by Holly
Shrimp and Grits go together like… well… shrimp and grits! Cheesy grits are topped with bacon, peppers, and juicy shrimp to create a favorite I can’t resist.
Much like my love for collard greens and a creamy mac and cheese recipe, this classic southern combo couldn’t be more comforting.
Shrimp and Grits are SO Easy!
Along with Bang Bang Shrimp and Shrimp Linguine, this easy recipe is one of my favorites.
There’s something magical about the combo of buttery grits topped with juicy shrimp. This whole dish is really quick to make, while the grits are simmering I 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 cream of wheat, but they are made from corn. They are super versatile, meaning you can add basically any mixin’s or spices to them that you’d like (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.
How To Make Shrimp and Grits
Shrimp and grits is a simple dish to execute and the flavor is off the charts. Grits don’t get strained (similar to cream of wheat), and depending on the grits you use, the cooking time will differ slightly (check your package to be sure)!
- Put grits on the stove top with broth.
- While the grits cook, fry bacon. Set aside.
- Fry shrimp and peppers in bacon grease with seasoning.
- Stir some sharp shredded cheddar cheese and butter into the grits
Voila!! Top the cheesy grits with shrimp/pepper/bacon deliciousness. Grits 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 are pretty rich and filling, so if you’re pairing the meal with something keep it on the lighter side.
I love serving this easy shrimp and grits recipe alongside a simple tossed salad or even just with some dinner rolls to sop up the leftover butter from the shrimp. It is definitely a complete and filling meal on its own!
More Easy Shrimp Recipes You’ll Love
- Easy Shrimp Scampi Recipe – So quick!
- Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil
- Easy Shrimp Ceviche Recipe – Fresh and delicious!
- Skillet Shrimp Fajitas
- Lemon Garlic Shrimp Fettuccine – Comfort food perfection!!
Shrimp and Grits
Ingredients
- 4 slices bacon chopped
- 1/3 cup onion diced
- 1/3 cup green bell pepper diced
- 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice fresh
- 2 tablespoons parsley fresh, chopped
Cheese Grits
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup grits
Follow Spend with Pennies on Pinterest
Instructions
Bring water, chicken broth and garlic powder to a boil in a medium pot. Add grits and cook for 18-20 minutes or thick and creamy (or follow times listed on your grits package). Remove from heat and stir in cheese and butter until melted.
Meanwhile, chop bacon. Fry in a medium sized pan until crispy. Remove from pan leaving drippings in the pan (should be about 1 tablespoon).
Saute onions in the bacon grease 3-4 minutes or until slightly softened. Add 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 and Old Bay seasoning. Cook in the pan 2-3 minutes on each side. Add onion mixture back in along with lemon juice and parsley.
Serve shrimp mixture overtop of grits. Garnish with crumbled bacon, parsley, and lemon wedges.
Recipe Notes
(Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.)
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.
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!