Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Southern Shrimp and Grits Recipe


  • Author: Camila Rose
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4
  • Diet: Halal

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