Best 4 Cheesy Cajun Shrimp And Grits Recipes

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Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of Cheesy Cajun Shrimp and Grits, a delectable fusion of classic Southern comfort food and zesty Cajun spices. This irresistible dish features plump shrimp smothered in a rich, creamy sauce infused with the holy trinity of Cajun cuisine: bell peppers, onions, and celery. The creamy grits provide a velvety foundation for the succulent shrimp, while a generous helping of cheese adds an extra layer of indulgence. This culinary masterpiece is not only a symphony of flavors but also a visual delight, sure to impress your taste buds and elevate any gathering.

For those seeking a vegetarian option, the article also offers a mouthwatering recipe for Cheesy Cajun Grits. This plant-based rendition captures the essence of the original dish, using hearty mushrooms and colorful bell peppers to create a flavorful and satisfying meal. And for those with a sweet tooth, the article includes a delightful recipe for Cheesy Cajun Shrimp and Grits Casserole, a perfect blend of savory and sweet flavors. This casserole features layers of creamy grits, tender shrimp, and a delectable cornbread crust, making it an ideal dish to feed a crowd.

Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!

CHEESY CAJUN SHRIMP AND GRITS



Cheesy Cajun Shrimp and Grits image

I was born and raised in the South. A few years ago I moved to Pennsylvania, where good Southern comfort food was hard to find. So I created these creamy, smoky Cajun shrimp and grits to remind me of home. -Kailey Thompson, Palm Bay, Florida

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 30m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

8 cups water
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups quick-cooking grits
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup butter, cubed
8 bacon strips, chopped
2 pounds uncooked shrimp (26-30 per pound), peeled and deveined
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley or 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan, bring water and salt to a boil. Slowly stir in grits. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook, covered, until thickened, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Stir in cheese and butter until melted; keep warm., Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp, stirring occasionally. Remove with a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels. Cook and stir shrimp in bacon drippings until shrimp turn pink, 3-4 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in Cajun seasoning and parsley., Divide grits among 8 serving bowls; top with shrimp mixture and the bacon.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 560 calories, Fat 34g fat (17g saturated fat), Cholesterol 215mg cholesterol, Sodium 968mg sodium, Carbohydrate 32g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 32g protein.

CHEESY SHRIMP AND GRITS



Cheesy Shrimp and Grits image

Shrimp and grits with cheese.

Provided by Mr. du

Categories     Side Dish     Grain Side Dish Recipes     Grits

Time 1h

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 11

4 cups water
salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 cup stone-ground grits
2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
3 tablespoons butter
1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
6 slices bacon, chopped
1 cup thinly sliced scallions
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 large clove garlic, minced
4 teaspoons lemon juice

Steps:

  • Bring water to a boil in a pot. Add salt and pepper. Stir in grits; reduce heat and let simmer until water is absorbed, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in Cheddar cheese and butter.
  • Rinse shrimp and pat dry.
  • Place bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain bacon slices on paper towels.
  • Heat remaining bacon grease in the skillet over medium heat. Cook shrimp until they are bright pink on the outside and the meat is opaque, 3 to 4 minutes. Add bacon, scallions, parsley, garlic, and lemon juice. Saute for 3 minutes.
  • Spoon grits into a serving bowl. Add shrimp mixture and mix well. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 448.8 calories, Carbohydrate 23.4 g, Cholesterol 188.7 mg, Fat 25.8 g, Fiber 0.9 g, Protein 30 g, SaturatedFat 14.8 g, Sodium 704.8 mg, Sugar 0.9 g

SHRIMP AND SAUSAGE WITH CHEESY GRITS



Shrimp and Sausage with Cheesy Grits image

Shake up your dinner rut with this PM-play on shrimp and grits. Here, smoky Andouille sausage and juicy shrimp are seared in the skillet and then arranged on top of a comforting bowl of cheesy grits. A saucy fried egg is the crowning achievement on this breakfast-for-dinner winner.

Provided by Lauryn Tyrell

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Pork Recipes

Time 50m

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 cup stone-ground grits
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
6 ounces sharp cheddar, grated (1 1/2 cups)
6 ounces andouille sausage, sliced 1/4 inch thick
12 ounces large peeled, deveined shrimp (about 16)
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons hot sauce, such as Frank's Red Hot
1 poblano pepper, seeded and cut into 1/4-inch strips
1 small onion, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices (1 cup)
1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
Fried eggs, for serving (optional)

Steps:

  • Stir grits into 4 cups salted boiling water. Reduce heat to medium; cook, stirring, until thickened, 10 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in 2 tablespoons butter and cheese; season to taste.
  • Cook sausage in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until browned, 6 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Add 1 tablespoon butter and shrimp to skillet; season to taste. Cook until just opaque, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in lemon juice and hot sauce; transfer to another plate.
  • Add remaining butter, poblano, onion, and tomatoes to now-empty skillet and cook, stirring once, until browned, 5 minutes. Return sausage and 1/4 cup water to skillet; cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook until tomatoes collapse, 1 minute more. Stir in shrimp and serve, with grits and eggs.

CRISPY CAJUN SHRIMP AND CHEESY GRITS



Crispy Cajun Shrimp and Cheesy Grits image

Provided by Jeff Mauro, host of Sandwich King

Categories     main-dish

Time 45m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 23

4 tablespoons butter
1 cup creamed corn
4 scallions, whites sliced, greens reserved
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 cups chicken stock
1 cup milk
1 cup old-fashioned yellow grits
2 ounces pepper jack cheese, grated
2 ounces sharp Cheddar cheese, grated
1 quart neutral oil, for deep-frying
One 18-ounce package frozen popcorn shrimp
Cajun Butter, recipe follows
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon celery seed
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 tablespoons butter

Steps:

  • Heat 2 tablespoons of the butter in a saucepan over medium heat until melted. Add the corn and scallion whites and saute for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Add 1 cup water. Using an immersion blender, blend the mixture until smooth. Add the stock and milk and bring to a simmer.
  • Slowly rain in the grits while whisking vigorously. Bring to a simmer and keep at a light simmer while stirring constantly, about 15 minutes. Add the cheese and remaining 2 tablespoons butter and whisk until smooth. If the grits are too tight, add a bit more water to loosen them up. Season to taste.
  • Meanwhile, heat the oil in a heavy-bottomed pot until a deep-frying thermometer registers 350 degrees F. Fry the shrimp until crispy, 3 to 5 minutes. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
  • Toss the hot crispy shrimp with the warm Cajun Butter. Spoon the shrimp over bowls of grits with some of the butter. Slice the reserved scallion greens very thinly on the bias and sprinkle on top.
  • Mix the paprika, sugar, cayenne, celery seed, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt and pepper together in a bowl. Heat a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Put the spice mixture in the skillet and toast to waken up the flavors, about 3 minutes. Add the butter and melt until foamy.

Tips:

  • Use fresh shrimp. Fresh shrimp will have a sweeter, more delicate flavor than frozen shrimp.
  • Don't overcook the shrimp. Shrimp cooks quickly, so be careful not to overcook it. Overcooked shrimp will be tough and rubbery.
  • Use a good quality Cajun seasoning. A good Cajun seasoning will have a blend of spices that will give your dish a delicious, authentic flavor.
  • Don't be afraid to adjust the spice level. If you like your food spicy, add more Cajun seasoning. If you prefer a milder dish, use less seasoning.
  • Serve the shrimp and grits immediately. This dish is best served hot, so make sure to serve it immediately after it is cooked.

Conclusion:

Cheesy Cajun shrimp and grits is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. The shrimp is cooked in a creamy Cajun sauce and served over a bed of cheesy grits. This dish is sure to please everyone at your table.

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