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4.96 from 98 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 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
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

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