Cozy Soulful Southern Shrimp and Grits Recipe: Homestyle Magic

Southern shrimp and grits dance with bold, comforting flavors that tell a story of culinary tradition.

This classic Southern shrimp and grits recipe brings coastal charm straight to your kitchen.

Creamy stone-ground grits provide a luxurious base for succulent, perfectly seasoned shrimp.

Rich, buttery notes merge with zesty spices, creating a harmony of textures and tastes.

Sharp cheddar cheese adds depth and warmth to each delectable bite.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this beloved dish, passing down techniques that make it more than just a meal.

One forkful promises to transport you to a welcoming Southern table, where every bite speaks of love and heritage.

How to Serve Shrimp and Grits with Southern Charm

• Southern Comfort Pairing: Complement the rich, creamy grits and spicy shrimp with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to balance the dish's flavors and cut through the richness.
• Brunch Brilliance: Transform this classic into a weekend brunch showstopper by serving alongside scrambled eggs, buttermilk biscuits, and fresh fruit salad for a complete Southern-style meal that'll impress guests.
• Side Kick Magic: Add a light, refreshing coleslaw or mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to provide a cool contrast to the warm, spicy shrimp and creamy grits, creating a perfectly balanced plate.
• Bread Buddy: Serve with warm, crusty French bread or cornbread to soak up the delicious sauce and add an extra layer of comfort to this Southern classic.

Keeping Shrimp and Grits Fresh for Later

• Fridge Fresh Storage: Transfer leftover shrimp and grits to an airtight container, keeping components separate to maintain optimal texture. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking, consuming within 1-2 days for peak flavor and safety.
• Grits Revive Technique: Reheat grits slowly by adding a splash of milk or chicken broth, stirring frequently to restore creamy consistency. Microwave in 30-second intervals or warm gently on stovetop, whisking consistently to prevent scorching.
• Freezer Strategy: While shrimp dishes are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the bacon-shrimp mixture in sealed freezer bags for up to one month. Defrost overnight in refrigerator and quickly reheat in skillet to prevent rubbery shrimp texture.
• Meal Prep Wisdom: Prepare grits and shrimp components separately during weekend cooking. Store individually in containers, allowing quick assembly of hot, delicious meals during busy weeknights. Bacon can remain crisp when added just before serving for maximum crunch.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 600 kcal

Servings: 4

Southern Shrimp and Grits Grocery List

• Chicken Broth or Water: Provides the liquid foundation for cooking grits, infusing subtle flavor.
• Grits: Stone-ground cornmeal that creates the classic Southern comfort base with rich, smooth texture.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious richness and silky consistency to the grits.
• Cheddar Cheese: Brings sharp, tangy depth and creamy melted goodness to the dish.
• Butter: Enhances smoothness and adds a golden, velvety finish to the grits.

• Bacon: Delivers smoky, crispy element that provides incredible depth and saltiness.
• Onion: Offers sweet, aromatic base that builds foundational flavor profile.
• Bell Pepper: Contributes vibrant color and subtle sweetness to the mixture.
• Garlic: Introduces robust, pungent notes that elevate the entire dish's complexity.

• Shrimp: Fresh, succulent seafood that serves as the star protein with delicate texture.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds warm, smoky undertones with beautiful reddish color.
• Cayenne Pepper: Brings subtle heat and spicy kick to complement the seafood.
• Hot Sauce: Optional but provides extra zesty punch for heat lovers.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh garnish that adds visual appeal and herbal note.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing overall taste.

Cooking Tools for Southern Shrimp and Creamy Grits

• Medium Saucepan: Essential for cooking creamy grits with perfect consistency.
• Large Skillet: Crucial for sautéing bacon, vegetables, and cooking shrimp with rich flavors.
• Slotted Spoon: Helps remove crispy bacon from the skillet without excess grease.
• Whisk: Perfect for smoothly incorporating grits into boiling liquid and creating creamy texture.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions for balanced taste.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for chopping bacon, onions, bell peppers, and garnishing with parsley.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring grits and mixing ingredients in the skillet.

How to Make Southern Shrimp and Grits Step-by-Step

• Create Creamy Grits

Boil water or broth in a saucepan. Gradually whisk in grits and lower heat. Cook until thickened, stirring occasionally. Mix in cream, cheese, butter, salt, and pepper. Keep warm and set aside.

• Sizzle Bacon Base

Cook chopped bacon in a skillet until crispy. Remove bacon, leaving the flavorful fat behind. Sauté onions and bell peppers until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook briefly until aromatic.

• Spice Up the Shrimp

Toss shrimp into the skillet and sprinkle with smoked paprika and cayenne. Cook until shrimp turn a beautiful pink color. Pour chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up delicious browned bits. Let sauce simmer and slightly thicken.

• Finish and Combine

Stir in butter and optional hot sauce. Return crispy bacon to the skillet and mix well. Ladle warm grits into serving bowls. Top generously with the zesty shrimp mixture.

• Serve and Savor

Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the Southern comfort flavors.

Tips for Creamier Grits and Spicier Shrimp

• Quick Bacon Swap: Replace traditional bacon with turkey bacon for a lighter version or use vegetarian bacon bits to keep the smoky flavor while reducing fat content.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to match your heat tolerance – start with a pinch for mild flavor or increase for a spicier kick that'll wake up your taste buds.
• Dairy-Free Magic: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of cheddar cheese to create a delicious lactose-free alternative that doesn't compromise on richness.
• Protein Power Boost: Experiment with adding andouille sausage or chorizo alongside shrimp for extra depth of flavor and a more substantial Southern-style meal that'll satisfy hearty appetites.
• Grits Texture Trick: For ultra-creamy grits, whisk continuously while cooking and consider using stone-ground grits for a more authentic texture that captures traditional Southern cooking techniques.

Soulful Southern Shrimp And Grits Recipe

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4.7 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy southern shrimp and grits deliver a comforting Southern classic with rich, cheesy goodness. Savory seafood nestles atop stone-ground grits, creating a hearty meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup stone-ground grits
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 4 cups water or chicken broth
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper, finely chopped (red or green)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
• 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional)
• 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Grits Preparation: Bring liquid to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan, gradually whisk in grits while reducing heat to low, stirring until achieving a thick, velvety consistency.
2. Grits Enhancement: Fold in heavy cream, sharp cheddar, butter, seasoning, and pepper, maintaining warm temperature to preserve creamy texture.
3. Bacon Rendering: Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp and golden, remove pieces while reserving flavorful drippings.
4. Vegetable Sauté: Caramelize onions and bell peppers in bacon drippings until translucent, creating an aromatic flavor foundation.
5. Protein Cooking: Add shrimp to skillet, sprinkle with smoked paprika and cayenne, cooking until seafood transforms to vibrant pink while incorporating minced garlic.
6. Pan Deglazation: Pour chicken broth into skillet, scrape flavor fragments, allow liquid to reduce while integrating bacon pieces and finishing with a butter knob and optional hot sauce.
7. Plating Finale: Spread creamy grits as a luxurious base, cascade spicy shrimp mixture overtop, garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately to preserve optimal temperature and texture.

Notes

• Control Liquid Ratio: Precisely measure grits to liquid for perfect creamy consistency, avoiding lumps or dry texture.
• Master Shrimp Timing: Cook shrimp exactly 2-3 minutes to prevent rubbery texture, removing immediately when pink and slightly curled.
• Balance Spice Levels: Adjust cayenne and smoked paprika carefully to personalize heat intensity without overwhelming the delicate seafood flavor.
• Select Quality Ingredients: Use fresh, large Gulf shrimp and stone-ground grits for authentic Southern flavor and superior texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 980 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 220 mg