Description
There’s no dish quite like Southern shrimp and grits—it’s creamy, buttery, and rich with smoky, spicy flavors that capture the heart of the South. This recipe layers creamy stone-ground grits with juicy shrimp cooked in bacon drippings and finished in a luscious garlic cream sauce. It’s an elegant comfort food that works for brunch, dinner, or any time you need a taste of Southern hospitality. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s been a beloved classic for generations.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 slices smoked bacon, chopped
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 green onions, chopped (white and green parts separated)
- ½ cup chicken broth (for sauce)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon butter (for finishing)
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Bring milk and chicken broth to a simmer, then whisk in grits. Cook slowly over low heat for 25–30 minutes, stirring often. Add butter, cheese, salt, and pepper. Keep warm.
- Cook bacon until crisp; remove and reserve drippings.
- In the same pan, sauté garlic and white onion parts until fragrant.
- Toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning, then cook in the drippings for about 2 minutes per side. Remove.
- Deglaze the skillet with chicken broth, stir in cream, lemon juice, and butter. Let the sauce thicken slightly.
- Return shrimp and bacon to the sauce, coating evenly.
- Spoon grits into bowls, top with shrimp and sauce, and garnish with green onions and parsley.
Notes
- If grits become too thick, whisk in extra milk or broth before serving. Add a few drops of hot sauce for a little kick, and always serve this dish piping hot for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 200mg