Best Southern Shrimp and Grits Recipe

Southern Shrimp and Grits is one of the most iconic and beloved dishes in Southern cuisine. Known for its combination of creamy, cheesy grits paired with perfectly seasoned shrimp, this dish offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors. The richness of the grits contrasts beautifully with the savory, succulent shrimp that’s cooked to perfection in a flavorful, buttery sauce. Add some crispy bacon, sautéed vegetables, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, and you’ve got a meal that’s both comforting and indulgent. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply craving a satisfying dish, Southern Shrimp and Grits is sure to impress.

This easy, quick recipe will make your taste buds dance as you enjoy the smooth, creamy grits that are complemented by the juicy, flavorful shrimp. It’s the kind of meal that brings warmth and satisfaction to any dinner table. The perfect balance of richness, spice, and tangy heat comes together in every bite. And with the bonus of crispy bacon bits and fresh herbs on top, this dish is truly the epitome of Southern comfort food.

When you make this Southern Shrimp and Grits recipe, you can look forward to the irresistible combination of creamy, cheesy grits that melt in your mouth and perfectly seasoned shrimp cooked in a rich, savory sauce. The addition of crispy bacon and fresh parsley on top adds texture and a burst of flavor, while the slight heat from the spices enhances the dish even further. The creamy texture of the grits and the tender shrimp come together beautifully to create an unforgettable meal that will have you coming back for more!

Tools to Use

Large skillet
Medium saucepan
Mixing bowl
Cutting board
Knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon or spatula
Whisk

Ingredients

For the Grits:

1 cup stone-ground grits
4 cups water
1 cup milk
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons butter
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Shrimp:

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 slices bacon, chopped
1 medium onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

Prepare the Grits: In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Slowly whisk in the grits and reduce the heat to low. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the grits are thick and creamy, about 20-25 minutes. Stir in the milk, shredded cheese, butter, salt, and pepper. Keep warm over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet.
Cook the Shrimp: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the shrimp to the skillet, cooking until they turn pink, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
Make the Sauce: Add the chicken broth to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the hot sauce, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Combine and Serve: Return the shrimp and bacon to the skillet, stirring to combine with the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through. Spoon the cheesy grits onto plates and top with the shrimp mixture. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

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Best Southern Shrimp and Grits Recipe

Equipment

Large skillet
Medium saucepan
Mixing bowl
Cutting board
Knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon or spatula
Whisk

Ingredients

For the Grits:
1 cup stone-ground grits
4 cups water
1 cup milk
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons butter
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Shrimp:
1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
4 slices bacon chopped
1 medium onion diced
1 bell pepper diced
2 cloves garlic minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon hot sauce optional
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

Prepare the Grits: In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Slowly whisk in the grits and reduce the heat to low. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the grits are thick and creamy, about 20-25 minutes. Stir in the milk, shredded cheese, butter, salt, and pepper. Keep warm over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet.
Cook the Shrimp: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the shrimp to the skillet, cooking until they turn pink, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
Make the Sauce: Add the chicken broth to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the hot sauce, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Combine and Serve: Return the shrimp and bacon to the skillet, stirring to combine with the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through. Spoon the cheesy grits onto plates and top with the shrimp mixture. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Tips for Cooking

Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp will give you the best flavor and texture. If using frozen shrimp, make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.
Cook Grits Slowly: Stir the grits frequently to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pan and ensure they cook evenly.
Adjust Spice Level: You can adjust the amount of hot sauce and cayenne pepper to your preferred level of spiciness.
Cheese Options: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese for the grits, such as Gouda or Monterey Jack, for a different flavor profile.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

These Southern Shrimp and Grits are a must-try for anyone looking to experience a classic Southern dish that’s both comforting and flavorful. The combination of creamy, cheesy grits and succulent shrimp in a savory, slightly spicy sauce is simply irresistible. This dish is perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner, and is sure to impress your family and friends. It’s a versatile recipe that can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy a taste of the South with this delicious and satisfying meal!

We hope you enjoy making and savoring these Best Southern Shrimp and Grits! They are a delicious and nutritious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of juicy bell peppers and a savory vegetable filling is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Don’t forget to share your delicious results with us, and happy cooking!