Brad’s Famous Cheesy Shrimp & Grits
You will love this cheesy shrimp and grits recipe if you want an easy way to feed a large crowd. I’ll share his current recipe, which has evolved over the last 8 years, and a little history of Brad’s Famous Cheesy Shrimp & Grits. Ok, maybe Brad’s Famous Cheesy Shrimp & Grits aren’t famous worldwide. However, our friends and Family don’t hesitate to accept an invitation when we have our annual Shrimp & Grits Dinner Party!
The History
When our daughter was engaged to be married, we decided to host an engagement party with about 70 guests. The party was being held at The Ponds Outdoor Kitchen. This was way before we built a home and moved here permanently.
Because we are very frugal, we decided to cater the event ourselves. In addition, the food needed to be handheld as the outdoor kitchen and entertaining area don’t allow for that many people to be seated for a meal.
The idea for Shrimp & Grits to be served in small disposable cups was born. Not only was it an easy dish to serve, but fairly inexpensive to prepare.
Next, we found a recipe and Brad decided to tweak it ever so slightly.
Long story short, the shrimp and grits were a huge success and he’s been making them ever since. The recipe has evolved over the past 8 years to today’s version.
Brad’s Famous Cheesy Shrimp & Grits
Ingredients
- 1 cup Stone Ground Grits
- 4 cups Chicken Broth
- 1 lb. Shrimp lightly cooked
- 1 Smoked Sausage Fully cooked Cubed
- 2 10 oz. Cans Ro-tel Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies
- 2 cups Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
- 1 tsp Old Bay Seasoning
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Pepper
- 4 tbsp Sour Cream Optional
Instructions
- Peel and de-vein shrimp
- Lightly boil shrimp and set aside.
- Chop Smoked Sausage into cubes and set aside
- Combine Chicken Broth and Canned Tomatoes and bring to a boil in stock pot
- Add Grits and boil for 15-20 minutes
- Add Shrimp, Sausage, Old Bay, Salt & Pepper
- Stir and heat thoroughly
- Add Cheese and stir until melted.
- Serve with 1 tablespoon of Sour Cream for each serving if desired.
Notes
A Few Tips for Serving Shrimp & Grits
First, the serving proportions were much smaller per person when planning the cheesy shrimp & grits for the engagement party. Each cup only held approx. 1/3 of a serving; therefore, not as many servings were required.
Although the Shrimp & Grits were one of the main dishes, Red Beans & Rice were also served similarly. Also, many additional handheld items were on the menu.
In addition, the shrimp and grits were prepared a few days ahead of the event and frozen. On the day of the party, the grits were perfect when heated in a heated serving container.
Brad’s Famous Cheesy Shrimp & Grits Parties
We usually have at least one party yearly, during which Brad’s Shrimp & Grits is the main course. Last week, I shared about our recent dinner party at the Outdoor Kitchen. You can see all the details here.
Although everyone attended, there were shrimp & grits that we froze for a later dinner. Below is a photo of the leftovers from the party. Perfect for our mid-week dinner and just as yummy.
If you are looking for a simple dish that can serve a lot of people, that can be prepared ahead of the event, and doesn’t cost a fortune, this recipe is for you. Enjoy. Here is another great dish that can be made quickly and freezes well.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for all of these wonderful recipes. I don’t like to cook either, but every now and then I like to give my hubby a break. He will be so excited (and impressed). Happy Fall!
Miche,
My husband does this one but I could make myself because it’s so easy. Best of luck.
Rachel
Thanks for sharing my husband will love trying this recipe Pinned!
.Cindy
Cindy,
Oh good. I hope yall like it as much as we do.
Rachel