Name: Shrimp and Grits Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 1 cup yellow grits; 4 cups water; 1/2 tsp kosher salt; 3 tbsp butter (salted or unsalted); 1/3 cup heavy cream; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or asiago); 4 ounces high-quality bacon (sliced or chopped into small pieces, about 5-6 strips); 1 lb 16/20 size wild shrimp (peeled and deveined); 4 scallions (sliced); 1 tbsp minced garlic; 2 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice; 2 dashes Tabasco sauce (optional)

If you’ve ever dreamed of savoring a dish that perfectly balances creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors with a touch of spice and fresh brightness, this Shrimp and Grits Recipe is exactly what you need to try. It’s a celebration of Southern comfort food that transforms simple ingredients into a soul-satisfying meal, combining tender shrimp with buttery, cheesy grits, all uplifted by crispy bacon and a hint of zesty lemon. Trust me, once you get a taste of this classic dish, it will quickly become one of your go-to recipes for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a dark non-stick pan on a stove with a thick yellow-orange mixture inside. A woman's hand is pouring white liquid from a clear measuring cup with red markings into the mixture. A small chunk of yellow butter is melting in the pan, blending with the mixture. The pan is surrounded by stove grates, and the background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

What makes this Shrimp and Grits Recipe so delicious is its straightforward list of ingredients that each play a vital role in creating layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the rich creaminess of the grits to the smoky crunch of bacon, every element contributes something special.

1 cup yellow grits: The creamy base that soaks up all the amazing flavors.
4 cups water: Essential for cooking the grits to the perfect consistency.
1/2 tsp kosher salt: Enhances the grits and shrimp without overpowering.
3 tbsp butter (salted or unsalted): Adds luscious richness to the grits.
1/3 cup heavy cream: For an ultra-smooth, velvety texture.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or asiago): Gives the grits a sharp, cheesy bite.
4 ounces high-quality bacon (chopped): Brings crispiness and smoky depth.
1 lb 16/20 size wild shrimp (peeled and deveined): The star protein, packed with juicy flavor.
4 scallions (sliced): Offers a fresh and slightly pungent contrast.
1 tbsp minced garlic: Adds aromatic warmth to the shrimp.
2 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice: Brightens the whole dish with a hint of citrus.
2 dashes Tabasco sauce (optional): Just a little kick to balance the creaminess.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Shrimp and Grits Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Grits

Start with the foundation of this amazing Shrimp and Grits Recipe by cooking your grits until perfectly tender. For an easy approach, try using a rice cooker: combine the grits, water, and kosher salt, then run a standard white rice cycle. This method requires minimal hands-on time and yields creamy, fluffy grits. Once cooked, stir in butter, heavy cream, and your shredded cheese, tasting and adjusting seasonings as you go. If you prefer stovetop, bring water to a boil, add grits and salt, cover, reduce to low heat, and simmer for about 20 minutes. Either way, the goal is rich, cheesy, melt-in-your-mouth grits.

Step 2: Prepare the Bacon and Shrimp

While your grits are cooking, heat a cold skillet over medium heat and add the chopped bacon. Let it cook slowly so the fat renders out and the bacon crisps up beautifully, usually about 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the bacon bits and set aside, keeping the flavorful bacon grease and browned bits in the pan.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Next, arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the bacon grease. Season with salt and pepper, and cook for 60 seconds. Flip them over, season again, then add scallions, garlic, lemon juice, a couple of dashes of Tabasco sauce if you like some heat, and finally the reserved bacon bits. Toss everything gently for another one to two minutes until the shrimp are just cooked through. Keep in mind shrimp continue cooking after removal from heat, so aim for just opaque to lock in maximum juiciness.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

To plate this sensational Shrimp and Grits Recipe, spoon a generous mound of the cheesy grits into your bowl, then crown with the succulent shrimp mixture. The warm, creamy base and the flavorful shrimp with crisp bacon create a harmony of textures and tastes that will delight every bite. Serve immediately for the best experience!

How to Serve Shrimp and Grits Recipe

A silver frying pan on a white marbled surface filled with various cooking ingredients. Inside, there are toasted shrimp arranged mostly in the right half, showing a pinkish-orange color with light brown sear marks. In the center are layers of chopped fresh green onions and minced garlic adding vibrant white and green colors. On the left side, there are crisp browned bacon bits with a deep reddish-brown color. A woman's hand is pouring a clear liquid from a small cup onto the shrimp. The image captures the mixture of textures and colors in a close view. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes work wonders for this dish. A sprinkle of extra sliced scallions adds a lovely bite and vibrant color. You can also scatter some chopped fresh parsley or a pinch of smoked paprika to enhance presentation and add subtle layers of flavor that speak to Southern roots.

Side Dishes

While this recipe stands strong on its own, pairing it with a crisp green salad or sautéed seasonal vegetables adds balance and freshness to your meal. A side of roasted asparagus or a simple arugula salad with a light vinaigrette can cut through the richness and keep things lively on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your guests? Serve the grits in individual ramekins topped with the shrimp mixture, then place them on a wooden board with crusty bread on the side for a rustic feel. Alternatively, make a brunch twist by topping the dish with a poached egg for added silkiness and indulgence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers from your Shrimp and Grits Recipe, store the shrimp and grits separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain the best texture. The shrimp will stay fresh for up to two days, while the grits can last for around three days.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t ideal for shrimp and grits because the texture can suffer, especially with the creamy grits. However, you can freeze the cooked grits alone for up to one month. Thaw them gently in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve creaminess.

Reheating

When warming up leftovers, gently reheat the grits on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water or cream to restore their silky texture. Warm the shrimp separately in a skillet over medium-low heat to avoid toughness. Combine before serving for the best taste and texture.

FAQs

Can I substitute cheddar cheese with another type?

Absolutely! Asiago or even Gouda work beautifully in this Shrimp and Grits Recipe, each bringing their unique flavor. Just be sure to use a cheese that melts well for that creamy finish.

What size shrimp is best for this recipe?

Using 16/20 size wild shrimp is ideal—they’re large enough to provide a satisfying bite and cook quickly without becoming rubbery. But if you can only find smaller shrimp, that works too; just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Is it okay to use quick-cooking grits?

While you can use quick-cooking grits for speed, traditional yellow grits yield a better texture and more authentic flavor in this recipe. If you’re in a rush, quick grits are a handy alternative.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Definitely! The recipe includes optional Tabasco, but feel free to add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to your taste for a bolder kick. The spices complement the creamy grits wonderfully.

How do I prevent shrimp from overcooking?

Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque, usually 1 to 2 minutes per side. Remember, they continue cooking slightly when off the heat, so it’s better to undercook a touch than overdo it.

Final Thoughts

This Shrimp and Grits Recipe is one of those comforting, delicious meals that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Its combination of creamy, savory, tangy, and smoky elements hits all the right notes. I encourage you to give it a try and share it with friends or family—you’ll soon see why it’s such a beloved classic with a modern twist.

Shrimp and Grits Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need