Welcome to the ultimate guide for crafting the most delectable Shrimp and Grits, a beloved Southern classic that promises comfort, flavor, and a satisfying kick of spice. This recipe delivers plump, perfectly seasoned spicy shrimp nestled atop creamy, cheesy grits, creating an unforgettable meal that’s both easy to prepare and incredibly comforting.
If your palate craves more zesty seafood, be sure to explore our Cajun Shrimp recipe. It’s a super-fast and incredibly flavorful dish that will transport your taste buds straight to New Orleans.
The Quintessential Southern Comfort: Shrimp and Grits
Shrimp and Grits is more than just a dish; it’s a culinary institution, deeply rooted in the heart of Southern American cuisine. Originating as a humble breakfast for fishermen in the coastal Carolinas, it has evolved into a sophisticated dish enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner across the United States and beyond. The beauty of Shrimp and Grits lies in its harmonious blend of textures and flavors: the creamy, often cheesy backdrop of the grits perfectly complements the succulent, savory, and sometimes spicy shrimp.
My culinary journey often leads me back to the archives of cherished recipes, always with an eye toward refinement and perfection. I believe every recipe shared should be one I can wholeheartedly recommend, a dish I genuinely love to make again and again. This commitment to quality recently inspired a significant update to our Shrimp and Grits offering.
The previous version on this site was a Shrimp and Grits casserole, a good recipe in its own right, but not one that truly captured the essence of the classic preparation I yearned for. I found myself rarely making it, and that’s a clear sign a recipe needs reimagining. So, I embarked on a mission to create a truly authentic, irresistible Shrimp and Grits recipe—one that would become a staple in my kitchen and, hopefully, yours too.
This reimagined recipe is not only remarkably quick to assemble, but it also bursts with an incredible depth of flavor. Unlike many Shrimp and Grits recipes that opt for simple seasoning, I’ve embraced a generous dose of Cajun seasoning. This addition elevates the shrimp, infusing it with vibrant spices and a delightful warmth that perfectly balances the creamy richness of the grits. The result is a dish that’s both comforting and exciting, a true testament to the timeless appeal of Southern cooking.
Key Ingredients for Exceptional Shrimp and Grits
Crafting the perfect plate of Shrimp and Grits begins with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that rich, comforting, and perfectly spiced flavor profile. Here’s a detailed overview of what you’ll need:
- Grits: For an authentic Southern experience, white grits are traditionally preferred. They offer a smoother texture and milder corn flavor compared to yellow grits. While quick-cooking grits are convenient, traditional stone-ground grits yield a superior, creamier result. If you struggle to find them locally, many varieties of white grits are readily available online.
- Liquid Base for Grits (Milk & Broth): To infuse your grits with maximum flavor, we use a combination of chicken broth and milk. The broth adds a savory depth, while the milk contributes to the grits’ creamy texture and richness. This blend creates a more complex and satisfying base than water alone.
- Cheese: The secret to truly “cheesy” grits lies in the blend. My personal favorite combination includes sharp cheddar cheese for its classic tangy bite and smoked gouda for an incredible depth of smoky flavor and luxurious melt. Feel free to experiment with other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or even a touch of cream cheese for extra creaminess.
- Shrimp: Opt for larger shrimp (like 16/20 or 21/25 count per pound) for a more substantial bite that stands up well to the rich grits. Always choose shrimp that are peeled and deveined for convenience. While leaving the tails on can be visually appealing, removing them makes the dish much easier to eat, especially when served with a spoon.
- Cajun Seasoning: This is the star seasoning for the shrimp, providing that signature spicy and robust flavor. You can use your favorite store-bought blend, but for the freshest and most customizable flavor, consider making your own homemade Cajun seasoning. Be mindful that spice levels vary significantly between brands, so adjust the quantity to your preference.
- Bacon: Crispy bacon bits add a delightful smoky, salty crunch and render flavorful fat, which is essential for cooking the shrimp and aromatics. If possible, choose a good quality thick-cut bacon for a more pronounced flavor and texture. Even regular sliced bacon works beautifully.
- Aromatics (Onion & Garlic): Diced onion and minced garlic form the savory foundation of the shrimp sauce. Cooked in the rendered bacon fat, they release their fragrant oils, building layers of flavor.
- Sauce Liquid (Chicken Broth & Heavy Cream): A small amount of “sauce” to coat the shrimp and mingle with the grits is crucial. Chicken broth provides a savory base, while a splash of heavy whipping cream adds a velvety richness and helps to bring the sauce together.
- Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens the entire dish, cutting through the richness and enhancing the flavors of the shrimp and spices.
Mastering the Method: How to Make Shrimp and Grits
Preparing this classic dish is simpler than you might think, typically taking under an hour from start to finish. The key is to manage your time efficiently, starting with the grits as they require the most cooking time. Follow these steps for a perfect Shrimp and Grits experience:
Step-by-Step Instructions
STEP 1: Prepare the Grits. Begin by combining the chicken broth, milk, and butter in a medium-sized saucepan. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, whisk in the grits and a pinch of salt. Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and allow the grits to simmer until they are tender and creamy. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes. Remember to stir the grits occasionally throughout the cooking process to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pan and ensure even cooking.
STEP 2: Finish the Grits. Once the grits have reached your desired tenderness, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in both the shredded cheddar cheese and smoked gouda until thoroughly melted and well combined, creating luxurious cheesy grits. Keep the grits warm while you prepare the shrimp.
STEP 3: Season the Shrimp. While the grits are cooking, prepare your shrimp. Lay the peeled and deveined shrimp on a plate or in a shallow bowl. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning evenly over all sides of the shrimp. Toss gently to ensure each piece is well coated. Set the seasoned shrimp aside; they cook very quickly, so having them ready is crucial for a smooth cooking process.
STEP 4: Cook the Bacon. In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium-high heat until it is deliciously crisp. Using a slotted spoon, remove the cooked bacon from the skillet and transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess grease. Leave the rendered bacon fat in the skillet—this flavorful fat will be the base for cooking your aromatics and shrimp.
STEP 5: Sauté the Aromatics. Add the diced onion to the hot bacon grease in the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onion softens and becomes translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, or just until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
STEP 6: Deglaze the Pan. Pour the chicken broth into the skillet. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up any browned bits that have accumulated on the bottom of the pan. This process, known as deglazing, adds a tremendous amount of flavor to your sauce.
STEP 7: Cook the Shrimp. Arrange the seasoned shrimp in a single layer in the skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Flip each shrimp and cook for another 1-2 minutes on the second side, until fully cooked through. Overcooking shrimp can make them tough, so watch them closely. Once cooked, add the fresh lemon juice to the skillet, stirring it gently into the shrimp and sauce.
STEP 8: Finish the Sauce and Serve. Stir the heavy cream into the shrimp mixture. Finally, return the crispy cooked bacon bits to the skillet and stir to combine. To serve, spoon a generous portion of the warm cheesy grits onto a plate or into a shallow bowl. Top with the spicy shrimp and a desirable amount of the flavorful liquid from the skillet. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, for a touch of freshness and color.
Expert Tips for Perfect Shrimp and Grits Every Time
To ensure your Shrimp and Grits turn out perfectly delicious, keep these helpful tips and tricks in mind:
- Don’t Skimp on the Grits: While quick-cooking grits are fine in a pinch, for the best creamy texture and richer corn flavor, opt for traditional stone-ground or regular grits. They take a little longer but are well worth the wait.
- Flavorful Liquid for Grits: Using a combination of milk and chicken broth for cooking your grits, as specified in the recipe, is key to building a robust flavor profile right from the start. Avoid just using water.
- Prep Ahead is Best: This dish comes together quite quickly, especially the shrimp component. Having all your ingredients prepped—shrimp seasoned, bacon cooked, onions and garlic diced—before you start cooking will make the process much smoother and more enjoyable. This is often referred to as “mise en place.”
- Adjust the Sauce Quantity: The recipe provides a good amount of sauce, but if you prefer more liquid to serve over your grits, feel free to increase the chicken broth or heavy cream slightly. You can add a bit more broth to deglaze the pan or a touch more cream at the end.
- Keep Grits Warm and Hydrated: Grits can thicken considerably as they cool. If your cheesy grits become too thick before serving, simply whisk in a little extra hot chicken broth or milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired creamy consistency.
- Freshness is Key: A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives over the finished dish adds a vibrant color and a burst of fresh flavor that brightens the entire meal. Don’t underestimate the power of fresh herbs!
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks very quickly, typically only 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery and lose their delicate texture. Watch for them to turn pink and opaque, then remove from heat promptly.
- Balance the Spice: If using a store-bought Cajun seasoning, taste it first to gauge its spice level. You can always add more, but it’s hard to take away! Adjust the amount of seasoning to suit your heat preference.
Elevate Your Dish: Creative Variations and Customizations
While this classic Shrimp and Grits recipe is perfect as is, it also offers a fantastic canvas for culinary creativity. Feel free to adapt it to your taste preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand:
- Sausage Swap: Instead of bacon, consider using savory andouille sausage for a different Southern twist. Simply slice the sausage into rounds, brown them in the skillet until crispy, then remove and proceed with the recipe. Stir the cooked sausage back in with the shrimp at the end.
- Cheese Adventures: While the cheddar and smoked gouda combination is divine, don’t hesitate to experiment with other cheeses. Pepper Jack can add an extra kick, Parmesan offers a salty umami, or a blend of white cheeses for a milder flavor. You can also reduce the amount of cheese for a less rich dish.
- Seasoning Alternatives: If Cajun seasoning isn’t your preferred spice blend, try Old Bay seasoning for a distinct seafood flavor, or simply use salt and black pepper for a milder, less spicy shrimp. A pinch of smoked paprika can also add depth without too much heat.
- Veggie Boost: Incorporate some vegetables for added flavor, texture, and nutrition. Diced bell peppers (especially green or red), chopped celery, or even some sliced mushrooms are common and delicious additions to the shrimp mixture. Add them with the onion to allow them to soften.
- Brunch Special: In many parts of the South, Shrimp and Grits is a popular breakfast or brunch item. Transform your dinner into a morning feast by topping each serving with a perfectly fried egg. The runny yolk adds an extra layer of richness to the dish.
- Herbal Touches: Beyond parsley, consider fresh cilantro for a brighter, citrusy note, or thinly sliced green onions for a mild oniony crunch and vibrant color.
- Heat Control: If you love heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes added to the shrimp, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce at the end, will turn up the spice factor.
Serving Suggestions and Perfect Pairings
Shrimp and Grits is a hearty and satisfying meal on its own, but a few complementary sides can elevate the dining experience:
- Green Salad: A simple, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the grits and shrimp.
- Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty baguette or cornbread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of that delicious, spicy sauce.
- Steamed Greens: Collard greens, kale, or spinach, lightly sautéed or steamed, make a nutritious and traditional Southern accompaniment.
- Roasted Asparagus: Simple roasted asparagus spears provide a lovely texture and earthy flavor that pairs well with seafood.
For beverages, a crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio can cut through the richness. A light-bodied lager or a craft beer with citrus notes also makes an excellent pairing.
Storage and Reheating
Shrimp and Grits is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored. Place any remaining grits and shrimp in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
To reheat the grits, gently warm them in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore their creamy consistency. Reheat the shrimp in a separate skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until warmed through, being careful not to overcook them.
More Irresistible Shrimp Recipes to Try
If you’re a fan of shrimp, you’re in luck! We have a collection of other fantastic shrimp-focused recipes that are sure to delight your taste buds:
- Bang Bang Shrimp
- Coconut Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa
- Spicy Shrimp Bowls
LOOKING FOR MORE DELICIOUS RECIPES?
Subscribe to our free recipe newsletter to get new family-friendly recipes delivered straight to your inbox each week! Discover more culinary inspiration and family-friendly ideas by following us on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram.
Shrimp and Grits
Pin
Ingredients
Grits
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 3 tablespoons butter
- Pinch of salt
- 3/4 cup grits (not quick cooking)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded smoked gouda
Shrimp
- 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 teaspoons cajun seasoning
- 4 slices bacon chopped
- 1/2 small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions
Make the Grits
- In a medium saucepan, combine the broth, milk, and butter. Bring to a boil, then whisk in the grits and the salt. Lower the temperature to low, put the lid on the pot, and cook until the grits are tender, 20-25 minutes, stirring several times to make sure they don’t stick.
- When the grits are done, stir in the cheddar cheese and the gouda. Keep warm.
Make the Shrimp
- Sprinkle the cajun seasoning over the shrimp and turn to coat. Set aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the bacon. Cook until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon to a paper towel lined plate.
- To the hot bacon grease, add the onion. Cook until soft, then stir in the garlic and cook an additional 30 seconds.
- Stir the chicken broth into the skillet. Let it cook for a couple of minutes, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add the shrimp in a single layer to the skillet. Cook until the shrimp is pink on the bottom, about 2-3 minutes, then flip and cook the second side.
- When the shrimp is cooked, add the lemon juice, then the cream. Stir the bacon back into the shrimp mixture.
- To serve, add some of the grits to a plate or shallow bowl. Top with some of the shrimp and some of the liquid from the shrimp. Top with parsley, if desired.
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should be used as a general guide.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 658 kcal,
Carbohydrates: 30 g,
Protein: 32 g,
Fat: 38 g,
Saturated Fat: 12 g,
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g,
Monounsaturated Fat: 5 g,
Trans Fat: 0 g,
Cholesterol: 223 mg,
Sodium: 1245 mg,
Potassium: 262 mg,
Fiber: 1 g,
Sugar: 6 g