Southern Shrimp and Grits Recipe for Comfort Food Lovers

Steamy southern kitchens breathe life into this authentic shrimp and grits recipe that whispers comfort.

Generations of cooks have perfected this classic dish in coastal Carolina homes.

Creamy stone-ground grits create a luxurious canvas for perfectly seasoned shrimp dancing across the plate.

Rich butter and sharp cheddar blend seamlessly with tender, succulent shellfish.

Coastal traditions merge with bold flavors in each delectable spoonful.

Peppery notes and smooth textures invite you to savor every meaningful bite.

Prepare to become enchanted by this soulful Southern classic that promises pure culinary delight.

Southern Shrimp and Grits: Why It’s So Loved

• Quick and Delicious Meal
• Whip up this Southern classic in just 30-40 minutes, perfect for busy weeknight dinners or spontaneous cooking adventures.
• Layer multiple taste dimensions with crispy bacon, creamy cheese grits, spicy shrimp, and aromatic seasonings that dance together beautifully.
• Streamline cooking with a single skillet technique, reducing cleanup time and making this recipe incredibly convenient for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Capture authentic Southern cuisine with traditional ingredients that showcase the rich culinary heritage of coastal regions, bringing restaurant-quality comfort food directly to your kitchen table.

Everything Needed for Southern Shrimp and Grits

Main Ingredients:

• Grits: Creamy Southern corn-based staple that forms the rich foundation of the dish.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious smoothness and depth to the grits.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides sharp, tangy flavor and melts beautifully into the grits.
• Chicken Broth: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the grits and sauce.

• Shrimp: Fresh, tender seafood that is the star protein of this classic Southern dish.
• Bacon: Adds smoky, salty depth and crispy texture to the entire recipe.
• Smoked Paprika, Cayenne Pepper: Bring warmth and complex spice to the shrimp.

• Onion, Bell Pepper: Classic combination that creates a flavorful vegetable base.
• Garlic: Provides a pungent, aromatic undertone to the dish.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, glossy sauce.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall flavors.
• Hot Sauce: Optional ingredient for those who enjoy extra heat.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh herb that adds color and light herbal note.

Cooking Southern Shrimp and Grits at Home

Step 1: Craft Creamy Grits

• Heavy cream
• Cheddar cheese
• Butter
• Salt
• Black pepper

Keep the grits warm and inviting.

Step 2: Sizzle Bacon and Aromatics

• Diced onion
• Chopped bell pepper

Saute until vegetables soften and become translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, approximately 1 minute.

Step 3: Spice Up the Shrimp

• Smoked paprika
• Cayenne pepper

Cook 2-3 minutes until shrimp transform to a vibrant pink. Pour chicken broth, scraping browned bits from skillet bottom. Let sauce simmer and slightly thicken for 2 minutes. Swirl in butter and optional hot sauce. Reintroduce crispy bacon pieces and gently combine.

Step 4: Compose the Masterpiece

Ladle warm, creamy grits into serving bowls. Crown with the spicy shrimp mixture. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Step 5: Savor Immediately

Serve piping hot and relish every delectable bite of this Southern comfort classic.

Smart Tips for Perfect Shrimp and Grits

• Boost Grits Creaminess: Whisk grits slowly and continuously to prevent lumps, ensuring a silky smooth texture that melts in your mouth.
• Bacon Fat Magic: Keep the bacon drippings in the skillet for an extra layer of rich, smoky flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Shrimp Cooking Precision: Cook shrimp just until they turn pink to avoid rubbery texture, typically 2-3 minutes max for perfect tenderness.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust cayenne and hot sauce to match your heat preference, allowing customization for mild or spicy lovers.
• Quick Serving Strategy: Prepare grits and shrimp simultaneously to serve piping hot, maintaining the ideal temperature and texture of both components.

Store and Reheat Southern Shrimp and Grits Right

• Transfer shrimp and grits to an airtight container, separating grits and shrimp to prevent soggy texture. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Warm gently in microwave or stovetop, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore creamy consistency. Stir frequently to prevent scorching.
• Warm in skillet over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes, adding a tablespoon of butter to prevent drying. Avoid overcooking to maintain tender texture.
• Sprinkle fresh parsley or extra cheese on top before serving to refresh the dish's appearance and flavor.

Top Pairings for Southern Shrimp and Grits

• Select a light, unoaked Chardonnay with bright citrus notes that complement the rich, creamy grits and cut through the bacon's saltiness.
• Create a refreshing cocktail mixing sweet tea with bourbon, adding a regional twist that enhances the dish's Southern character and provides a smooth, complementary flavor profile.
• Prepare a tangy coleslaw with lemon and lime zest, offering a fresh, crunchy side that balances the creamy grits and provides a bright, acidic contrast to the hearty shrimp.
• Bake a classic Southern cornbread and serve with honey butter, creating a perfect accompaniment that soaks up the delicious sauce and adds a sweet, comforting element to the meal.

Unique Twists for Southern Shrimp and Grits

• Vegetarian Grits Delight: Replace shrimp with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and roasted bell peppers for a hearty plant-based version packed with flavor.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Bowl: Use gluten-free bacon and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free to accommodate sensitive dietary needs while maintaining the classic Southern taste.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Swap traditional grits with cauliflower rice or mashed cauliflower, reducing carbohydrates while preserving the creamy texture and rich protein profile.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk, use nutritional yeast instead of cheddar cheese, and select dairy-free butter alternatives for lactose-intolerant individuals.

FAQs About Southern Shrimp and Grits

• Why are grits important in this Southern dish?

Grits are a traditional Southern staple made from ground corn, providing a creamy, comforting base that perfectly complements the spicy, savory shrimp in this classic recipe.

• Can I use different types of cheese in the grits?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar with other melting cheeses like monterey jack, gouda, or pepper jack for varied flavor profiles while maintaining the creamy texture.

• What makes the shrimp seasoning special?

The combination of smoked paprika and cayenne pepper adds depth and a subtle heat that enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp, creating a perfectly balanced flavor profile.

• Is this dish spicy?

The recipe has a moderate heat level from cayenne pepper, but you can adjust the spiciness by reducing or increasing the amount of cayenne to suit your personal taste preference.

Southern Shrimp And Grits Recipe

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

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Description

Southern shrimp and grits blend coastal comfort with hearty Southern charm, creating a soulful dish that whispers culinary tradition. Creamy stone-ground grits nestled beneath perfectly seasoned shrimp promise a delectable journey through classic American cuisine you’ll savor with pure delight.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup stone-ground grits
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 4 slices bacon, chopped

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper, finely chopped (red or green)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 4 cups water or chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the grits base by bringing liquid to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan, then gradually incorporate the grits while reducing heat to low, stirring consistently until the mixture transforms into a thick, luxurious consistency.
2. Integrate heavy cream, sharp cheddar, butter, seasoning, and pepper into the grits, maintaining a warm temperature to preserve its creamy texture.
3. Render bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp and golden, then extract the pieces while preserving the flavorful rendered fat.
4. Sauté diced onions and bell peppers in the bacon drippings until they become translucent and tender, developing a rich aromatic foundation.
5. Introduce minced garlic to the vegetable mixture, allowing it to release its fragrant notes for approximately one minute.
6. Incorporate raw shrimp into the skillet, generously dusting with smoked paprika and cayenne for a robust, spicy profile, cooking until the seafood turns a vibrant pink.
7. Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, carefully scraping accumulated flavor fragments from the skillet’s surface, and allow the liquid to reduce slightly.
8. Finish the shrimp with a touch of butter and optional hot sauce, then reunite with the previously crisped bacon pieces.
9. Elegantly plate the creamy grits as a base, crowning them with the succulent shrimp mixture and garnishing with fresh parsley.
10. Serve immediately while the dish maintains its optimal temperature and textural integrity.

Notes

• Choose low-sodium chicken broth to control salt intake and create a healthier version of the dish.
• Swap regular bacon for turkey bacon to reduce fat content while maintaining smoky flavor.
• Use gluten-free broth and check spice blend ingredients for those with gluten sensitivities.
• For dairy-free alternatives, replace heavy cream and cheese with coconut milk and nutritional yeast to maintain creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg