Easy Shrimp and Grits Recipe

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This Shrimp and Grits Recipe is easy and so comforting! You only need a handful of ingredients and about 30 minutes.

The first time I tried Shrimp and Grits was in Nashville. I tried one bite and I was sold. Creamy grits, salty bacon flavor, tender shrimp, all-around warm comfort food. It was magical. Once I came home, I did my best to make an easy but still delicious version and man does this recipe deliver!

But first,

What are Shrimp and Grits?

Shrimp and Grits are a traditional breakfast from coastal South Carolina and Georgia. Though I’ve seem versions of this all across the south as Lunch and Dinner, I prefer this as a hearty brunch option.

I’ve never had grits before. Can you explain them?

Grits are essentially ground corn whisked into salted water and cooked until thick; are similar to a polenta or cream of wheat. Pretty plain from the start and typically finished with savory ingredients like butter, cream, cheese and more. If you add the right combination of things, they are amazing. {Just like polenta….and cream of wheat.} See my ‘how to make’ section for more information.

How to make Shrimp and Grits

This recipe has two easy sections: making the shrimp and then making the grits. Both take about 15 minutes each with a little prep time, so overall you can be eating this dish in about 30 minutes.

1. Start by making the grits: bring chicken stock to boil, whisk in grits, reduce the heat and start cooking for 15 minutes. Stir occasionally.
2. While the grits cook, make the shrimp: saute onions and bacon in a skillet until bacon starts to crisp.
3. Stir in the garlic, shrimp, salt and pepper. Cook until the shrimp just turns pink and remove from heat.
4. Once grits are done cooking, fold in butter, cheese and extra salt and pepper if needed.
5. Spoon grits into a bowl and top with shrimp and bacon mixture. Garnish with parsley and serve.

What to serve with this recipe

Since shrimp and grits are usually synonymous with the southern soul food, I like to pair this recipe with simple southern sides:

• Deviled Eggs
• Angel Biscuits
• Cornbread (my favorite recipe for cornbread everrrrr)
• Corn Casserole (Sometimes called Corn Pudding)

Love Shrimp? Try these other recipes:

• • Garlic Butter Shrimp
  • Baked Spinach Artichoke Dip with Shrimp
  • Sriracha Brown Sugar Garlic Shrimp
  • Antipasto Grilled Shrimp Salad
  • Sweet and Sticky Shrimp

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4.89 from 9 votes

Easy Shrimp and Grits Recipe

This Shrimp and Grits Recipe is easy and so comforting! Pile on the cheese in the grits and feel free to add more bacon!!!

servings 4 servings

Prep Time 10 mins

Cook Time 20 mins

Total Time 30 mins

Ingredients

for the shrimp-

• ▢ 5 slices hickory smoked bacon sliced
• ▢ 1 onion sliced
• ▢ 1 clove garlic minced
• ▢ 1 lb. peeled & deveined shrimp small size; 51-60 ct.
• ▢ salt & pepper to taste

for the grits-

• ▢ 5 cups chicken broth
• ▢ 1 1/2 cups grits not quick cooking!!!
• ▢ 2 tablespoons butter
• ▢ 1 1/2 cups medium cheddar cheese grated
• ▢ 1/4 cup real parmesan cheese grated
• ▢ salt & pepper to taste
• ▢ parsley for garnish if desired

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

• Start by cooking the grits- bring chicken broth to rolling boil in large pot. Whisk in grits, salt and pepper and reduce heat to medium and cook 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• While the grits are cooking, preheat a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté bacon and onions together until bacon starts to crisp and onions have browned, 5 minutes. Stir in garlic, shrimp, salt and pepper. Stir another 3 minutes until shrimp are bright pink and thoroughly cooked. Remove from heat.
• Finish grits by melting in butter and cheeses. Taste and adjust seasonings.
• Spoon grits into bowl and top with shrimp mixture. Top with parsley. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 717kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 46g | Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Cholesterol: 367mg | Sodium: 2553mg | Potassium: 541mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 775IU | Vitamin C: 27.5mg | Calcium: 568mg | Iron: 4.1mg

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Southern

Keyword: how to make shrimp and grits, shrimp and grits, shrimp and grits recipe