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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Absolutely delicious! My first attempt at shrimp and grits and I picked a great recipe. I made exactly as is and it was fabulous. I accidentally bought instant grits, but they worked just fine. They still took 20 minutes to thicken. There was some work to making this dish, but it was absolutely worth it.
I am so happy to hear you loved this recipe Sharon!
Great recipe however it would help if you could add in your recipes where you can purchase ingredients if you reside in UK for example as I have been unable to source grits mentioned in this recipe.
Hi Paul! I’m sorry, I am not familiar with where to buy ingredients in the UK. I am glad you enjoy this recipe!
Hi Paul,
I’ve found Amazon to be a great source when trying to find things that I cannot find in the store. Hope this helps!
Can I use cooked shrimp in place of raw?
We have only tried this recipe as written, so I am not sure. But if using cooked shrimp you will want to be careful not to overcook it, just cook until heated through. I would love to hear how it turns out for you!
I always love your recipes so much-this is the best shrimp and grits recipe I’ve found after trying many others! Five stars from this Mississippi girl!!
BEST! I won’t lie grits can be tricky but this recipe makes it a breeze. I am so in love with the ease of this! Everyone loved it. Highly recommend!!
My husband Loved it! My thoughts are it was good more of a spicey girl. Easy recipe did not have Green bell pepper used red, yellow and orange peppers. Made it before used all ingredients and was perfect. Will continue to make!
This is the best!! Rich , savory and cheesy goodness!! Thank you!
I’m in U.K. and love your recipes. Please can you tell me what grits are so that I can substitute.
Hi Veronica, grits is a cornmeal porridge. I hope that helps!
Really good!! Used instant grits and they were done in about 10 minutes. This was so decadent and rich in flavor! We loved it. The bacon is a great touch! I used a yellow bell pepper since we were out of green and had pepper jack cheese with jalapenos that we grated since I was out of plain cheddar. This one is a keeper!
First time I had shrimp and grits, this was easy recipe. My husband loved it, thank you for sharing.
Terrific and easy. My husband was so thrilled that he keeps reminding me to make it again.
This is a great dish! A little rich, but that’s okay!
This is surprisingly easy to make and so delicious!
This is easy & delicious ..I will save & make again !
Girl! Your Shrimp and Grits I Must Try L.O.L
Definitely a must try Verna. Enjoy!
This is an amazing recipe! I am making it again this weekend!
I am so glad you enjoyed the recipe Cathy! Happy cooking!
I made this dish for breakfast this morning along with a slices of garlic toast and my family loved it. Great flavors and excellent texture. I rate it 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
So happy you all loved it Vonda! Such a delicious breakfast.