What can I substitute for Old Bay?

Any kind of Cajun seasoning would work - just start with 1/2 teaspoon first, as some Cajun seasonings can be spicier and / or saltier than Old Bay Seasoning. Taste the grits mixture before adding the eggs to determine if additional seasoning is needed. Check out Best Substitutes for Old Bay .

What is traditionally served with shrimp and grits?

Some of the best side dishes to serve with shrimp and grits are collard greens, biscuits, sweet potato fries, mashed sweet potatoes , macaroni and cheese, cornbread, green beans and potatoes .

What type of grits are best in this recipe?

I have used white grits and yellow corn in this grits recipe and thought both were delicious. I've also started with uncooked regular grits or quick-cooking grits. The cooking time will be modified according to package instructions, but the final product will be lovely, either way.

Can I use a different type of cheese in the cheesy grits?

Parmesan adds a subtle nuttiness to this dish that compliments the shrimp mixture perfectly. But if you're looking for a southern shrimp and grits experience, a dose of sharp cheddar cheese will do the trick!

What can I substitute for seafood stock?

Seafood stock can be delivered to your doorstep from our friends at Amazon. If you have no time to wait, and are cooking for non-pescatarians, 3 1/2 cups chicken broth would be a lovely substitute. Vegetable stock is also a good option.

Can I make this dish ahead?

The dish can be prepped in advance right up until the point you add the shrimp. Keep the grits mixture and the shrimp separately in the refrigerator and combine just before baking.

How to store leftover shrimp and grits dressing?

To store, cover and keep in the refrigerator up to 3 days. Shrimp and grits dressing can be reheated in the microwave or the oven until warmed through.

Shrimp and Grits Dressing Recipe

Ingredients

Scale

6 tablespoons butter, divided

1 cup celery, finely diced

1 cup yellow onion, finely diced

1 cup red bell pepper, finely diced

6 garlic cloves, minced

2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped

1 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

3 1/2 cups seafood stock, divided

1 cup uncooked grits

3 large eggs, beaten well

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 cup fine dry breadcrumbs

1 pound medium shrimp, shelled and deveined

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded

2 tablespoons fresh chives, diced, for serving

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 325℉. Butter or spray an 11x7-inch baking dish, if using instead of cast iron skillet.
Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add 3 tablespoons butter, along with diced celery, onion, red bell pepper and minced cloves garlic. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté until veggies are tender and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add fresh thyme, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning and 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika to the vegetables. Mix to combine and let it bloom in the pan for about one minute.
Add 3 cups of seafood stock to the skillet and raise to medium-high heat to bring it up to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and add 1 cup of grits and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir periodically until the liquid is absorbed and the grits are cooked, about 8-10 minutes. Add the parmesan cheese.
In a large measuring cup or bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 cup of stock (cooled), 3 eggs and lemon juice. Whisk well to combine. Add a cup, or about one-fourth of the hot grits mixture, to the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs. Then add the egg and grits mixture back into the skillet of grits, whisking constantly for about 30 seconds. Finally, add the cup of fine bread crumbs and pound of medium-size raw shrimp to the grits mixture and stir thoroughly. Spread the grits mixture evenly in the skillet, or, if baking in another casserole dish, pour and spread evenly.
Slice the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter and scatter around the top of the dressing, then sprinkle with a pinch of additional Old Bay.
Bake the dressing for 35-45 minutes, until the shrimp are cooked through and the mixture is set. Remove from oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. Top with chives or fresh parsley.

Notes

Use white or yellow grits in this recipe.

Substitute Cajun seasoning for Old Bay, or check out Best Substitutes for Old Bay.

Prep Time: 20
Cook Time: 60
Category: Easy Recipes
Method: Oven and Stove Top
Cuisine: American, Southern