What kind of grits should I use for this recipe?

Stone-ground grits provide the best texture and flavor, but regular grits or even quick-cooking grits work fine if you're short on time. Just adjust the cooking time according to package directions. Avoid instant grits if possible, as they lack the authentic texture and flavor that makes this dish special.

Can I make this recipe with frozen shrimp?

Absolutely! Just thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight and pat them very dry before seasoning. Frozen shrimp are often a better option than "fresh" shrimp at the seafood counter, which are typically previously frozen anyway. Look for wild-caught shrimp for the best flavor.

How can I make this dish less spicy?

Reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning by half and omit any additional hot spices. You can also use a milder seasoning like Old Bay instead of Cajun seasoning. The cheese in the grits helps balance heat, so don't worry about losing flavor when reducing spice – it will still be delicious!

Can I make the grits ahead of time?

Yes! Grits can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. They will solidify when cold, so reheat them gently on the stovetop with additional liquid (broth, milk, or water) while whisking until they return to a creamy consistency.

Southern Shrimp and Grits Recipe

Name: Southern Shrimp and Grits Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 2 cups water; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; 1 cup corn grits; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (½ stick), cut into 4 pieces; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; 6 slices bacon, cut into lardons; 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons sliced scallion greens (plus more for garnish); Lemon wedges for serving

This Southern Shrimp and Grits recipe brings together creamy, cheesy grits topped with succulent cajun-spiced shrimp and crispy bacon for a meal that’s both comforting and impressive. Ready in just 30 minutes, this classic dish balances rich, savory flavors with a hint of spice – perfect for a special weekend breakfast or a satisfying dinner that feels like a warm hug from the South.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Satisfying: From start to finish in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need something substantial but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Incredible Flavor Combination: The creamy, cheesy grits create the perfect canvas for spicy shrimp and smoky bacon – it’s a flavor explosion that will make your taste buds dance!
Impressive Yet Simple: This dish looks and tastes like restaurant quality, but is surprisingly easy to make at home with minimal cooking skills required.
Versatile: Works beautifully as a hearty breakfast, satisfying lunch, or elegant dinner – whenever you serve it, people will be asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Corn Grits: The foundation of this dish, creating a creamy, comforting base that soaks up all those delicious flavors.
Chicken Broth: Adds depth of flavor to the grits that water alone can’t provide.
Butter: Creates that silky, rich texture in the grits that makes them truly irresistible.
Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully into the grits, adding creaminess and a sharp, savory note.
Bacon: Provides a smoky, salty flavor and delightful texture contrast to the creamy grits.
Shrimp: The star protein – they cook quickly and absorb all the wonderful flavors of the seasonings.
Cajun Seasoning: Brings that signature Southern kick of spice and depth.
Garlic: Adds aromatic depth that enhances both the shrimp and the overall dish.
Scallions: Provide a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
Lemon: That final squeeze brightens everything up and cuts through the richness.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Make It Creamier

Replace one cup of water with heavy cream for ultra-luxurious grits that will make you weak in the knees.

Cheese Swap

Try smoked gouda or pepper jack instead of cheddar for a different flavor profile that works beautifully with the spicy shrimp.

Add Some Veggies

Sauté bell peppers and onions with the shrimp for added color, flavor, and nutrition.

Spice It Up

Add a drizzle of hot honey over the finished dish for a sweet-heat combo that’s absolutely addictive.

How to Make Shrimp and Grits

Step 1: Cook the Grits

Bring chicken broth, water, and salt to a boil in a large pot. Whisk in the grits, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook while stirring frequently until the grits have absorbed the liquid and are tender, about 10-12 minutes. They should be smooth and creamy, not lumpy or runny.

Step 2: Make Them Cheesy

Remove the pot from heat and stir in butter, cheddar cheese, and black pepper until everything is melted and well incorporated. The grits should be velvety and rich. Cover to keep warm while you prepare the shrimp.

Step 3: Cook the Bacon

In a large cast iron skillet, cook the bacon over medium-high heat until it’s perfectly crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside. Reserve 2 tablespoons of that liquid gold bacon grease in the pan and discard the rest.

Step 4: Season and Cook the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels (this helps them sear rather than steam). Toss them with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated. Return the pan with bacon grease to medium-high heat, add the shrimp and garlic, and cook for just 1-2 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink and slightly curled. Be careful not to overcook them!

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Remove the pan from heat and stir in the crispy bacon, scallions, and a good squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Spoon the warm, cheesy grits into bowls and top with the shrimp mixture. Garnish with additional scallions and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Rush the Grits: Stir them frequently to prevent lumps and scorching. Patience yields the creamiest results.
Prep Everything Before Cooking: Shrimp cook extremely quickly, so have all ingredients measured, chopped, and ready to go before you start.
Pat Those Shrimp Dry: This simple step ensures they’ll sear properly rather than steam, giving you better flavor and texture.
Watch Your Cooking Time: Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery – they’re done as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
Layer the Flavors: Using the same pan for bacon and then shrimp builds incredible depth of flavor without extra effort.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

Serve with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.

Beverage Suggestions

A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light beer complements this dish beautifully. For non-alcoholic options, try sweet tea or lemonade.

Presentation Ideas

Serve in wide, shallow bowls with the grits on the bottom and shrimp arranged attractively on top. Sprinkle with fresh scallions and add a lemon wedge to the side of each bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the shrimp and grits separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The grits will thicken considerably when cold.

Freezing

The shrimp mixture can be frozen for up to 3 months. Freeze the grits separately, though they may change in texture slightly upon thawing.

Reheating

Reheat grits on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen them as they warm. Gently reheat the shrimp mixture in a skillet over medium-low heat until just warmed through to avoid overcooking the shrimp.

FAQs

What kind of grits should I use for this recipe?

Stone-ground grits provide the best texture and flavor, but regular grits or even quick-cooking grits work fine if you’re short on time. Just adjust the cooking time according to package directions. Avoid instant grits if possible, as they lack the authentic texture and flavor that makes this dish special.
Can I make this recipe with frozen shrimp?

Absolutely! Just thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight and pat them very dry before seasoning. Frozen shrimp are often a better option than “fresh” shrimp at the seafood counter, which are typically previously frozen anyway. Look for wild-caught shrimp for the best flavor.
How can I make this dish less spicy?

Reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning by half and omit any additional hot spices. You can also use a milder seasoning like Old Bay instead of Cajun seasoning. The cheese in the grits helps balance heat, so don’t worry about losing flavor when reducing spice – it will still be delicious!
Can I make the grits ahead of time?

Yes! Grits can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. They will solidify when cold, so reheat them gently on the stovetop with additional liquid (broth, milk, or water) while whisking until they return to a creamy consistency.

Final Thoughts

This Shrimp and Grits recipe transforms simple ingredients into a spectacular meal that feels like Southern hospitality on a plate. Don’t let its gourmet reputation intimidate you – it’s actually one of the most forgiving dishes to prepare, and the results are guaranteed to impress. Whether it’s your first time making this classic or it’s already a staple in your home, this version strikes the perfect balance of comfort and elegance. Give it a try tonight – your family will think you’ve been taking secret cooking lessons!