Shrimp and Cheesy Grits Recipe – A Southern Classic

When you think of Southern Cuisine does Shrimp and Cheesy Grits come to mind? If it doesn't you need to try this easy to make authentic southern recipe. This Classic dish will soon become a family favorite!

Total Time: 40 minutes

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This post is sponsored by Cabot Creamery. The opinions, recipe, and images are 100% my own.

There are many variations on this Southern classic. My version of Shrimp and Cheesy Grits is a fresher version using uncooked sweet cherry tomatoes adding another flavor dimension to the dish. I don’t rely on sauces to mask the individual flavors of the creamy cheesy grits and sweet gulf shrimp.

Rather than onions, I use scallions with a milder flavor and a bit of a crunch. It’s very important to use good quality bacon, and I always look for “Humanely Raised” on the package.

That’s the key to good bacon and will usually add other qualities you look for, Non-GMO, Vegetarian Fed and Pasture Raised. 

How we treat our food is important for more than the ethical reasons, it makes the food taste better.

The first step in creating any dish in my kitchen is gathering the ingredients so that I know I have everything I need to prepare the dish. This is called a mise en place (everything in its place) and makes your cooking adventure easier and more enjoyable.

Since our dish involves an ingredient many of you are familiar with I’ll explain a little bit about Grits before we start.

I use Palmetto Farms Stone Ground Yellow Grits that I purchase on Amazon (this is an affiliate link).

What are Grits?

Grits are similar in texture to cream of wheat, but they are made from ground dried corn. Because of their mild flavor, you can add just about any seasonings and ingredients to them, creating a southern classic or a family favorite.

I saw these plates at one of my favorite home stores and had to pick up a few. Those blue rimmed white plates remind me of the classic restaurant dishes of the 20th century. Have you ever heard the term Blue Plate Special? 

It was an iconic phrase used by restaurants in the United States and Canada from the ’20s through the ’50s referring to a restaurant’s special dishes.

What kind of Grits can I use in this recipe and other recipes?

You can use any type of grits in your recipe that you have on hand or can find in your local grocer. Below you’ll find information on all the types of grits that are available.

• Stone-ground is my favorite variety of grits and can be found in yellow or white corn varieties as well as mixed together. These grits are made from whole, dried corn kernels that are coarsely ground in a mill. Stone ground grits cook up smooth, creamy, delicious, and full of a rich natural flavor. Not all grocery stores carry this type of grits because of a shortened shelf life but are the only grits I cook. I order my grits on Amazon.
• Hominy is made from corn kernels soaked in an alkali solution (lye or lime) to soften the tough pericarp (outer shell or hull). The pericarp is rinsed, then removed, and the corn kernels undergo further processing to make hominy.
• Quick and regular. These types of grits undergo processing, which involves removing the pericarp and germ (nutrient-rich embryo), so they have a longer shelf life. Regular versions are medium ground while quick are finely ground. This type of grits is much lower in nutritional value.
• Instant. This precooked, dehydrated version has had both the pericarp and germ removed. They’re widely available in grocery stores but are basically just a starchy food with little nutritional value.

Are Grits Gluten-Free?

Grits are made from corn and are naturally gluten-free. This means they’re a suitable carb alternative for people who have to avoid gluten in their diet.

What Liquid Should I Use to Make Grits?

• I like to use half milk and half chicken stock so the grits are creamier and have flavor from the stock.
• Use Vegetable stock or water to eliminate the chicken stock.
• Use all water adding 1/4 cup of heavy cream at the end.

What Kind of Cheese Should I Use in my Cheesy Grits?

If you were to visit my kitchen on any given day you’ll find 3-4 varieties of Cabot Cheddar Cheese in my fridge. 

I generally use their regular Sharp Cheddar for my grits as this type of cheddar adds a delicious cheesy flavor to my grits. You can also use any of their other cheddars or specialties cheeses. I was thinking about using Cabot Habanero Cheddar, but my wife is not a fan of heat….sigh.

Chef Dennis Cooking Tips:

• Bring the liquids to a boil then add the salt and grits. Bring the mixture back to a low boil whisking in the grits as it heats. When the grits are fully incorporated and have returned to a boil, cover the pot and turn the heat to simmer and cook until the grits are tender and creamy.
•  Stir grits using a whisk occasionally during the cooking process. This will help the grits thicken.
• When the grits are done cooking add in the butter and cheddar cheese. Mix until fully incorporated. 
• Use good quality smoked bacon. I buy humanely raised pork products and the bacon leaves little grease when cooked.
• Save some of the bacon grease to saute the shrimp.
• Buy American or Mexican Shrimp from the Gulf of Mexico or the Pacific Ocean. Shrimp from the Atlantic coast of the US are also acceptable. Don’t buy freshwater shrimp or farm-raised shrimp. Avoid shrimp from Asia, India or any the surrounding areas.
• Dredge the shrimp in the seasonings before cooking. This will add some great color to the cooked shrimp.
• Add the shrimp to a hot pan searing on each side for about one to two minutes depending upon their size.

If you enjoyed this recipe you may also like these delicious recipes featuring shrimp.

• Shrimp Etouffee
• Shrimp Fra Diavolo 
• Garlic Shrimp with Supergreens
• Lemon Basil Shrimp with Supergreens

5 from 7 votes

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Shrimp and Cheesy Grits

When you think of Southern Cuisine does Shrimp and Cheesy Grits come to mind? If it doesn't you need to try this easy to make authentic southern recipe. This Classic dish will soon become a family favorite!

Author: Chef Dennis Littley

Nutrition Facts

Shrimp and Cheesy Grits

Amount Per Serving

Calories 789 Calories from Fat 441

% Daily Value*

Fat 49g75%

Saturated Fat 25g125%

Cholesterol 408mg136%

Sodium 2013mg84%

Potassium 562mg16%

Carbohydrates 34g11%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 7g8%

Protein 49g98%

Vitamin A 2505IU50%

Vitamin C 9.6mg12%

Calcium 688mg69%

Iron 4mg22%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Course: Entree

Cuisine: American

Keyword: cheesy grits, shrimp, southern cooking

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 25 mins

Total Time: 40 mins

Servings: 4

Calories: 789 kcal

Ingredients

Cheesy Grits

• 1.5 cups chicken stock or vegetable stock
• 1.5 cups whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 treaspoon black pepper
• 3/4 cup stone-ground grits*
• 2 cup Cabot sharp cheddar cheese shredded (one 8 ounce bar)
• 4 tablespoons butter (one half a stick)

Shrimp

• 1 pound jumbo shrimp peeled and deveined, I used 16-20 count
• 6 strips bacon cut in 1/4 inch strips
• 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning
• 2 cloves garlic sliced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• hot sauce optional - to taste
• 1 tablespoon Italian parsley fine chop for garnish
• 2 tablespoons scallions thinly sliced on bias for garnish
• 1/2 cup grape tomatoes cut in half long way as garnish

Instructions

1. Add chicken broth and milk, to a 2-quart saucepan and bring to a gentle boil. Add a pinch of salt and the grits, whisking together. Bring back to a low boil as you continue to stir. Reduce heat to low, Cover grits and continue simmer for20-25 minutes or until grits are soft and creamy and fully cooked.

2. While grits are cooking, cook the bacon strips until crispy. Set aside and allow to fully drain on a paper towel.  Save one to two tablespoons of the bacon grease to cook the shrimp in.

3. When grits are finished cooking, remove from heat and stir in the butter and shredded Cabot cheddar cheese, mixing until fully incorporated. Season to taste with sea salt and black pepper. Keep covered until ready to serve. Stir grits well before serving.

4. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. When hot add 1-2 tablespoons of the bacon grease. 

5. Dredge the shrimp in the combined smoked paprika and cajun seasonings. Add the shrimp and sliced garlic to the pan cooking the shrimp on each side for one to two minutes depending upon the size of the shrimp.

6. When the shrimp are done, add a layer of cheesy grits to a serving dish or individual plates or bowls. Top with seared seasoned shrimp and garnish with bacon, tomato halves, scallions and parsley. 

7.  Serve immediately and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

*Grits of your choice can be substituted. Follow cooking directions on package.

**Prepared shrimp should be peeled, deveined, rinsed in cold water and patted dry with paper towels.