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    Ask Chef Dennis » Recipes » Main Meals » Seafood Recipes » Classic Southern Shrimp and Grits Recipe

    Classic Southern Shrimp and Grits Recipe

    Published: Apr 11, 2019 · Modified: Jun 25, 2022 by Chef Dennis Littley · 37 Comments·This post includes affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    4.94 from 47 votes
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    shrimp and cheesy grits

    If you’re looking for a southern dish to wow your friends and family look no further than this southern classic Shrimp and Cheesy Grits.

    oblong white platter with Cheesy Grits and Shrimp

    There are many variations on this Southern classic. My version of Shrimp and Cheese 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.

    ingredients to make cheesy grits and shrimp in glass bowls on wooden cutting board

    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.

    shrimp and grits on a white plate with a blue rim

    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?

    shrimp and grits close up on a white plate with blue trim

    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 Cheese 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 ¼ cup of heavy cream at the end.

    What Kind of Cheese Should I Use in my Grits?

    I like to use Sharp Cheddar Cheese in my grits as it adds a delicious cheesy flavor. You can also use Monterey Jack cheese, pepper jack or any type of cheese that makes you happy! It truly is comfort food and it should be a comfort food that you enjoy.

    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.
    close up of shrimp and cheesy grits from the side

    Not a fan of shrimp? Why not make up your breakfast bowl with cheese grits and top it off with a fried egg! And when it comes to grits for breakfast I love them the old-fashioned way with butter, salt and pepper.

    Recipe FAQ’s:

    What goes with shrimp and grits?

    My favorite side dish is collard greens, but any of your favorite greens will work to. You can also serve roasted or grilled vegetables as sides. Asparagus and broccoli are two of my favorites. Green beans also make a great side, cooked any way you like them or as a cold salad.

    Are grits better cooked with milk or water?

    Grits get their extra creaminess by cooking them in milk. For the most part grits are a blank canvas waiting for your favorite flavors, but cooking in milk is preferred to using water. The depth of flavor will be greater when using milk.

    Are polenta and grits the same thing?

    Although polenta and grits are both made from ground corn, the type of corn used is different. Polenta has a flakier, coarser grind which makes the end product sometimes chewy, while grits have a finer, smoother grind.

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    4.94 from 47 votes

    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!
    Prep Time15 mins
    Cook Time25 mins
    Total Time40 mins
    Course: Entree
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 789kcal
    Author: Chef Dennis Littley

    Ingredients

    Cheesy Grits

    • 1.5 cups chicken stock or vegetable stock
    • 1.5 cups whole milk
    • ½ teaspoon sea salt
    • ¼ treaspoon black pepper
    • ¾ cup stone-ground grits*
    • 2 cup 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 ¼ 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
    • ½ cup grape tomatoes cut in half long way as garnish
    US Customary – Metric
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    Instructions

    • 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.
    • 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.
    • 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.
    • Heat a large skillet over medium heat. When hot add 1-2 tablespoons of the bacon grease. 
    • 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.
    • 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. 
    •  Serve immediately and enjoy!

    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.
    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.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 789kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 49g | Fat: 49g | Saturated Fat: 25g | Cholesterol: 408mg | Sodium: 2013mg | Potassium: 562mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 2505IU | Vitamin C: 9.6mg | Calcium: 688mg | Iron: 4mg
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    About Chef Dennis

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    Chef Dennis is a semi-retired Chef, writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer and creator of A Culinary Journey with Chef Dennis aka Ask Chef Dennis®. Chef Dennis worked professionally in White Table Cloth Restaurants for 40 years and has been developing easy to make, restaurant-style recipes since 2009. The second phase of his reinvention from chef to blogger has earned him a place at the Worlds Dinner Table. Join him on his Culinary Journey enjoying his easy to make Restaurant Style recipes and travel adventures. For more details, check out his About page.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Lene

      April 13, 2021 at 8:33 pm

      Hi! Do you have a preferred brand of Cajun seasoning? Thanks!

      Reply
      • Chef Dennis Littley

        April 13, 2021 at 9:00 pm

        I usually buy McCormick or Frontier Organic

        Reply
    2. Amanda Marie

      February 21, 2021 at 9:16 am

      5 stars
      I love shrimp and grits is this is a fantastic version!

      Reply
    3. Addison

      February 19, 2021 at 9:06 pm

      5 stars
      Such a classic dish with all the best flavors!

      Reply
    4. Amy

      February 19, 2021 at 7:31 pm

      5 stars
      This is soooooo good! Couldn’t get enough of it.

      Reply
    5. Emily Flint

      February 19, 2021 at 1:19 pm

      5 stars
      Amazing flavors and so comforting, love it!!

      Reply
    6. ANGELA

      February 19, 2021 at 3:38 am

      5 stars
      My family loves this recipe! Thank you chef

      Reply
    7. Linda

      February 19, 2021 at 1:48 am

      5 stars
      I love Southern food, especially shrimp & grits. This recipe looks so easy to follow and I can imagine how good this is. Can’t wait to try this one!

      Reply
    8. Alexandra

      February 19, 2021 at 1:41 am

      5 stars
      Such a comforting dinner – a delicious combination and so tasty!

      Reply
    9. Sabrina

      February 18, 2021 at 11:02 pm

      5 stars
      So yummy, I love these cheesy grits ! And the shrimp seasoning. Really really good!

      Reply
    10. Audrey

      February 18, 2021 at 9:05 pm

      5 stars
      I can only imagine how extra good these would be with the Vermont cheese you mentioned. I loved Sugar Bush cheese from Vermont will have to check out Cabot.

      Reply
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