equipment
  • Storage & Reheating
  • Tips for Success
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Food Safety
  • Some Other Recipes We Are Sure You Will Love
  • 📖 Recipe
  • Connect with Smells Like Delish!

Ingredients

Our Cajun shrimp and grits recipe uses smoked Gouda cheese for it's complementary flavor, but you can use any cheese you prefer. I like large shrimp, but again, and shrimp is fine.

For the Smoked Gouda Grits

  • Bacon - Hickory, Applewood, you decide. Mince it up.
  • Black Pepper - Fresh ground.
  • Water - For boiling the grits.
  • Salt
  • Yellow Grits - Or white if you can't find Yellow.
  • Smoked Gouda cheese - Grated.
  • Butter
  • Eggs - Lightly beaten

For the Blackened Cajun Shrimp

  • Olive oil
  • Onion - Diced.
  • Raw Unpeeled Shrimp - Medium Large size.
  • Blackened Shrimp seasoning - You'll love our Louisiana Cajun Seasoning and Blackening Seasoning recipes with this dish.
  • Smoked Paprika
  • Green scallions - Sliced for garnish.

Ingredients for making Cajun shrimp and grits.

Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

What are Grits?

You will need to purchase yellow grits for this Cajun shrimp and grits recipe. They will look very much like regular yellow cornmeal. So what is the difference between grits and cornmeal?

Grits are made from ground corn, usually the starchy starchy varieties referred to as 'dent corn' (field corn). Grits are be made from either yellow or white corn that's have been soaked in lime and then dried and ground.

Cornmeal is simply dried corn that has been ground.

How to Make Cajun Shrimp and Grits

You will prepare the Smoked Gouda Grits first. They will need to cool for 10 minutes after baking to set up. Prepare the blackened Cajun shrimp while the grits are cooling.

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 F. Spray a 9x9" casserole dish with non stick cooking spray. Set aside for use later.

Minced bacon frying crispy in an enameled skillet.
  1. Grease your baking dish. Fry the bacon to a crisp and set aside to garnish the Blackened Shrimp.
Diced onions sauteing in a skillet.
  1. Next, saute the diced onions in a little bit of the bacon grease. Transfer to the bacon.

For the Smoked Gouda Grits

  1. Use a little of of bacon grease to toast the grits in a 2 quart saucepan. Get a nice light toasting, and then add the water, salt, and pepper.

Stainless steel pot with spatula stirring cornmeal.
  1. Bring mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Cover and set heat to low and cook covered for 5 to 6 minutes.
Thickened cornmeal in a stainless steel pot.
  1. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the grated smoked Gouda cheese and the butter.

Bake the Gouda Grits

  1. Remove a cup of the hot grits to a small bowl. Blend in the beaten eggs. Return the tempered eggs and grits mixture back to the saucepan and mix well. Turn mixture out into your prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

baked grits in a casserole dish.

Prepare the Blackened Cajun Shrimp

  1. Heat the oil in a 12" skillet. When the oil is hot, add the onion and cook until soft.

  2. Add the shrimp, smoked paprika, and blackened Cajun seasoning spice. Stirring constantly, cook the shrimp until they turn from grey to pink.

Raw shrimp in a skillet with blackened shrimp seasoning.

Remove The Shrimp From Heat

  1. Remove from heat when only a hint of grey remains. The shrimp will continue to cook, and this will prevent overcooking.

Cooked seasoned shrimp in a hot skillet with steam rising.

Top Baked Gouda Grits with Blackened Shrimp

  1. Turn the blackened shrimp out on top of the cooling smoked Gouda grits. Garnish with the bacon bits, sauteed onion, and chopped green scallions. Serve immediately.

Casserole dish of blackened shrimp on grits garnished with green onion.

Serving Suggestions

What to serve with shrimp and grits? These Cajun shrimp and grits go splendidly with our Southern Braised Collard Greens, Cajun Fried Corn, and with a side of Honey Butter Biscuits for true taste of the South.

Casserole dish of blackened shrimp on grits garnished with green onion.

Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Related Recipes

Substitutions and Variations

Here are a few scrumptious variations using this recipe as a base:

  • Smoked Cheddar makes a nice alternative if Smoked Gouda is not available.
  • Our Easy Cheesy Cheddar Grits are a perfect breakfast or brunch variation.

Equipment

Equipment can have a big impact on how a recipe turns out. Below are some of my favorite pieces of equipment that I use when making these Cajun shrimp and grits.

  • Casserole or Baking Dish
  • Large Skillet
  • Lakeside Yellow Grits

Storage & Reheating

Store any left over Cajun Shrimp and grits covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. They will reheat easily in the microwave.

Tips for Success

  • Be careful to not overcook the shrimp.
  • You can bake the grits ahead of time and reheat them later.
  • Yellow grits look better in this dish than white grits.
  • This dish can also be made in individual serving dishes for a lovely presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Cajun Shrimp and Grits freeze well?

Yes, just wrap in the portions you want to freeze, and cover with cling wrap. Set out to defrost. Remove the shrimp to reheat separately, as the shrimp will not need as much time to reheat as the grits will.

What to serve with shrimp and grits?

What to serve with shrimp and grits? These Cajun shrimp and grits go splendidly with our Southern Braised Collard Greens, Cajun Fried Corn, and with a side of Honey Butter Biscuits for true taste of the South.

Food Safety

  • Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
  • Wash hands after touching raw meat
  • Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
  • Never leave cooking food unattended
  • Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
  • Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.

Some Other Recipes We Are Sure You Will Love

  • prosciutto wrapped bundles of apple and cheese drizzled with balsamic glaze.
    Apple and Cheese Prosciutto Wraps
  • a white plate with stacked squares of Cajun Cornbread.
    Jack & Hatch Cajun Cornbread
  • Salmon filet in a serving dish with rice pilaf and brussels sprouts.
    Longhorns Salmon Recipe
  • serving dish with blackened mahi mahi and lemon wedges with tartar sauce in a bowl.
    Blackened Mahi Mahi

📖 Recipe

Casserole dish of blackened shrimp on grits garnished with green onion.
Print Recipe SaveSaved!
5 from 2 votes

Cajun Shrimp and Grits

Cajun shrimp and grits is bursting with bold, spicy flavors and satisfying textures. This classic Southern classic features blackened shrimp, creamy stone-ground grits, smoky bacon, and aromatic spices.
Prep Time15 minutes mins
Cook Time30 minutes mins
Additional10 minutes mins
Total Time55 minutes mins
Course: Main Dishes
Cuisine: American Southern
Servings: 6
Calories: 602kcal
Author: Kelly Bloom

Equipment

  • Lakeside Yellow Grits 28 oz (1 lb 12 oz) 794 g
  • Casserole Dish, 9 x 9
  • 9 inch Round Cast Iron Skillet

Ingredients

For the Gouda Grits

  • ¼ lb bacon uncooked, chopped. Reserve bacon grease
  • ½ medium onion chopped fine
  • 1 cup yellow grits
  • 4 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1½ cups Gouda cheese shredded
  • ½ cup butter
  • 2 large eggs beaten

For the Cajun Blackened Shrimp

  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1½ lbs shrimp medium large raw unpeeled
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning blend
  • ½ teaspoon smoked Paprika
  • 3 medium green onions chopped for garnish
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

For the Gouda Grits

  • Preheat your oven to 350 F. Spray the casserole dish with non stick cooking spray. Set aside.
  • Fry the bacon to a crisp and set aside on a paper towel covered plate for later. Next, saute the diced onions in a little bit of the bacon grease. Transfer to the plate with the bacon.
    ¼ lb bacon, ½ medium onion
  • Use a little of of bacon grease to toast the grits in a 2 quart saucepan. Get a nice light toasting, and then add the water, salt, and pepper.
    1 cup yellow grits, 4 cup water, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Bring mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Cover and set heat to low and cook covered for 5 to 6 minutes.
  • Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the grated smoked Gouda cheese and the butter.
    1½ cups Gouda cheese, ½ cup butter
  • Remove a cup of the hot grits to a small bowl. Blend in the beaten eggs. Return the tempered eggs and grits mixture back to the saucepan and mix well. Turn mixture out into your prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
    2 large eggs

For the Cajun Blackened Shrimp

  • Prepare the Blackened Shrimp while the Smoked Gouda Grits are cooling.
  • Heat the oil in a 9" skillet. Add the raw shrimp, tails on. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning stirring the shrimp mixture in the hot skillet until the shrimp are pink with only a hint of any grey. About 3 to 5 minutes tops.
    (They will continue to cook after removing from heat, so this will prevent them from getting over cooked).
    2 tablespoon olive oil, 1½ lbs shrimp, 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning blend, ½ teaspoon smoked Paprika
  • Arrange the Blackened Shrimp on top of the Smoked Gouda Grits casserole, sprinkle with the crisp bacon, sauteed onions, and chopped green scallions. Serve immediately.
    3 medium green onions

Notes

  • You can use white grits if you can't find yellow, but yellow have more flavor.
  • This dish can also be made in individual serving dishes for a lovely presentation.
  • Smoked Cheddar makes a nice alternative if Smoked Gouda is not available.

Nutrition

Calories: 602kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 46g | Fat: 47g | Saturated Fat: 24g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 16g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 365mg | Sodium: 1289mg | Potassium: 620mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1635IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 521mg | Iron: 3mg
Keyword : cajun grits and shrimp, Cajun shrimp and grits, gouda grits, shrimp and gouda grits, What to serve with shrimp and grits

Connect with Smells Like Delish!

  • Instagram
  • Yummly
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube

More Seafood Recipes

  • baking tray with roasted seasoned asparagus spears, sliced lemons, blistered tomatoes, and broiled Coho salmon.
    Sheet Pan Salmon and Asparagus
  • pasta tossed with cream sauce, shrimp, tomatoes, and spinach.
    Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta
  • filets of blackened grouper with mango salsa garnish.
    Blackened Grouper with Mango Salsa
  • plate of seared scallops garnished with chopped parsley.
    Garlic Butter Cast Iron Scallops

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Author photo for Kelly Bloom

Hi, I'm Kelly! and I have a love affair with herbs & spices! Here at Smells Like Delish, I'm all about creating food that has three aspects: flavor, aroma, and ease of preparation - to create satisfying fare!

More about me →

Grilling

  • wide mouth spice storage jar on it's side spilling out dry turkey rub seasoning blend.
    Smoked Turkey Rub
  • pineapple mango salsa.
    33 Most Popular Condiments For Cookouts
  • barbeque ribs on white paper with orange basting brush with barbecue sauce on it
    22 Secret Grill Master Traeger Recipes
  • serving plate with corn on the cob and sliced beef.
    Balsamic Grilled Sirloin Steak
See more Grilling →

Trending

  • cracker barrel chicken and dumplings in a bowl.
    Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings
  • cut loaf of herb bread on cutting board.
    Twisted Garlic Herb Bread
  • plate of salmon and asparagus on a white background.
    Air Fryer Salmon and Asparagus
  • white platter of bbq boneless pork ribs with asparagus on white plate.
    Country Style Boneless Pork Ribs
See more Reader Favorites →

Recent Recipes

  • slow cooker vegetable soup in a serving bowl.
    Easy Crockpot Vegetable Soup
  • two blueberry lemon bars stacked on a plate.
    Blueberry Lemon Dump Cake Bars
  • cider cocktail in a glass with apple slices.
    37 Fall Oktoberfest Celebration Recipes
  • baked sausage filled crescent roll appetizers.
    Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls
See more All-Recipes Index →

Desserts

  • plate of chocolate no bake preacher cookies.
    Preacher Cookies (Cow Chip Cookies)
  • baked apples with walnuts and cranberries.
    Crockpot Cranberry Stuffed Apples
  • Cinnamon buttercream on an apple spice cupcake.
    Apple Cider Cupcakes
  • one cinnamon apple rolls on a serving plate.
    Cinnamon Apple Rolls
See more Desserts →

Salads

  • blueberry kale crunch salad in a bowl with feta cheese crumbled on top.
    Blueberry Kale Crunch Salad
  • Serving bowl of wild rice salad on a white background with apples and olive oil nearby.
    Cold Wild Rice Apple Salad
  • cranberry pecan chicken salad in pita pockets on a plate with a dill pickle.
    Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
  • Panera's strawberry poppy seed salad.
    Strawberry Poppyseed Salad (Panera)
See more Salads →

Footer

↑ back to top

ABOUT

  • Home
  • About Kelly
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
  • Disclaimer
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Newsletter
  • Web Stories

RECIPES

  • Holiday Recipes
  • Casseroles
  • One Pot Meals
  • Sheet Pan Meals
  • Condiments
  • Charcuterie
  • Pantry & Preserving
  • Recipe Collections

TOOLS & TIPS

  • Reader Fav's
  • Cheap Meals Ideas
  • Cooking Basics
  • Diet Friendly
  • Seasonings
  • Shop Our Kitchen
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • LinkedIn
  • Mastodon

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2023 Smells Like Delish · All Right Reserved ·
2850 Northwest Bucklin Hill Rd. Silverdale, WA 98383 · Sitemap