Creamy Shrimp and Grits Recipe for Southern Comfort

Shrimp and grits creates comfort food to a whole new level with bold Southern roots that have won hearts across the country.

Rich, creamy textures meet savory flavors in a dish that feels both homey and special enough for company.

Whether you serve it for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, it provides satisfying warmth that appeals to everyone at the table.

The combination works beautifully because contrasting elements balance so perfectly together.

Coastal charm meets down-home cooking in one bowl that never goes out of style.

Regional pride shines through in every bite, making it a favorite far beyond its Georgia and Carolina origins.

Cook up a batch tonight and see why so many people consider it pure soul-warming perfection.

Why Shrimp and Grits Never Go Out of Style

• Simple Comfort: This shrimp and grits recipe feels like a warm hug from the South, perfect for when your soul needs some serious comfort food that doesn’t require culinary genius.
• Quick Weeknight Wonder: With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish comes together faster than ordering takeout, making dinner stress completely disappear from your evening.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of creamy cheese grits, crispy bacon, and zesty shrimp creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will make your taste buds dance with pure satisfaction.
• One-Skillet Magic: Minimal dishes and cleanup mean more time enjoying your delicious meal and less time standing at the sink scrubbing pots and pans after dinner.

Shrimp and Grits Ingredient List

• Large Shrimp (1 pound): Fresh, plump shrimp that will be the star protein of your Southern comfort dish.
• Stone-Ground Grits (1 cup): Coarse, rustic grits that create a creamy, hearty base for your meal.
• Chicken Broth (4 cups): Rich liquid that adds deep flavor and helps cook your grits perfectly.
• Bacon (4 slices): Crispy, smoky meat that brings incredible depth to the entire dish.

• Sharp Cheddar Cheese (1 cup): Tangy cheese that melts beautifully into your grits for extra richness.
• Heavy Cream (½ cup): Smooth dairy that makes your grits extra creamy and luxurious.
• Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds a silky, rich finish to your grits and helps blend flavors.

• Onion (1 small), Garlic (2 cloves): Foundational aromatics that build a flavor base for your shrimp.
• Salt (1 teaspoon), Smoked Paprika (1 teaspoon), Garlic Powder (½ teaspoon), Cayenne Pepper (½ teaspoon), Dried Thyme (½ teaspoon): Spice blend that gives your dish complex, balanced heat and depth.
• Chicken Broth (½ cup): Extra liquid for creating a delicious sauce for your shrimp.
• Lemon Juice (2 tablespoons), Chopped Parsley (2 tablespoons): Fresh, bright finishing touches that add zest and color.

Shrimp and Grits Cooking Tools

• Large Saucepan: A sturdy pot perfect for cooking creamy grits and handling your broth with ease.
• Cast Iron Skillet: Helps crisp up bacon and sear shrimp with beautiful color and deep flavor.
• Wooden Spoon: Essential for stirring grits without scratching your pan’s surface.
• Chef’s Knife: Sharp blade for chopping onions, garlic, and fresh parsley precisely.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for prepping your ingredients.
• Measuring Cups: Helps you get ingredient proportions exactly right.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning for your grits and shrimp.
• Cheese Grater: Perfect for grating fresh cheese into your creamy grits.
• Tongs: Helps you handle bacon and shrimp safely while cooking.
• Colander: Useful for draining bacon and rinsing shrimp if needed.

Shrimp and Grits Cooking Directions

Which Tips Improve Shrimp and Grits

• Use homemade or high-quality chicken broth for richer, deeper flavor in your grits.
• Grate fresh sharp cheddar for the creamiest, smoothest texture that melts perfectly into the grits.
• Crisp the bacon slowly to release maximum flavor for your shrimp base and get a perfect crunch.
• Remove shrimp from heat the moment they turn pink to keep them tender and prevent rubbery texture.
• Chop parsley right before serving to maintain bright color and maximum flavor on your finished dish.

Best Shrimp and Grits Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Swap shrimp with roasted portobello mushrooms or crispy tofu cubes, seasoned exactly like the original recipe for a hearty plant-based alternative that keeps all the delicious Southern flavors.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free chicken broth and ensure your bacon and cheese are certified gluten-free, making this classic dish safe for anyone with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Replace traditional grits with cauliflower rice or mashed cauliflower, maintaining the creamy texture while cutting down on carbohydrates for your dietary needs.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute cream with coconut milk, use nutritional yeast instead of cheese, and swap butter for olive oil to create a smooth, rich base that everyone can enjoy.

Ideal Accompaniments for Shrimp and Grits

• Serve Hot and Fresh: Plate your shrimp and grits immediately after cooking to enjoy the creamy, warm texture and keep everything at peak deliciousness.
• Balance the Plate: Add a simple green salad or roasted vegetables on the side to create a complete, satisfying meal that gives your taste buds a fresh contrast.
• Beverage Pairing: Reach for a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light beer that complements the rich, savory flavors of your southern-style dish.
• Garnish with Flair: Sprinkle extra chopped parsley or a dash of hot sauce to make your shrimp and grits look as good as they taste.

How to Store Shrimp and Grits

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days, keeping the shrimp and grits separate to maintain their texture and prevent sogginess.
• Reheat grits gently on the stovetop with a splash of extra broth or milk, stirring constantly to restore their creamy consistency and prevent sticking.
• Warm the shrimp carefully in a skillet over low heat with a touch of olive oil, turning quickly to prevent overcooking and drying out the delicate seafood.
• For best results, assemble the dish fresh when possible, but if needed, microwave in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.

Shrimp and Grits Frequently Asked Questions

Southern Bacon Shrimp And Grits Recipe

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• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 to 6 1x

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Description

Southern Shrimp and Grits bring comfort straight from Charleston’s kitchens to your dinner table. Creamy stone-ground grits create the perfect base for succulent shrimp simmered in a rich, zesty sauce that’ll make your taste buds dance.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound large shrimp
• 1 cup stone-ground grits
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 4 slices bacon

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

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Instructions

1. Pour 4 cups chicken broth into a saucepan and bring to a rolling boil at high heat. Whisk 1 cup stone-ground grits, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder into the bubbling liquid.
2. Reduce heat to low and cover the saucepan. Simmer your grits for exactly 22 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. After simmering, remove the grits from heat and fold in ½ cup heavy cream, 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar, and 2 tablespoons butter until your mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
4. Chop 4 bacon slices into small pieces and crisp them in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes.
5. Add 1 finely diced small onion and 2 minced garlic cloves to your bacon. Sauté for 2 minutes until the onions turn translucent.
6. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon dried thyme, and optional ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper into the skillet. Stir for 30 seconds to release the spices’ aromatics.
7. Toss 1 pound peeled shrimp into the skillet. Pour ½ cup chicken broth and 2 tablespoons lemon juice over the shrimp.
8. Cook your shrimp for 2-3 minutes until they turn completely pink and curl slightly.
9. Ladle your creamy grits into serving bowls and top with the spiced shrimp and bacon mixture.
10. Garnish with 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley just before serving.

Notes

• Make sure to whisk grits constantly while cooking to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, creamy texture.
• Use stone-ground grits for a more authentic, rich flavor that stands up better to the shrimp and bacon.
• Select large or jumbo shrimp for the best presentation and juiciest bite, ensuring they’re not overcooked.
• For a lighter version, swap bacon for turkey bacon and use low-fat cheese to reduce calories without sacrificing taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Shrimp
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 to 6
• Calories: 291 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 404 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg