Low Country Shrimp and Grits Bake

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A Southern-inspired dish combining creamy stone-ground grits, succulent shrimp, and a rich bacon-infused sauce, baked to golden perfection. This southern-inspired seafood ready in about 50 minutes pairs stone-ground grits, shrimp, peeled and deveined, bacon, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Southern cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large pot, bring 4 cups water to a boil. Add grits and 1/2 tsp salt, reduce heat, and simmer for 5-7 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in milk, cream, and 1/4 tsp pepper.
  2. Step 2: In a skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels. In the same skillet, sauté shrimp for 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque. Add cooked bacon and green onions; mix gently.
  3. Step 3: Transfer grits to a baking dish. Top with shrimp mixture and shredded cheese. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Low Country Shrimp and Grits Bake take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Low Country Shrimp and Grits Bake?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep stone-ground grits from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Low Country Shrimp and Grits Bake?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Low Country Shrimp and Grits Bake for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Low Country Shrimp and Grits Bake?

Southern seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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