This shrimp and grits tart is a stunning yet approachable dish that blends creamy Southern grits with tender shrimp, fresh vegetables, and tangy goat cheese—all baked together in a single skillet. It’s elegant enough for brunch guests, yet easy enough for a weeknight dinner when you want something special without extra effort.
Perfect for holiday brunches, or spring entertaining, this savory tart delivers big flavor with simple ingredients and minimal cleanup.
Why You’ll Love This Shrimp and Grits Tart
- One-skillet recipe baked directly in the oven
- Creamy, cheesy grits with tender shrimp
- Fresh dill, asparagus, and tomatoes add brightness
- Great for brunch, lunch, or light dinner
- Naturally gluten-free (depending on grits used)
Ingredients
For the Grits Base
- 3 cups water
- 1 cup yellow quick grits
- 2 teaspoons salt, divided
- 1 (10.5-ounce) package goat cheese, divided
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
For the Topping
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 plum tomatoes, sliced
- ½ pound medium fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 10 stalks asparagus, ends trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
For Garnish
- Fresh dill sprigs
How to Make Shrimp and Grits Tart
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place a 10-inch ovenproof skillet inside the oven while it preheats.
2. Cook the Grits
In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Stir in the grits and 1 teaspoon salt, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook until thick and creamy, about 6 minutes, stirring often.
Remove from heat and stir in half of the goat cheese and the chopped dill until smooth.
3. Assemble the Tart
Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven and add the butter, swirling to coat. Pour the grits into the skillet and spread evenly.
Layer the tomatoes, shrimp, and asparagus over the grits. Sprinkle with remaining salt, pepper, and dot with the remaining goat cheese.
4. Bake
Return the skillet to the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque and the vegetables are tender.
5. Garnish & Serve
Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh dill, and allow to cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Serving Ideas
- Pair with a crisp green salad and lemon vinaigrette
- Serve alongside fresh fruit for brunch
- Add crusty bread or biscuits for a heartier meal
Tips for Success
- Use fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor
- Don’t overcook the grits—they should be creamy before baking
- Goat cheese can be swapped for feta or Boursin for variation
Shrimp and Grits Tart
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 SERVINGS 1x
Description
A savory Southern-inspired shrimp and grits tart baked in a cast iron skillet with creamy grits, goat cheese, asparagus, tomatoes, and fresh dill. Perfect for brunch or a light dinner.
Ingredients
Grits Base
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3 cups water
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1 cup yellow quick-cooking grits
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2 teaspoons salt, divided
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1 (10.5-ounce) package goat cheese, divided
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
Topping
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2 tablespoons butter
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4 plum tomatoes, sliced
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½ pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
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10 asparagus stalks, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
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1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Garnish
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Fresh dill sprigs
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400°F. Place a 10-inch ovenproof cast iron skillet in the oven to heat.
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In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil. Stir in grits and 1 teaspoon salt. Reduce heat and cook, stirring often, until thick and creamy, about 6 minutes.
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Remove grits from heat and stir in half of the goat cheese and chopped dill until smooth.
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Carefully remove hot skillet from oven and add butter, swirling to coat. Spread cooked grits evenly in the skillet.
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Arrange tomatoes, shrimp, and asparagus over the grits. Sprinkle with remaining salt and pepper. Crumble remaining goat cheese over the top.
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Bake for 20 minutes, or until shrimp are pink and opaque and vegetables are tender.
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Garnish with fresh dill and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
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For best texture, do not overcook the grits before baking.
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Fresh shrimp yield the best flavor, but thawed frozen shrimp work well.
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Goat cheese can be substituted with feta or Boursin.
- Prep Time: 15 MINUTES
- Cook Time: 30 MINUTES
- Category: BRUNCH | LIGHT DINNER
- Method: SKILLET
- Cuisine: SOUTHERN
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Bake the tart, cool completely, and refrigerate. Reheat gently in the oven before serving.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before using.
What other vegetables can I use?
Spinach, leeks, or sautéed mushrooms work beautifully in this tart.
Final Thoughts
This shrimp and grits tart is a fresh, modern twist on a Southern classic. With its creamy base, savory toppings, and beautiful presentation, it’s a recipe that performs just as well on Pinterest as it does at the table. Whether you’re hosting brunch or craving a cozy skillet dinner, this tart is guaranteed to impress.
