Shrimp and Grits Casserole

Don't let this pretty dismal picture fool you, this shrimp and grits casserole is pretty delicious, if not the most photogenic thing in the world. Shrimp and grits is a classic Southern dish, and it's one of my favorites. Delicious gulf shrimp meet creamy grits. Even though I've lived in Alabama my entire life, I never actually had shrimp and grits until a couple of years ago. Once I tried it, I was hooked, and whenever we go to a restaurant that has it on the menu, I always order it.

This casserole is a quick and easy version in casserole form. And, even better, it's from Cooking Light magazine so it's healthier for you than the typical shrimp and grits. This would be the perfect side dish for a Sunday brunch, or you can serve it for dinner as an entree all to itself.

You can find the recipe here.

Some tips: Do not cook the shrimp before putting them in the casserole. Shrimp do not need very long to cook, and if you over cook them, they will be tough. Watch the casserole while it's in the oven, too. I cooked mine for the full 25 minutes given in the recipe, and to me, it came out a little dry. Next time, I will try 10-15 minutes and check to see if the shrimp looks done. I also topped my casserole with a sprinkling of paprika to give it a little more color.