Shrimp and Grits Stuffing Recipe for Delicious Holidays

There’s something undeniably comforting about the combination of shrimp and grits—a classic Southern dish that brings together creamy, buttery grits and succulent, spicy shrimp. Now imagine taking that beloved duo and turning it into a rich, flavorful stuffing that makes a perfect side or even a centerpiece for your holiday table.

This shrimp and grits stuffing recipe offers a delightful twist on tradition, blending the bold flavors of Cajun seasoning with the creamy texture of grits and the tender bite of shrimp. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply craving a hearty, soul-warming dish, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your cooking repertoire.

Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion, this stuffing is easy to prepare yet packed with layers of flavor. The blend of smoky bacon, bell peppers, and green onions adds a vibrant touch that perfectly complements the shrimp.

Plus, it’s versatile enough to be made ahead and reheated, making your holiday cooking stress-free. Let’s dive in and discover why this shrimp and grits stuffing recipe is such a winner!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This shrimp and grits stuffing is a crowd-pleaser for so many reasons. First, it combines the creamy, cheesy goodness of grits with perfectly seasoned shrimp, which adds a delightful texture and flavor contrast.

The dish is both hearty and elegant, bridging the gap between traditional Southern comfort food and a festive stuffing that’s anything but ordinary.

Another reason to love this recipe is its flexibility. You can prepare it ahead of time, customize the spice levels, or even swap ingredients to suit dietary preferences.

It’s also great for those who want to try something new beyond the usual bread-based stuffing. The layers of flavor from sautéed vegetables, garlic, and a hint of Cajun spice come together beautifully, making every bite memorable.

Finally, this stuffing pairs wonderfully with a variety of main dishes and can be served as a side or main course. It’s a unique way to bring a Southern flair to your holiday table or weeknight dinner.

If you enjoy exploring other creative vegetarian or vegan recipes, be sure to check out our Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide and Vegan Recipes No Tofu: Delicious Plant-Based Meals for more inspiration.

Ingredients

• 1 cup stone-ground grits (uncooked)
• 4 cups water or chicken broth
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 slices bacon, diced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 green onions, sliced thin
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• Large skillet or frying pan
• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking dish (8×8 inches or similar)
• Knife and cutting board
• Colander (for rinsing shrimp)

Instructions

1. Cook the grits: In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water or chicken broth to a boil. Slowly whisk in the grits to avoid lumps. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring frequently, until thickened and creamy, about 20-25 minutes. Stir in 1 tablespoon of butter and the shredded cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
2. Prepare the shrimp: While the grits are cooking, season the shrimp with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Set aside to marinate briefly.
3. Cook the bacon and vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crisp. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on paper towels to drain. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet.
4. Sauté the aromatics: Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet with the bacon fat. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
5. Cook the shrimp: Push the vegetables to one side of the pan and add the seasoned shrimp. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook. Stir the shrimp and vegetables together to combine evenly.
6. Combine the stuffing: In a large mixing bowl, gently fold together the cooked grits, shrimp and vegetable mixture, and crispy bacon. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
7. Assemble and bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the shrimp and grits mixture to a buttered baking dish. Dot the top with the remaining tablespoon of butter for extra richness.
8. Bake: Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until heated through and the top begins to brown slightly.
9. Garnish and serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle with sliced green onions and chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm as a flavorful stuffing or side dish.

Tips & Variations

For a creamier texture, try substituting half the water with milk or cream when cooking the grits.

If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper or add a few dashes of hot sauce to the shrimp marinade.

Vegetarian option: omit shrimp and bacon, and add sautéed mushrooms or smoked tofu for a similar savory depth.

Make it ahead: Prepare the stuffing up to step 6, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake just before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This shrimp and grits stuffing pairs wonderfully with classic roasted turkey or baked ham during holiday meals. It also complements grilled or blackened fish and chicken for a Southern-inspired dinner any time of the year.

For a lighter meal, serve alongside a crisp green salad such as our Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas. A drizzle of hot sauce or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten the dish even more.

Leftovers make excellent sandwiches or wraps—just add some fresh greens and your favorite condiments for a quick, satisfying lunch.

Conclusion

This shrimp and grits stuffing recipe offers a delicious and creative way to enjoy two Southern favorites in one dish. It’s rich, satisfying, and full of flavor, making it a fantastic addition to any festive menu or comforting weeknight dinner.

The combination of creamy grits, spicy shrimp, and savory bacon and vegetables balances perfectly, bringing a touch of Southern hospitality to your table.

Whether you’re new to cooking grits or a seasoned pro looking to try something different, this recipe is sure to impress. Its versatility and ease of preparation make it an excellent choice for cooks of all skill levels.

If you’re interested in exploring more unique and flavorful recipes, don’t miss our Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food and 400 Calorie Vegetarian Dinner Recipe Ideas for Healthy Meals to round out your culinary adventures.

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Shrimp and Grits Stuffing Recipe”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A savory stuffing combining creamy grits with seasoned shrimp and aromatic vegetables. Perfect as a unique side dish for holiday meals or gatherings.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT30M”, “totalTime”: “PT45M”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 cup stone-ground grits”, “4 cups water”, “1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded”, “1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined”, “1/2 cup diced celery”, “1/2 cup diced onion”, “1/2 cup diced bell pepper”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “2 tablespoons butter”, “1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika”, “Salt and black pepper to taste”, “2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bring water to a boil and slowly whisk in grits.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Reduce heat and simmer, stirring frequently, until thickened, about 20 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper; set grits aside.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat and saut\u00e9 celery, onion, bell pepper, and garlic until soft.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add shrimp and smoked paprika; cook until shrimp turn pink, about 3-4 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Combine shrimp mixture with grits and mix well.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Transfer to a baking dish and bake at 350\u00b0F (175\u00b0C) for 10 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “280 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “20 g”, “fatContent”: “9 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “25 g”}}