Shrimp and grits is a yummy dish that comes from the Southern part of the United States. Imagine creamy, soft grits mixed with juicy shrimp, crispy bacon, and a sprinkle of cheese on top. It’s like a hug in a bowl! This dish is perfect for when you want something comforting and filling. It's not too hard to make, and you can find most of the ingredients easily.
Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, shrimp and grits can fit into any meal of the day. It’s a fun way to shake up your usual meals and try something new and delicious.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe is a hit because it combines simple ingredients that create a mouth-watering mix of flavors and textures. The grits are smooth and creamy, making the perfect base for the rest of the dish. When you add cheese to them, they become even creamier and more flavorful. Then, there's the shrimp cooked just right until they're tender and full of taste. The crispy bacon adds a smoky flavor that goes so well with the creamy grits and shrimp. Plus, the green onions on top add a fresh touch that balances out all the richness.
Another great thing about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can tweak it to suit your taste. Not a fan of bacon? Leave it out or substitute it with sausage. Want to spice it up? Add some hot sauce or extra seasonings. This dish can be as simple or as fancy as you want. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner, a special brunch, or when you have friends over. Plus, it looks impressive when you serve it, so everyone will think you spent hours in the kitchen, even though it’s pretty easy to put together. Making shrimp and grits is a tasty way to bring a bit of Southern charm to your table.
Ingredients
Shrimp - Large, peeled, and deveined for a succulent bite. Substitute: scallops for a different but equally delicious seafood option.
Grits - The base of the dish, creamy and comforting. Substitute: polenta for a similar texture if grits are not available.
Cheese - Adds creaminess and flavor to the grits. Sharp cheddar is a good choice. Substitute: any melty cheese you like or prefer.
Bacon - Provides a smoky, salty crunch to complement the shrimp. Substitute: turkey bacon or smoked sausage for a different flavor.
Green Onions - Brings freshness and a pop of color to the dish. Substitute: chives for a milder onion flavor.
Tips
- Cook grits slowly on low heat and stir frequently for the creamiest texture.
- Season the shrimp well with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices before cooking.
- Cook the bacon until crispy to add a nice texture contrast to the dish.
- Add cheese to the grits right before serving to ensure it melts smoothly.
- Garnish with fresh green onions or parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
How to Serve
Shrimp and grits is a classic Southern dish that's hearty and full of flavor, making it perfect for any meal of the day. It's traditionally served as a breakfast or brunch dish, but it's also hearty enough for dinner.
- Classic Bowl: Serve shrimp and grits in a deep bowl, with a generous portion of cheesy grits on the bottom topped with shrimp, crispy bacon, and a sprinkle of green onions.
- Family Style: For family gatherings, serve shrimp and grits in a large platter where everyone can help themselves, creating a casual and communal dining experience.
- Elegant Presentation: Plate individually for a more elegant meal, neatly spooning grits and arranging shrimp on top with precision, garnishing with finely chopped herbs for a touch of sophistication.
Similar Recipes
Shrimp and Grits
Ingredients
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 4 cups water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 6 slices of bacon chopped
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon paprika or to taste
- hot sauce for serving. Optional.
Instructions
- Bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Gradually whisk in grits and a pinch of salt. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until grits are thick and creamy, about 20-25 minutes.
- While the grits are cooking, cook the bacon in a large skillet until crispy. Remove bacon from the skillet and set aside. Leave the bacon fat in the skillet.
- Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika. In the same skillet used for bacon, cook the shrimp and garlic over medium heat until the shrimp are pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Stir in lemon juice.
- Once grits are cooked, remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheese until melted and smooth.
- Serve the cheesy grits in bowls topped with shrimp, crispy bacon, and green onions.
- Serve and enjoy 🙂 You can add a dash of hot sauce if desired.
Nutrition
Notes
• Season the shrimp well with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices before cooking.
• Cook the bacon until crispy to add a nice texture contrast to the dish.
• Add cheese to the grits right before serving to ensure it melts smoothly.
• Garnish with fresh green onions or parsley for a burst of color and freshness.