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Shrimp and Grits Recipe

This shrimp and grits recipe is a Southern classic made with creamy stone-ground grits, juicy sautéed shrimp, smoky bacon, and bold seasonings—all ready in about 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 30 minutes
Course Brunch, Main Course
Cuisine American, Southern
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 520 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • For the Grits:
  • 1 cup stone-ground grits or quick cooking grits for faster prep
  • 4 cups chicken broth or water
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • For the Shrimp:
  • 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 4 strips thick-cut bacon
  • 1/2 cup bell pepper diced (any color)
  • 1/4 cup green onions sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Juice from 1/2 lemon
  • Optional Add-Ins:
  • 1/2 cup andouille sausage sliced and browned
  • Dash of hot sauce for extra kick

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Grits (15–20 minutes)
  • In a medium saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil.
  • Whisk in the grits, reduce to medium heat, and stir often until creamy (about 15–20 minutes).
  • Stir in heavy cream, cheddar cheese, butter, salt, and pepper. Keep warm over low heat.
  • Tip: Stir grits frequently to prevent clumping or sticking to the pan.
  • Cook the Bacon (5–7 minutes)
  • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook bacon until crisp.
  • Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pan.
  • Sauté the Veggies (3–4 minutes)
  • Add bell pepper, green onions, and garlic to the skillet with bacon fat.
  • Cook until soft and fragrant—about 3–4 minutes.
  • Cook the Shrimp (3–5 minutes)
  • Add the shrimp to the skillet with paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
  • Cook until the shrimp are pink and curled—about 2–3 minutes per side.
  • Squeeze lemon juice over the top.
  • Tip: Don’t overcook the shrimp! They should be just firm and slightly opaque.
  • Assemble & Serve (2 minutes)
  • Spoon creamy grits into a bowl.
  • Top with shrimp mixture, crumbled bacon, and extra green onions.
  • Optional: Drizzle with hot sauce or sprinkle with extra cheese.

Notes

  • Stir the grits constantly: Especially in the first 10 minutes, this keeps them creamy.
  • Use fresh shrimp: Frozen is okay, but fresh gives better texture and flavor.
  • Don’t skip the bacon fat: It adds incredible depth and Southern authenticity.
  • Season in layers: Salt the grits, season the shrimp—build that flavor!
  • Use medium heat: Too high and your shrimp will go from tender to rubbery.
Keyword shrimp and grits recipe, southern dish, shrimp and sauce, corn grits, quick cooking grits, large shrimp, cheddar cheese