Shrimp and Grits go together like… well… shrimp and grits!
In this flavor packed recipe, cheesy buttery grits are topped with bacon, peppers, and juicy shrimp for one of my all time favorite comfort foods!
Shrimp and Grits are SO Easy!
Much like my love for collard greens and a mac and cheese, this classic southern combo couldn’t be more comforting.
There’s something magical about the combo of cheesy, buttery grits topped with juicy shrimp. This whole dish is really quick to make; while the grits are simmering, prep and fry the shrimp, and it’s all ready to serve in no time at all!
What are Grits?
Grits are similar in texture to creamy polenta, and they are made from corn. They are versatile, meaning you can add mix-ins, serve them any time of day and enjoy them sweet or savory!
I use regular grits in this recipe, but you can use quick cooking (a finer grind) or stone ground (a coarser grind that takes longer to cook. Check your package for cooking times if needed.
How To Make Shrimp and Grits
Shrimp and grits is a simple dish to prepare, and it’s the ultimate in comfort food. Depending on the type of grits you use, the cooking time can vary (check your package to be sure).
- Cook the in broth & water (per the full recipe below).
- While the grits cook, fry bacon. Set aside to drain on paper towels.
- Fry shrimp and peppers in bacon grease with seasoning.
- Stir sharp shredded cheddar cheese & butter into the grits.
Voila!! Spoon the shrimp mixture over the cheesy grits. Grits will thicken/change in texture when they cool down, so make sure you enjoy it while it is hot!
TIP: If I am serving my family, I remove the tails for easy eating. For guests, I often leave the tails on for a pretty presentation; the choice is yours.
What To Serve With Shrimp and Grits
Shrimp and grits is a rich and deliciously filling meal, so if you’re adding a side, keep it light.
I love serving this easy shrimp and grits recipe alongside a simple tossed salad or even just with some cornbread or dinner rolls to sop up the leftover butter from the shrimp.
More Easy Shrimp Recipes
Did your family love these Shrimp and Grits? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!
Shrimp and Grits
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 slices bacon chopped
- ⅓ cup onion diced
- ⅓ cup green bell pepper diced
- 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice fresh
- 2 tablespoons parsley fresh, chopped
Cheese Grits
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese shredded
- ¼ cup butter
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup grits
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, add water, chicken broth and garlic powder and bring to a boil over high heat. While whisking, slowly add the grits. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 18-20 minutes or thick and creamy (or follow cooking times listed on the package). Remove from heat and stir in cheese, butter, and salt to taste.
- While the grits are cooking, chop the bacon and add to a large skillet. Cook over medium-high heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet reserving the drippings in the pan (about 1 tablespoon).
- Reduce to medium heat and add the onions to the bacon grease. Cook until slightly softened, stirring occasionally, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the bell peppers and cook until tender, about 3 minutes more. Remove the peppers and onions from the pan and set aside.
- Toss the shrimp with garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, and salt & pepper to taste. Add to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side side. Add the onion mixture, lemon juice, and parsley and stir to combine.
- Spoon the grits into a bowl and top with shrimp, spooning any sauce from the pan overtop. Garnish with crumbled bacon, parsley, and lemon wedges.
Video
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Dinner, Side Dish
Cuisine American© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.
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This recipe is awesome! Been looking for a while for a good shrimp and grits recipe. I love it! Thanks for sharing!
So happy to hear that Valerie! Enjoy.
I love making simple and easy but delicious new recipes! I cannot wait to start getting them!!
We can’t wait to share them with you Missy!
Can’t wait to try the a Shrimp and Grits.
Let us know what you think of it Glenda!
Can’t wait for future recipes!
So many new delicious ones coming your way Vickie!
I love to try all your Recipes…
Thanks Claudette! So happy you are enjoying them.
Would like the recipe for Shrimp and Grits!
Hi Geraldine, for the full recipe you can scroll almost to the bottom of the post or click the jump to recipe button at the top! Enjoy.
DELICIOUS & So easy!! Will definitely put this one in the “dinner rotation”
So happy to hear that Michele! Glad you enjoy it.
Love it
So happy to hear that Teriyaka!
Looks amazing
Thanks Donna!
I want the recipe for the shrimp and grits looking like I can eat it now
Hi Ollie, you will find the recipe towards the bottom of the post, or you can select jump to recipe at the top. Enjoy!
Love the shrimp and grits.
Thanks so much Angie!
What kind of grits do you use?
Hi Paula, for this recipe we used yellow grits.
Thank You for so many great recipes.
You’re welcome Albert!
My husband says that’s the best shrimp and grits, he has ever ate!! Thanks! Will be having them again. Bravo……
Yay! Thanks Mary! Glad to hear your husband loved them.
A simple recipe that tastes so luxurious and high end. Grits are silky, buttery and cheesy. Flavor of the shrimp is perfect against the richness of the grits.
I am so glad you enjoyed the recipe Nita!
Have not tried recipe yet, but could I put some cajun seasoning along with old bay? Fixed your Beef Stew, absolutely delicious!!
I think that’d be delicious Diane! Let us know if you try adding some cajun seasoning!
Came out perfect!!!
Enjoy Natasha! The best comfort food.
Great recipe, can’t wait to try it!!! I noticed that you left the tails on the shrimp (in picture). May I ask why most recipes call for leaving them on? Except for shrimp cocktail or deep fried shrimp, I remove them as I don’t really like biting down on the shell.
A key reason for leaving them during cooking is for extra flavor. No problem to remove them if you prefer.
A real favorite in our house, actually I don’t know anyone that doesn’t like shrimp and grits. :)
Same, such great comfort food!!
The best shrimp and grits I have ever eaten was at Matt the Millers. Unfortunately, I can not find the recipe any where. They make it with a creole sauce and wedges of cheesy grits. So good.
Sounds amazing Cindy!