Shrimp and Grits

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Shrimp and Grits is the kind of comfort food that feels both rustic and special at the same time. Creamy, buttery grits create the perfect base for tender shrimp cooked with smoky bacon, garlic, and a lightly seasoned sauce that brings everything together in one satisfying bowl.

It is a dish that works just as beautifully for a cozy weekend brunch as it does for a hearty dinner. The contrast between the rich grits and the savory shrimp topping gives every bite plenty of flavor, while a little lemon and green onion keep the whole dish tasting bright and balanced.

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What Makes Shrimp and Grits So Good?

Shrimp and Grits stands out because it combines simple ingredients in a way that tastes layered and comforting. The grits should be soft and creamy, never stiff, while the shrimp need only a quick cook so they stay juicy and tender. Add bacon, onion, garlic, a touch of broth, and a little seasoning, and the result is a dish that feels deeply Southern and incredibly satisfying.

Another reason people love it is how flexible it can be. You can keep it classic with cheddar grits and bacon, or lean into a spicier version with Cajun seasoning and a splash of hot sauce. No matter which direction you go, the key is keeping the shrimp perfectly cooked and the grits silky.

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Ingredients for the Shrimp and Grits

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 cup stone-ground grits
• 4 cups chicken broth, divided
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

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How To Make the Shrimp and Grits

Step 1: Start the Grits

Bring 3 cups of chicken broth and the milk to a gentle boil in a medium saucepan. Slowly whisk in the grits, then reduce the heat to low. Cook, stirring often, until the grits are thick and tender. This usually takes about 20 to 25 minutes, depending on the type of grits you use.

Step 2: Make Them Creamy

Once the grits are cooked, stir in the cheddar cheese and butter. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Keep the grits warm over very low heat, stirring occasionally so they stay smooth.

Step 3: Cook the Bacon

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crisp. Transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels, leaving about 1 to 2 tablespoons of drippings in the skillet.

Step 4: Build the Flavor Base

Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Sprinkle in the flour, Cajun seasoning, and smoked paprika, then stir well so the flour coats the onions evenly.

Step 5: Make the Pan Sauce

Pour in the remaining 1 cup of chicken broth and stir until the mixture becomes smooth and lightly thickened. This gives the shrimp topping a savory sauce that tastes rich without feeling heavy.

Step 6: Cook the Shrimp

Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, just until pink and opaque. Stir in the lemon juice, half of the green onions, and half of the parsley. Return the cooked bacon to the pan and toss everything together.

Step 7: Serve It Warm

Spoon the creamy grits into bowls and top with the shrimp mixture. Finish with the remaining green onions and parsley, plus extra black pepper if you like.

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Serving and Storing Shrimp and Grits

Shrimp and Grits is best served hot right after cooking, when the shrimp are tender and the grits are at their creamiest. A little extra green onion on top adds freshness, and a few drops of hot sauce can give each bowl a nice kick. This dish is filling on its own, but it also pairs nicely with sautéed greens, roasted vegetables, or a simple side salad.

For storage, keep the shrimp and grits in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the grits slowly with a splash of milk or broth to loosen them, since they thicken as they chill. Rewarm the shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat or in short bursts in the microwave so they do not become rubbery.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use quick grits instead of stone-ground grits?

Yes, you can. Quick grits cook faster and still work well, though stone-ground grits usually give the dish a heartier texture and deeper corn flavor.

What size shrimp should I use?

Large shrimp are ideal because they stay juicy and give the dish a hearty bite. Medium shrimp can work too, but they cook even faster.

Can I make Shrimp and Grits without cheese?

Absolutely. Cheese adds richness, but the grits can still be creamy and delicious with butter, milk, and good seasoning.

How do I keep the shrimp from overcooking?

Cook them only until they turn pink and opaque. That usually takes just a few minutes, so keep an eye on them and take the skillet off the heat as soon as they are done.

Can I make the grits ahead of time?

You can, but they will thicken as they sit. Reheat them gently with extra milk or broth and stir well until creamy again.

Is Shrimp and Grits spicy?

It does not have to be. The Cajun seasoning adds warmth and depth, but you can reduce it for a milder version or add hot sauce for more heat.

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Want More Seafood Dinner Ideas?

If Shrimp and Grits sounds like your kind of meal, you may want to keep the seafood inspiration going with a few more favorites from Nina Dishes:

• Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta Spinach for a creamy pasta dinner packed with shrimp and comforting flavor.
• Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque when you are craving something rich, cozy, and full of seafood goodness.
• Yummy Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa Creamy Sauce for a fresher, lighter shrimp meal with lots of color.
• Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna if you love shrimp dinners with a more indulgent twist.
• Healthy Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe for another easy seafood option with bright, clean flavors.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

When you make this Shrimp and Grits, I would love to hear how it turned out. Did you keep it classic with bacon and cheddar, or did you make it spicier with extra Cajun seasoning?

Little tweaks can make a big difference with a dish like this, and sharing them helps everyone cook it better the next time. Questions are welcome too, especially if you want help adjusting the texture of the grits or the seasoning in the shrimp.

You can also find more daily recipe inspiration on Nina Dishes Pinterest.

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