Southern Shrimp and Cheesy Grits is a classic southern dish of juicy shrimp and crispy bacon served over the creamiest grits you'll ever have. Although it's originated in Charleston, South Carolina, this southern classic has made its way on menus all over the country. I remember the first time I had it years ago at a restaurant in Atlanta and couldn't believe I had not tried it sooner. Since then if shrimp and grits was on a menu, I was ordering it.
Shrimp and Grits is usually a breakfast dish or bunch item but I could eat it for lunch, dinner, or even a snack. It's good at any time of day. This is the type of southern comfort food that warms the soul and wraps you in a hug. My recipe has the same restaurant quality I've experienced many times eating this dish. Now it can be made in the comfort of your own home.
Shrimp And Grits Ingredients
Shrimp- The sizing is ultimately up to you but medium to large work great. You can use frozen or fresh shrimp but just be sure to devein shrimp first. Leaving the tails on is good to look at but I remove them because it makes eating much easier. You can save them and make shrimp stock for a later use.
Grits- Quick grits is the way to go for a faster cook. Stone-ground grits will take much longer. It can be found in your local grocery store in the cereal aisle.
Cheese- The cheese is is also a personal preference but I like sharp cheddar cheese or monterey jack.
Bacon- Bacon makes everything better! The bacon as well as the bacon fat is utilized in this dish. Some people add andouille sausage instead.
Let's Make Some Southern Style Shrimp and Cheesy Grits Recipe!
Bring the cup of water to a boil then add the grits and a pinch of salt. Stir and reduce to low heat to simmer. Cover slightly and stir occasionally for 10 minutes. Add butter, salt, black pepper, and cheese and fold until you have creamy grits.
Chop the bacon into small pieces. Cook in a large skillet over medium heat until cooked through. Remove bacon bits from pan and set aside to drain. You should have wonderful bacon fat. We will be using this for added flavor.
Turn stove to medium-high heat. Add shrimp, garlic, cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, and lemon juice to bacon grease and cook for 4-5 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
Pour creamy cheese grits into a bowl and spoon shrimp mixture over top. Top with chopped bacon then garnish with herbs like parsley or green onion and serve while hot.
Other Breakfast Recipes You May Like
Southern Shrimp and Cheesy Grits
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup quick grits
- 1/3 cup shredded cheese
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 strips bacon
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 6 large shrimp
- 1/2 tbsp cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp chopped parsley
Instructions
- Bring the cup of water to a boil then add the grits and a pinch of salt. Stir and reduce to low heat to simmer. Cover slightly and stir occasionally for 10 minutes. Add butter, salt, black pepper, and cheese and fold until you have creamy grits.
- Chop the bacon into small pieces. Cook in a large skillet over medium heat until cooked through. Remove bacon bits from pan and set aside to drain. You should have wonderful bacon fat. We will be using this for added flavor.
- Turn stove to medium-high heat. Add shrimp, garlic, cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, and lemon juice to bacon grease and cook for 4-5 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Pour creamy cheese grits into a bowl and spoon shrimp mixture over top. Top with chopped bacon then garnish with herbs like parsley or green onion and serve while hot.
Leave a Reply