Easy Cheesy Shrimp and Grits
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.
Shrimp and Grits
I spent years frequenting Hilton Head, SC 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, if you ever have the chance to visit…you must go. You MUST. One of my favorite things to eat every time I visited was Shrimp and Grits. And everywhere you order it…it’s just a little bit different. Each restaurant has their own spin, their own secret recipe that has it’s own magical flavor that you just can’t get enough of.
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 white if you prefer but I love the vibrant yellow color it adds to the dish.
It’s like a bowl full of southern sunshine…but with shrimp and bacon and other goodness just ready for you to dig into. Drooling yet?
How to Make the Best Shrimp and Grits
Cheesy Shrimp and Grits couldn’t be easier to make. I like to make the 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.
- Cook the bacon in a skillet until crisp. Transfer to a paper towel and set aside.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet, cook 1-2 minutes on each side and then transfer to a platter. Keep warm.
- Add the onions to the skillet and cook until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook 1 minute.
- Sprinkle with cornstarch and stir to coat. Cook for an additional minute.
- Whisk in the chicken stock and cook until slightly thickened.
- Stir in the cream, cayenne, butter, hot sauce, salt and pepper. Continue cooking until the sauce has thickened.
- Return the shrimp to the pan and cook until done. Stir in the bacon, green onions and parsley.
- Serve over grits.
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.
What to Serve With Shrimp and Grit
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 version for brunch for a Southern spin on 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
- Easy Baked Shrimp Scampi
- The very BEST Shrimp Ceviche
- Pasta Primavera with Shrimp
- Simple Shrimp Po Boy
- Easy Shrimp Fried Rice
- Roasted Shrimp Cocktail
Get the Recipe: Easy Shrimp and Grits Recipe
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.
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.
15 Comments on “Easy Cheesy Shrimp and Grits”
It looks so comforting!! My family will love this!
I love shrimp and grits, so of course I had to make this easy recipe. Delicious!! so cheesy and creamy. It made plenty so I can have some for breakfast tomorrow… not sharing!!! haha
I’m so glad you love it! And great for breakfast with an egg. 🙂
Looks and sounds so delicious thanks for the recipe
You’re welcome!
Thank you for the most delicious Shrimp and Grits recipe. I have made many and this is by far the best ever. Seriously superb!
I’m so glad you liked it! Thank you for your lovely comment!
Hi Kellie, Thank you for the amazingly delicious recipe. It was super easy to follow and my family loved it! I have never cooked or eaten grits before…now I’m hooked on them!
Thank you so much! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Amazingly delicious and so easy!
Thank you! I’m so happy you liked it!
I’m going to get my ingredients to make it tomorrow. This is something I am excited to try. Thank you for sharing.
You’re welcome! We love it and I hope you do, too!
Do I leave all of the bacon drippings (grease) in the skillet to use for cooking the shrimp and then the onions or do I drain some or all of it out?
Hi Maria! We leave it in the pan to cook the shrimp but some bacon gives off more fat than other brands so if you feel like there’s too much in there feel free to drain off some of it.