SHRIMP-AND-GRITS CASSEROLE

Shrimp-and-Grits Casserole image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 55m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 1/3 cups instant grits (four 1-ounce packets)
1 cup shredded Cheddar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
Freshly ground black pepper
3/4 pound large peeled and deveined shrimp, tails removed
Kosher salt
1 1/2 cups crusty bread, crust removed, bread torn into 1/2-inch pieces
2 large scallions, sliced
1 link andouille sausage, sliced into half-moons (3 ounces)
1 stalk celery, diced
1/2 red bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon hot sauce, plus more for serving
Juice of 1/2 lemon

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Bring 1 1/2 cups water to a simmer in a large saucepan.
Meanwhile, add the grits, 1/2 cup of the Cheddar, 2 tablespoons of the butter and a few grinds of black pepper to a 2-quart casserole dish. Pour in the simmering water, and whisk until there are no lumps.
Toss the shrimp with 1/4 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl; set aside. Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bread and a pinch of salt to the butter, toss quickly to coat, then transfer to a small bowl; set aside.
Wipe out the skillet, and melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add the scallions (reserve 1 tablespoon for garnish), andouille, celery, bell pepper and garlic, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the celery and bell pepper soften, about 8 minutes. Sprinkle in the flour, stir for 1 minute, then add the chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Scrape up the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. The mixture should come to a simmer quickly, then remove from the heat and stir in the shrimp. Immediately spread the shrimp mixture evenly over the grits in the casserole dish. Top with the bread and the remaining 1/2 cup Cheddar.
Bake the casserole until the shrimp is opaque and cooked through and the top is golden, 20 to 25 minutes. Sprinkle with the reserved scallions. Serve with extra hot sauce on the side.