A classic Southern dish you can make at home in minutes, Cheesy Shrimp and Grits is a creamy, comforting bowl of happy. Cheesy grits are topped with a healthy helping of tender shrimp swimming in a slightly spicy cream sauce that will keep you digging in for more.

white bowl with shrimp and grits on a floral napkin with tabasco in the background.


Shrimp and Grits

I spent years frequenting Hilton Head, South Carolina visiting my mother in law. It was kind of a luxury having a relative that lived smack dab in the middle of  “low country.” When I was a teenager, I had the chance to spend two weeks right outside Charleston and that’s when my love affair with the south began.

So, it had been almost 15 years before I was able to get down there again, but after that I was a regular visitor biking along the coast while the Spanish moss blew in the breeze around me. Like a scene from a Nicholas Sparks novel minus the strapping young heartbreaker there to steal my heart. And maybe a few more bugs smacking me in the face while I cruised along, things that would, naturally, be edited from a Nick Sparks novel.

It’s a magical place with equally magical food like the freshest of fresh Shrimp Cocktail, if you ever have the chance to visit you must go. You MUST. One of my favorite southern foods to eat every time I visited was Shrimp and Grits, a southern staple. And everywhere you order it, it’s just a little bit different. Each restaurant has their own variations of the dish, their own secret recipe that has its own magical flavor that you just can’t get enough of.

Ingredients

  • Grits – I use yellow cornmeal stone-ground grits. You can also use white grits or quick cooking grits but follow the instructions on the package for instant grits if you use them.
  • Bacon – Thick cut bacon is my favorite for this recipe. I use the bacon fat instead of olive oil for added richness.
  • Fresh Shrimp – Medium shrimp or large shrimp work best, buy peeled and deveined shrimp to save time. If using frozen shrimp, be sure it’s thawed before you begin the cooking process.
  • Chicken Stock – I use homemade chicken stock but you can use your favorite store brand. Chicken Broth, Seafood stock or vegetable broth are great substitutions.
  • Heavy Cream – To make the gravy creamy, I like to use heavy cream but half and half, whole milk or a dairy alternative work as great substitutions.
  • Seasoning – Garlic, cayenne pepper, hot sauce, kosher salt and black pepper add spice and great flavor. You can use this cajun seasoning blend for more spice, if desired.

For the full ingredient list and instructions, see the recipe card below.

Shrimp and Grits in a white bowl with a black fork in the dish.

How to Make Shrimp and Grits

Cheesy Shrimp and Grits couldn’t be easier to make. I like to make the creamy grits first so they’re perfect and smooth. They take a few minutes of your attention at the beginning but the result is a velvety smooth bowl of heaven. Don’t.Stop.Stirring. Just don’t…until they’re done.

  1. Make the grits first in a medium saucepan and keep warm.
  2. Cook the bacon in a large skillet until crisp over medium-high heat. Transfer to a paper towel using a slotted spoon and set aside.
  3. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer with the bacon fat over medium heat, cook 1-2 minutes on each side and then transfer to a platter. Keep warm.
  4. Add the onions to the skillet and cook until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook 1 minute. 
  5. Sprinkle with cornstarch and stir to coat. Cook for an additional minute.
  6. Whisk in the chicken stock and cook until slightly thickened.
  7. Stir in the cream, cayenne, butter, hot sauce, salt and pepper. Continue cooking until the sauce has thickened.
  8. Return the shrimp to the pan and cook until done. Stir in the chopped bacon, green onions and parsley.
  9. Divide the grits among the serving bowls and top with the shrimp mixture.

I like to squeeze a bit of lemon juice over my shrimp and grits before serving for a pop of fresh flavor.

three white bowls with shrimp and grits on a blue and white table mat.

What are Shrimp and Grits?

A classic Southern dish you can make at home in minutes, Shrimp and Grits is a creamy, comforting bowl of happy. Cheesy grits are topped with a healthy helping of tender shrimp swimming in a slightly spicy cream sauce that will keep you digging in for more.

Everyone has their own take on Shrimp and Grits. Even me, I love my grits extra creamy and loaded with cheese, hence, Cheesy Shrimp and Grits. A lot of places skip the cheese and you can too, but try it with the cheese and I promise you you’ll love it. 

The Shrimp and Grits sauce is slightly creamy but not overly thick. It’s the perfect blanket for your shrimp, not too heavy, not too light. Just right. And I used yellow cornmeal grits, you can use stone ground white grits if you prefer but I love the vibrant yellow color it adds to the dish.

It’s like a large bowl full of southern sunshine but with shrimp and bacon and other goodness just ready for you to dig into. Drooling yet?

What are Grits?

Grits are a dish made from boiled cornmeal and are similar in texture to cream of wheat. Corn Grits are super versatile with a mild flavor so they are great with a variety of mix-ins either sweet or savory.

These cheesy grits are loaded with cheddar cheese for a sharp buttery flavor that goes well with the shrimp and gravy.

White bowl with shrimp and grits with a slice of lemon and a wine glass in the background.

How to Store Leftovers

Transfer leftover shrimp and grits to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warm.

For best results, Shrimp and Grits are better when served soon after making.

shrimp and grits in a white bowl on a blue and white place mat.

What to Serve With Shrimp and Grits

A basic sauteed collard green recipe would go well with this easy Shrimp and Grits recipe but here are a few more of our favorites:

The shrimp and gravy comes together in about 15 minutes making this an easy weeknight dinner that will transport your tastebuds on a mini vacation. I love them so much I even made a Shrimp and Grits Eggs Benedict!

And they go so well with a Blueberry Mint Julep to wash it all down. Then, maybe finish off the night with a slice of Kentucky Bourbon Butter Cake…but that’s just a suggestion.

I can guarantee you’ll want to add this to your weekly rotation! For more amazingly easy dinner recipes follow us on Instagram!

More Easy Shrimp Recipes

White bowl with shrimp and grits with a slice of lemon and a wine glass in the background.

Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Grits Recipe

Yield: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Quick and easy, Cheesy Shrimp and Grits comes together in 30 minutes. A stick to your ribs dinner that's family friendly.
5 from 15 votes
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Ingredients

GRITS:

  • 2 cups low fat milk
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1 cup yellow cornmeal grits
  • 2 tablespoons salted butter
  • 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese

SHRIMP & SAUCE:

  • 4 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 1/2 pounds shrimp, peeled & de-veined
  • 1 1/2 cups chopped onion
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup chopped green onions
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Equipment

  • 1 skillet
  • 1 saucepan

Instructions 

For the Grits

  • In a large pot over medium heat, add the milk, water and salt. Bring to a simmer. Whisk in the grits and continue whisking until they begin to thicken. (This will help eliminate lumps.)
  • Continue to cook the grits for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Stir in the butter and cheese. Cover and set aside.

For the Shrimp

  • In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium-high heat until crisp. Transfer to a paper towel lined platter using a slotted spoon to drain.
  • Return the skillet to the heat and add the shrimp to the pan. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes on each side. Transfer the shrimp to a platter and keep warm.
  • Add the onions to the skillet and cook until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Sprinkle the cornstarch over the onions/garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  • Whisk in the chicken stock and cook until the sauce begins to thicken. Whisk in the cream, butter, cayenne pepper, hot sauce, salt and pepper. Continue cooking until the sauce starts to thicken more.
  • Return the shrimp to the pan and cook for 3 to 4 minutes- making sure not to overcook the shrimp. Stir in the bacon, green onions and parsley.

How to Serve

  • Spoon about 1 cup grits onto a plate and top with 4 to 5 shrimp. Pour about 1 cup gravy over the shrimp. Repeat with remaining grits and shrimp. Serve immediately.

Video

YouTube video

Notes

Shrimp and Grits is best served soon after cooking.
Calories: 507kcal, Carbohydrates: 36g, Protein: 14g, Fat: 35g, Saturated Fat: 19g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 10g, Trans Fat: 0.3g, Cholesterol: 95mg, Sodium: 939mg, Potassium: 391mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 7g, Vitamin A: 1523IU, Vitamin C: 9mg, Calcium: 284mg, Iron: 1mg
Author: Kellie
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American, Southern