There’s something about Southern comfort food that just speaks to the soul, isn’t there? It’s warm, it’s cozy, and it feels like a big ol’ hug on a plate. And when it comes to true Southern staples, you just can’t beat a good Shrimp and Grits recipe.
Now, let me tell you a little story about how this recipe came to be a regular on my dinner table. Picture this: It was a chilly Sunday evening, and I was craving something hearty but quick—because let’s be real, the last thing I wanted to do was stand over the stove for an hour after chasing the kids around all day. I had shrimp in the fridge, a bag of grits in the pantry, and a craving for something rich, creamy, and a little bit spicy. That’s when it hit me—Easy Shrimp and Grits! A dish that checks all the boxes: creamy, comforting, and, most importantly, ready in under 30 minutes.
I remember the first time I made this, my husband walked into the kitchen and said, “What’s that smell? Whatever it is, I need a plate of it right now.” That’s how you know you’ve got a winner. The creamy grits, the Cajun-spiced shrimp, and that little bit of smoky bacon all come together like they were just meant to be. So, if you’re looking for a dinner that feels like a Southern classic but doesn’t take all day to make, stick with me—I’ve got you covered.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- It’s Comfort Food at Its Finest There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of creamy Shrimp and Cheese Grits to make you feel at home. It’s warm, cheesy, buttery, and full of soul.
- Quick and Easy This isn’t one of those all-day-in-the-kitchen recipes. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal on the table without breaking a sweat.
- Packed with Flavor Between the Cajun-spiced shrimp, smoky bacon, and creamy grits, every bite is a little flavor explosion.
- Kid-Friendly and Husband-Approved Even my picky eaters go back for seconds when I make this Shrimp Grits recipe! The creamy texture and cheesy goodness make it irresistible.
- Perfect for Any Occasion Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing guests at brunch, this Shrimp N Grits recipe is always a hit.
- Customizable Love extra spice? Throw in some more Cajun seasoning. Want it extra creamy? Add a splash of heavy cream. You can tweak this recipe to suit your taste!
- One-Pan Magic Aside from making the grits, everything else comes together in just one pan—less mess, fewer dishes, and more time to enjoy your meal!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Grits:
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 4 cups chicken broth (or water for a lighter version)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (for ultra-creamy grits)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Equipment:
- Medium saucepan
- Large skillet
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon
How to Make This Recipe
1. Cook the Grits
- In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil.
- Slowly whisk in the grits, reduce heat to low, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once the grits are tender, stir in the butter, heavy cream, shredded cheese, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and cover to keep warm.
2. Prepare the Shrimp
- Pat the shrimp dry and toss them in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the pan.
- Add butter to the skillet, then toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the seasoned shrimp to the pan and cook for about 2 minutes per side, just until pink and cooked through.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to create a rich sauce. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir the crispy bacon back into the pan.
3. Serve It Up
- Spoon a generous portion of creamy grits onto each plate.
- Top with the flavorful shrimp mixture and drizzle any extra sauce over the top.
- Garnish with sliced green onions, and serve immediately!
Notes and Tips
- Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp will always taste better than frozen, but if you’re using frozen, make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
- Go Heavy on the Cheese The cheesier the grits, the better! Sharp cheddar is my go-to, but you can mix in some Parmesan for extra depth.
- Adjust the Spice If you’re not a fan of heat, reduce the cayenne pepper. Love spice? Add a few dashes of hot sauce to the shrimp while cooking!
- Make It Extra Creamy For ultra-luxurious grits, use half-and-half or all heavy cream instead of just water or broth.
- Crispy Bacon is Key The crispy bacon adds texture and smoky goodness—don’t skip it!
- Pair It Up Serve with a side of collard greens or a slice of cornbread for the full Southern experience!
Macronutrients for This Recipe
- Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fats: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
Bonus Pro Tips for the Recipe
- Use Fresh Shrimp Fresh shrimp will always taste better than frozen, but if you’re using frozen, make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
- Go Heavy on the Cheese The cheesier the grits, the better! Sharp cheddar is my go-to, but you can mix in some Parmesan for extra depth.
- Adjust the Spice If you’re not a fan of heat, reduce the cayenne pepper. Love spice? Add a few dashes of hot sauce to the shrimp while cooking!
- Make It Extra Creamy For ultra-luxurious grits, use half-and-half or all heavy cream instead of just water or broth.
- Crispy Bacon is Key The crispy bacon adds texture and smoky goodness—don’t skip it!
- Pair It Up Serve with a side of collard greens or a slice of cornbread for the full Southern experience!
Shrimp & Grits Q&A: Your Burning Questions Answered
1. What can I serve with Shrimp and Grits?
This dish pairs beautifully with collard greens, cornbread, roasted asparagus, or a fresh arugula salad.
2. How can I make my grits extra creamy?
Use a combination of heavy cream and chicken broth instead of just water. Stirring frequently also helps achieve that silky smooth texture.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the grits and shrimp separately, then reheat them gently on the stove before serving. You may need to add a little extra broth to the grits when reheating.
4. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat the grits on low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen them up. Shrimp can be quickly warmed in a pan over low heat to avoid overcooking.
5. Can I use another type of cheese for the grits?
Absolutely! Try smoked Gouda, Parmesan, or even Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
6. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut milk or almond milk for the grits and swap out the butter for a dairy-free alternative.
