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)

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 76 reviews

If you are looking to wow your taste buds with something creamy, savory, and a little bit zesty, this Shrimp and Grits Recipe is a true Southern classic that never disappoints. Imagine tender, juicy shrimp mingling with rich, cheesy grits that melt in your mouth, accented with smoky bacon and a touch of fresh lemon. This dish is comfort food elevated, perfect for a cozy dinner or an impressive brunch that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. It’s so easy to make, yet feels indulgently special every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large silver pan filled with a single layer of cooked shrimp arranged in a circular pattern, each shrimp showing orange-pink tails and white bodies with a light brown spice coating, the pan surface slightly shiny from cooking oil with some browned spots around the edges, all set on a white marbled background photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Shrimp and Grits Recipe is in its simple, high-quality ingredients that each bring their own magic. From creamy butter to sharp cheddar, smoky bacon to fresh garlic and scallions, every component adds to the texture, flavor, and vibrant character of the dish.

1 cup yellow grits: The creamy base that provides that classic, comforting texture.
4 cups water: Perfect for cooking your grits to tender fluffiness.
1/2 tsp kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
3 tbsp butter: Adds richness and silky smoothness to the grits.
1/3 cup heavy cream: Makes the grits luxuriously creamy and indulgent.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Brings a delightful sharpness and melty goodness.
4 ounces high-quality bacon: Offers crispiness and smoky depth that ties the dish together.
1 lb 16/20 size wild shrimp: The star protein, providing a sweet and tender bite.
4 scallions: Adds a fresh, mild oniony crunch and brightness.
1 tbsp minced garlic: Packs savory pungency to enliven the shrimp.
2 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice: Injects a light zesty punch that brightens every mouthful.
2 dashes Tabasco sauce (optional): Offers subtle heat for those who like a little kick.

How to Make Shrimp and Grits Recipe

Step 1: Cooking the Grits

Start by preparing the grits, which are the foundational soul of this delicious Shrimp and Grits Recipe. You can easily cook them in a rice cooker by combining the grits, water, and salt, then running a standard white rice cycle for fuss-free results. If stovetop is your style, bring the water to a boil, stir in the grits and salt, cover, and simmer gently for about 20 minutes until tender and most liquid is absorbed. Stir in the butter and cream to make the grits fantastically creamy, then fold in your shredded cheddar cheese for melty, savory comfort.

Step 2: Preparing the Shrimp and Bacon

For the perfect smoky base, cook the bacon in a cold skillet over medium heat, letting the fat slowly render and crisp up the bacon—this usually takes about 10 minutes. Once crispy, scoop out the bacon bits with a slotted spoon but leave that flavorful bacon grease in the pan to cook your shrimp.

Step 3: Cooking the Shrimp

Place the peeled wild shrimp in a single layer in the hot bacon fat, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Cook for about 60 seconds before flipping, then add the scallions, garlic, freshly squeezed lemon juice, Tabasco if you’re using it, and the crunchy bacon bits back into the pan. Toss everything gently and cook for another minute or two until the shrimp are just cooked through—tender, juicy, and bursting with layered flavor. Be careful not to overcook, as shrimp can get rubbery fast.

Step 4: Bringing It All Together

To serve, spoon a hearty bed of those creamy, cheesy grits into your bowl, then generously pile the sizzling shrimp mixture on top. Each bite marries the smooth, buttery grits with the vibrant shrimp and smoky bacon, making it impossible not to go back for more.

How to Serve Shrimp and Grits Recipe

A white plate with a green floral pattern holds a serving of creamy yellow grits as the base layer, smooth and slightly thick in texture. On top, there are several pinkish-orange cooked shrimp with light grill marks, arranged across the grits. Mixed among the shrimp are small pieces of crispy brown bacon and diced green bell peppers, with a few thinly sliced green onions sprinkled on top, adding freshness. The plate rests on a white marbled surface, with a metal fork placed on the left side of the plate. In the background, a metal bowl of cooked shrimp and a small white bowl with green garnish can be seen out of focus. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes can elevate the dish even further. Sprinkle extra sliced scallions or chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and herbaceous brightness. A thin lemon wedge on the side is perfect for those who want an extra splash of citrus perk.

Side Dishes

This Shrimp and Grits Recipe stands tall on its own but pairs beautifully with a simple crisp green salad or steamed seasonal vegetables to add a refreshing contrast. For heartier meals, consider serving with sautéed greens like collards or kale tossed lightly in garlic and olive oil.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your guests? Present the grits in small, shallow bowls, then artistically arrange the shrimp on top, swirling the scallions and bacon pieces around. For a brunch setting, serve alongside poached eggs or a drizzle of spicy hollandaise to turn it into a showstopping dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers of this Shrimp and Grits Recipe, store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The grits and shrimp will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a great option for next-day meals.

Freezing

While you can freeze cooked grits, the texture might change slightly after thawing. It’s best to freeze the shrimp separately if you plan ahead. Freeze both components in sealed containers or freezer bags, and consume within 1 month for best quality.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the grits gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to bring back the creamy texture. Heat the shrimp quickly in a skillet just until warmed—avoid overcooking at this stage to keep them tender.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this Shrimp and Grits Recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture, which can affect the texture and flavor.

What type of grits should I use?

Yellow stone-ground grits are ideal for their flavor and texture, but quick or regular grits work fine. Just adjust cooking times as necessary for the type you choose.

Is there a substitute for cheddar cheese?

Yes, asiago or a sharp white cheddar can be wonderful alternatives, adding a slightly different but equally delicious dimension to your grits.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Definitely. Add more Tabasco or even a pinch of cayenne pepper to the shrimp while cooking for a pleasing kick that balances the creaminess of the grits.

How do I know when the shrimp are cooked perfectly?

Shrimp cook very quickly—look for them to turn opaque and pink with a gentle curl. Slightly undercooking and letting them finish in the residual heat ensures they stay juicy and tender.

Final Thoughts

This Shrimp and Grits Recipe is a heartwarming dish that brings Southern charm to your table with every bite. It’s straightforward to prepare yet bursting with layers of flavor that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Trust me, once you try this combination of creamy grits and savory shrimp, you’ll want to make it a regular in your meal rotation. Give it a whirl, and let this comforting classic become your new favorite!