Description
Enjoy a comforting Southern classic with this creamy Shrimp and Grits recipe. Succulent shrimp are sautéed with crispy bacon, onions, and garlic, then served over rich, cheesy grits. Perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion, this dish is sure to impress!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 4 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (like Tabasco or your favorite brand)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water or chicken broth to a boil over medium-high heat. If using water, add a pinch of salt.
- Once boiling, slowly whisk in 1 cup of stone-ground grits to prevent clumping.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally until creamy and tender. Add more water or broth if needed.
- Stir in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of heavy cream until melted and combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm on low heat.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel, leaving the grease in the skillet.
- Add chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 3-4 minutes until pink and opaque.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce, cooking for another minute to combine flavors.
- Return crispy bacon to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Spoon a generous portion of creamy grits onto each plate.
- Top with the shrimp mixture, including sauce from the skillet.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately while hot and creamy, with extra hot sauce on the side if desired.
Notes
- For the best flavor, use fresh shrimp if possible. If using frozen shrimp, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
- Customize the grits with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes