Shrimp and Grits

Introduction

Shrimp and Grits is a comforting, soul-warming Southern dish that brings together creamy, buttery grits and savory shrimp cooked in a smoky, flavorful sauce. Originally a breakfast dish from the Lowcountry region (Carolinas and Georgia), it has since become a versatile meal enjoyed any time of day. The combination of rich, cheesy grits with perfectly seasoned shrimp creates a truly indulgent yet simple dish that feels like a hug in a bowl.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s deeply comforting and packed with flavor. The creamy, cheesy grits provide the perfect base for the shrimp, which are cooked in a garlicky, smoky sauce with bacon or sausage. It’s rustic yet elegant, making it perfect for both family dinners and special occasions. Plus, it’s highly customizable—you can make it spicy, smoky, or extra cheesy depending on your taste.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• A Southern classic with deep cultural roots.
• Comfort food at its finest—creamy, cheesy, savory, and satisfying.
• Simple ingredients but big, bold flavors.
• Perfect balance of protein, carbs, and richness in one dish.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: ~480 kcal per serving (with cheese and bacon)

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: Southern American
• Course: Main Dish, Comfort Food

Ingredients

For the Grits:

• 1 cup stone-ground grits (or quick grits if short on time)
• 4 cups chicken broth (or water)
• 1 cup whole milk (optional, for extra creaminess)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 slices bacon (or ½ cup smoked sausage, diced)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp butter
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Salt to taste
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges for serving

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Cook grits until creamy, stir in butter and cheese.
2. Crisp bacon, sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic.
3. Add shrimp, seasonings, and chicken broth.
4. Spoon shrimp mixture over creamy grits.
5. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook the Grits

• Bring chicken broth (and milk, if using) to a boil.
• Stir in grits, reduce heat to low, and cook (20–25 minutes for stone-ground or 5–7 minutes for quick grits).
• Stir in butter and shredded cheddar. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Prepare Shrimp Topping

• Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy. Remove, chop, and set aside. Leave drippings in skillet.
• Add onion and bell pepper, sauté until softened.
• Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add shrimp, seasonings, and butter. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink.
• Pour in chicken broth to create a light sauce.

Step 3: Assemble

• Spoon cheesy grits into bowls.
• Top with shrimp mixture and chopped bacon.
• Garnish with parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

How to Serve

• Serve hot in shallow bowls with extra bacon bits and parsley.
• Pair with collard greens, cornbread, or roasted veggies.
• Enjoy with sweet tea or a glass of chilled white wine.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use stone-ground grits for authentic flavor and texture.
• Don’t overcook shrimp—they turn rubbery fast.
• Add hot sauce or Cajun seasoning for extra spice.
• For creamier grits, stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end.

Variations

• Cajun Shrimp and Grits: Add Cajun seasoning and Andouille sausage.
• Garlic Butter Shrimp and Grits: Swap bacon for garlic butter sauce.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip shrimp and bacon, top grits with sautéed mushrooms and spinach.
• Spicy Tomato Shrimp and Grits: Add fire-roasted tomatoes and chili flakes.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze shrimp and grits separately for up to 1 month.
• Reheating: Reheat grits with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess; warm shrimp in skillet.

Special Equipment Needed

• Medium saucepan (for grits)
• Large skillet (for shrimp and bacon)
• Wooden spoon or whisk for stirring grits

FAQ

Q1: Can I use instant grits?
Yes, but the flavor and texture won’t be as rich as stone-ground grits.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead?
You can make the grits ahead, but cook shrimp fresh for the best texture.

Q3: Can I make it lighter?
Yes—use milk instead of cream in grits and skip cheese or use reduced-fat cheese.

Q4: Can I add wine to the sauce?
Yes, a splash of white wine adds great flavor.

Conclusion

Shrimp and Grits is the ultimate Southern comfort food, blending creamy, cheesy grits with smoky, garlicky shrimp. It’s hearty, flavorful, and versatile enough to enjoy for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. This dish is not only easy to make but also guaranteed to impress family and guests alike. If you want a taste of true Southern tradition with a gourmet flair, this recipe is a must-try.