Shrimp and Grits Recipe
Looking for the best Shrimp and Grits recipe? This iconic Southern comfort food features creamy, buttery cheddar grits topped with juicy Cajun-seasoned shrimp, crispy bacon, and a rich garlic butter sauce. It’s a restaurant-quality dish that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner and comes together in under an hour.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creamy, cheesy grits
Juicy, perfectly seasoned shrimp
Rich garlic butter sauce
Authentic Southern comfort food
Ready in under 45 minutes
Perfect for brunch or dinner
⏱️ Recipe Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 620 kcal per serving
Protein: 32 g per serving
🛒 Ingredients
For the Creamy Grits
1 cup stone-ground grits
4 cups chicken broth or water
1 cup whole milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese 🧀
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Shrimp
1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined 🦐
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Garlic Butter Sauce
4 slices bacon, chopped 🥓
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Juice of ½ lemon 🍋
2 green onions, sliced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
👨🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Grits
Bring the chicken broth and milk to a gentle boil.
Slowly whisk in the grits.
Reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring frequently, for 20–25 minutes, or until thick and creamy.
Stir in:
Butter
Cheddar cheese
Salt
Black pepper
Keep warm.
Step 2: Season the Shrimp
In a bowl, toss the shrimp with:
Olive oil
Cajun seasoning
Smoked paprika
Garlic powder
Black pepper
Step 3: Cook the Bacon
Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
Cook the bacon until crispy.
Transfer the bacon to a plate, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet.
Cook for 1–2 minutes per side, until pink and just cooked through.
Remove the shrimp from the skillet.
Step 5: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium.
Add:
Butter
Garlic
Cook for 30 seconds.
Stir in:
Chicken broth
Worcestershire sauce
Lemon juice
Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Return the shrimp and bacon to the skillet.
Toss to coat in the sauce.
Step 6: Assemble
Spoon the creamy cheddar grits into serving bowls.
Top with the shrimp, bacon, and garlic butter sauce.
Garnish with green onions and fresh parsley.
Serve immediately.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Enjoy with:
Buttermilk biscuits
Cornbread
Collard greens
Roasted asparagus
Fried green tomatoes
Fresh garden salad
Sweet iced tea
💡 Chef’s Tips
Use stone-ground grits for the best texture and authentic flavor.
Stir the grits often to prevent lumps.
Cook the shrimp just until pink—overcooking can make them tough.
Finish with fresh lemon juice to brighten the rich, buttery sauce.
🧊 Storage
Refrigerator: Store the shrimp and grits separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze the shrimp for up to 2 months. Grits are best enjoyed fresh but can also be frozen for up to 1 month.
Reheating: Reheat the grits gently with a splash of milk or broth to restore their creamy consistency. Warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat.
🥗 Nutrition (Per Serving)
Calories: 620 kcal
Protein: 32 g
Carbohydrates: 36 g
Fat: 38 g
Saturated Fat: 17 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 890 mg
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use quick grits?
Yes. Quick grits cook faster, but stone-ground grits provide a richer flavor and creamier texture.
What shrimp size is best?
Large or extra-large shrimp work best because they stay juicy and look impressive when served over the grits.
Can I make shrimp and grits ahead of time?
You can prepare the grits and bacon in advance. Cook the shrimp just before serving for the best texture.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild Cajun kick. Reduce or omit the Cajun seasoning if you prefer a milder flavor.
