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
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			- 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