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.
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)
Instructions
1. In a saucepan, bring chicken broth and milk to a simmer. Slowly whisk in grits and reduce heat to low.
2. Cook grits for 20–25 minutes, stirring often, until thick and tender.
3. Stir in butter and shredded cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Keep warm.
4. In a skillet, cook chopped bacon until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and reserve 1 tablespoon bacon fat.
5. In the same skillet, add butter and garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds.
6. Add seasoned shrimp (with paprika, cayenne, salt, pepper) and cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through.
7. Return bacon to the pan and add lemon juice or hot sauce if using. Toss everything together.
8. Spoon grits into bowls and top with shrimp and bacon mixture.
9. Garnish with green onions and parsley. Serve hot.
Notes
Use freshly grated cheddar for best melt and flavor.
Don’t overcook the shrimp—they cook quickly and can get rubbery.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 225mg
Keywords: shrimp and grits, easy dinner, southern comfort food