Name: Shrimp and Grits
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined; 4 slices bacon, chopped; 1 cup stone-ground grits; 2 cups chicken broth; 2 cups milk; 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); 1 teaspoon lemon juice or hot sauce (optional)

Creamy, cheesy grits topped with spicy, buttery shrimp and smoky bacon—Shrimp and Grits is Southern comfort at its best. The contrast between the velvety grits and the bold Cajun shrimp is pure magic, making this dish a soul-warming favorite for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.

What makes this dish shine is its layered flavor: rich grits kissed with butter and cheddar, a savory bacon-shrimp topping infused with garlic and spice, and a final sprinkle of fresh herbs to brighten each bite. Whether you’re craving a cozy weekend meal or want to impress guests with a Southern classic, Shrimp and Grits delivers every time.

What Kind of Grits Should I Use?

Stone-ground grits offer the best texture and depth of flavor for this dish, but quick-cooking grits can work in a pinch. Avoid instant grits, which tend to be bland and mushy. If you’re going the extra mile, soaking stone-ground grits overnight makes them even creamier.

Ingredients for the Shrimp and Grits

Shrimp: The star of the dish. Use large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for a juicy, meaty bite. A sprinkle of Cajun seasoning brings it to life.

Grits: Choose stone-ground for best results. Grits form the creamy, hearty base of this Southern comfort dish.

Cheddar Cheese: Adds richness and sharpness to the grits. Opt for sharp or extra sharp for a flavor boost.

Butter: Essential for both the grits and the shrimp topping. It deepens the flavor and brings everything together.

Bacon: Adds smoky, salty notes and a delicious crispy contrast to the creamy grits.

Garlic and Green Onion: These aromatics punch up the flavor of the shrimp topping and finish the dish beautifully.

Chicken Broth & Milk: Used in cooking the grits to give them extra body and savory flavor.

Paprika & Cayenne: Bring warmth and a gentle kick that pairs perfectly with the shrimp.

How To Make the Shrimp and Grits

Step 1: Cook the Grits Low and Slow

In a medium saucepan, bring chicken broth and milk to a simmer. Slowly whisk in the grits and reduce heat to low. Cook, stirring frequently, for 20-25 minutes until thick and tender. Stir in butter and cheddar until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 2: Crisp Up the Bacon

In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Keep about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan for added flavor.

Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp

To the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Cook until fragrant, then add the seasoned shrimp. Sauté 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Toss in the cooked bacon and a splash of lemon juice or hot sauce if desired.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Spoon the cheesy grits into bowls, top with shrimp and bacon mixture, and garnish with chopped green onions and parsley. Serve hot and enjoy the Southern bliss!

How to Serve and Store Shrimp and Grits

Serve Shrimp and Grits piping hot right after assembling, while the grits are creamy and the shrimp still juicy. If you’re making it ahead, store components separately in airtight containers: grits in one, shrimp topping in another. Reheat gently over the stove with a splash of milk for the grits and a touch of broth or butter for the shrimp.

This dish doesn’t freeze well due to the texture of the grits, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or within 2 days of making.

What to Serve With Shrimp and Grits?

Sauteed Greens

Collard greens or Swiss chard sautéed with garlic and a splash of vinegar are a Southern staple.

Buttermilk Biscuits

Soft, flaky biscuits are the perfect mop for any leftover sauce on your plate.

Fried Green Tomatoes

Tangy, crisp, and just the right contrast to the creamy richness of the grits.

Cornbread

Slightly sweet and crumbly, cornbread complements the smoky shrimp flavors beautifully.

Pickled Okra or Veggies

Add a bright, briny bite that cuts through the buttery grits.

Simple Garden Salad

A fresh salad with vinaigrette brings a welcome balance to the meal.

Deviled Eggs

Great as a starter or side, they keep the Southern comfort theme strong.

Want More Southern Dinner Ideas?

If Shrimp and Grits made your day, don’t miss these Southern-inspired favorites from Chef Alchemy:

Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts for rich, skillet-seared comfort.
Dad’s Creamy Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes when you need a cozy, oven-baked side.
Crispy Cajun Shrimp with Creamy Sauce for even more shrimp deliciousness.
Southern Marry Me Chicken that’s smothered in a dreamy sauce.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole for creamy-meets-crunchy weeknight magic.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go spicy or mild with the shrimp? Did you sneak in some extra cheese or use grits from scratch?

I love seeing your takes on these classic dishes. Questions and tweaks are always welcome—let’s keep perfecting these plates together.

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Shrimp and Grits

Author: Lorenzo Devereaux
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Craving bold Southern flavor in a bowl? This Shrimp and Grits recipe hits the spot with its buttery, cheesy grits topped with juicy, spice-rubbed shrimp and smoky bacon. Whether you’re cooking up an easy dinner, a savory brunch, or need comfort food fast, this quick recipe delivers big flavor with little fuss. From the rich texture of stone-ground grits to the spicy shrimp topping, it’s a dish that satisfies on every level—ideal for breakfast ideas, dinner ideas, or just a cozy, delicious food moment at home.