Creamy Shrimp And Grits Recipe For Southern Comfort Food

Southern comfort meets coastal charm in this classic shrimp and grits recipe that promises pure deliciousness.

Creamy, rich grits provide a luxurious canvas for succulent seafood that sings with regional flavor.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this soulful Southern staple, blending textures and memories into one remarkable dish.

Seafood enthusiasts and comfort food lovers will immediately fall in love with this hearty combination that celebrates coastal cuisine.

Remarkable simplicity defines this recipe, where humble ingredients transform into something extraordinary and deeply satisfying.

Regional traditions shine through every spoonful, connecting you to generations of culinary heritage and warmth.

Prepare to experience a Southern classic that feels like a warm embrace from the moment you take your first bite.

Popular Reasons To Try Shrimp And Grits

• Hands-On Simplicity: This shrimp grits recipe comes together with basic kitchen skills that make cooking feel like a breeze, letting your confidence shine through every step.
• Flavor Packed Single Skillet: Cooking everything in one pan means minimal cleanup and maximum taste, so your dinner time becomes more relaxed and enjoyable.
• Southern Comfort Classic: Transforming humble ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal that feels like a warm culinary hug, perfect for impressing family or sharing with friends.
• Protein Power Meal: A balanced dish with lean shrimp, crispy bacon, and creamy grits that delivers serious satisfaction without complicated prep work.

Essential Ingredients For Shrimp And Grits

• 2 Cups Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Your liquid foundation that adds deep flavor to the creamy grits.
• 2 Cups Water: Helps create the perfect smooth consistency for your grits.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances the overall taste of your dish, so season carefully.
• 1 Cup Corn Grits: The hearty centerpiece that gives your dish its comforting texture.
• 4 Oz. Shredded Yellow Cheddar: Melts beautifully to make your grits rich and extra delicious.
• 4 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter: Adds incredible smoothness and richness to your grits.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Provides a subtle kick of warmth and depth.

• 10 Oz. Thick-Cut Bacon: Brings smoky, crispy goodness that makes the dish irresistible.
• 1 Lb. Large Shrimp: Your protein star, perfectly sized for a satisfying meal.
• 2 Cloves Garlic, 1 Teaspoon Dried Oregano, ¼ Teaspoon Paprika: Spice blend that gives incredible flavor to your shrimp.
• 1 Tablespoon Tomato Paste: Adds depth and slight tanginess to your sauce.
• ¾ Cup Vegetable Broth: Creates a silky, flavorful sauce base.
• Juice of ½ Lemon: Brightens the entire dish with a fresh citrus note.
• 4 Scallions: Provides a crisp, oniony finish to your meal.

Common Cooking Tools for Shrimp And Grits

• Large Saucepan (Medium, 3-4 quart): Essential for creating smooth, creamy grits without clumping, so select a sturdy pan with plenty of room for whisking.
• Large Skillet (12-inch): Your go-to tool for searing shrimp and creating a delectable sauce, ensuring even cooking and perfect caramelization.
• Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for chopping bacon and scallions, keeping your counter clean and organized.
• Whisk: Perfect for smoothly incorporating grits and preventing lumps while stirring the mixture.
• Sharp Chef’s Knife: Helps you precisely chop bacon, scallions, and prepare ingredients with clean, professional cuts.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring grits and moving shrimp around the skillet without scratching your cookware.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions for consistent, balanced flavor in every bite.
• Plate or Serving Dish: Provides the final presentation surface for your delicious shrimp and grits.

Preparation Steps for Shrimp and Grits

Helpful Notes For Shrimp And Grits

• Whisk those grits constantly while cooking to keep them smooth and avoid annoying lumps that can ruin your dish’s texture.
• Crisp your bacon slowly to render out maximum flavor, saving that golden fat for sautéing shrimp and building deep, rich taste layers.
• Cook your shrimp just until they turn pink and curl slightly – overcooking makes them tough and rubbery, so watch them carefully.
• Let your tomato paste caramelize briefly before adding broth, which concentrates the sauce’s flavor and gives your dish more complexity.
• Squeeze fresh lemon juice and sprinkle chopped scallions at the end to brighten the entire dish with a zesty, fresh pop of flavor.

Creative Variations for Shrimp And Grits

• Dairy-Free Comfort: Replace cheddar cheese with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor and skip butter, using olive oil instead for your creamy grits.
• Plant-Based Protein Swap: Substitute shrimp with crispy tofu or tempeh, marinating in the same spices for a vegetarian version that keeps the dish’s rich flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Trade traditional grits for cauliflower rice, steaming and seasoning it similarly to create a lighter, keto-friendly alternative that still feels satisfying.
• Spicy Southern Style: Add cayenne pepper and hot sauce to the shrimp seasoning for a kicked-up version that brings extra heat to your plate, perfect when you want something with more punch.

Classic Serving Ideas for Shrimp and Grits

• Serve Family-Style: Spread creamy grits in a large serving dish, arrange shrimp and sauce on top, then scatter crispy bacon and fresh scallions for a stunning centerpiece that brings everyone together.
• Perfect Portion Control: Aim for about 4-5 jumbo shrimp per person atop a generous scoop of cheesy grits to keep everyone satisfied without feeling overstuffed.
• Wine Pairing Tip: Grab a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that cuts through the richness and complements the shrimp’s delicate flavor.
• Side Dish Suggestion: Toss a simple green salad with light vinaigrette to balance the creamy grits and provide a fresh, zesty contrast to the rich main dish.

Storage Notes For Shrimp And Grits

• Refrigerate any leftover shrimp grits in an airtight container for up to 2 days, keeping the bacon separate so it stays crispy.
• Store extra bacon fat in a sealed glass jar in the refrigerator for up to a week – it adds incredible flavor to future dishes.
• Freeze uncooked shrimp in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months, thawing in the refrigerator overnight before preparing your meal.
• Keep fresh scallions wrapped in a damp paper towel inside a sealed plastic bag in the refrigerator to extend their crispness.

Shrimp And Grits Questions And Answers

Southern-Style Bacon Shrimp Grits Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Shrimp and Grits bring Southern comfort straight to your kitchen with creamy goodness that feels like a warm hug. Packed with bold flavors and ready in minutes, this classic dish turns weeknight dinners into something special you’ll absolutely adore.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp
• 1 cup corn grits
• 10 oz thick-cut bacon

Primary Flavor Enhancers:

• 4 oz shredded yellow cheddar
• 2 cloves garlic
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

Supporting Ingredients:

• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 4 scallions
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• ¾ cup vegetable broth
• 0.5 lemon juice
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Pour 2 cups chicken broth and 2 cups water into a medium saucepan. Bring liquid to a rolling boil at 212°F, seasoning generously with kosher salt.
2. Slowly whisk 1 cup corn grits into boiling liquid. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for exactly 15 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent clumping.
3. Add 4 oz shredded yellow cheddar and 4 tablespoons unsalted butter to grits. Stir until completely melted and incorporated. Season with freshly ground black pepper.
4. Heat a large skillet to medium temperature. Cook 10 oz bacon slices until crispy and golden brown, approximately 8 minutes.
5. Transfer bacon to a cutting board. Chop into small pieces and reserve 2 tablespoons bacon fat in the skillet.
6. Combine 1 lb large shrimp with 2 finely chopped garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon oregano, ¼ teaspoon paprika, and a pinch of salt.
7. Reheat reserved bacon fat over medium heat. Add seasoned shrimp and cook 4-6 minutes, turning occasionally until shrimp turn completely pink.
8. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside. In same pan, add 1 tablespoon tomato paste and cook 1-2 minutes until color deepens.
9. Pour ¾ cup vegetable broth into skillet. Simmer 4-5 minutes until sauce thickens and reduces by half.
10. Return shrimp to skillet. Toss to coat with sauce. Squeeze juice from ½ lemon and sprinkle 4 sliced scallions into mixture.
11. Ladle creamy grits into serving bowls. Top with sauced shrimp, sprinkle crispy bacon pieces, and garnish with additional scallions.

Notes

• Check grits frequently while cooking to prevent sticking and ensure a smooth, creamy texture without lumps.
• Use fresh shrimp and pat them dry before seasoning to help achieve a nice golden sear and prevent steaming.
• For a lighter version, swap bacon fat with olive oil and use turkey bacon or omit bacon entirely for a seafood-focused dish.
• If gluten is a concern, confirm your broth and tomato paste are certified gluten-free, and replace regular paprika with a gluten-free version.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Shrimp
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 443 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 510 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 31 g
• Cholesterol: 165 mg