This shrimp and grits recipe goes 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!
Perfect Shrimp and Grits Every Single Time
I have a deep love for Southern food like collard greens and succotash, and a bowl of shrimp and grits definitely tops my list.
- Comforting and delicious, this recipe is tested and perfected for delicious results.
- It’s a satisfying meal ready in about 30 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights.
- This recipe is easy to make and tastes restaurant worthy!
What are Grits?
Made from corn, grits are similar in texture to creamy polenta and they can be served 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). Depending on the grind, grits can need more or less time so check your package.
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 Grits: Cook the grits in broth & water (per the full recipe below).
- Crisp Bacon: While the grits cook, fry bacon. Set aside to drain on paper towels.
- Cook Shrimp: Fry shrimp and peppers in bacon grease with seasoning.
- Finish & Serve: Stir sharp shredded cheddar cheese & butter into the grits.
Voila!! Spoon the shrimp mixture over the cheesy grits.
Feeling Fancy?
If serving shrimp and grits to guests, I like to leave the tails on for a pretty presentation. If I am serving my family, I buy shrimp without the tails for easy eating; the choice is yours.
Serving Suggestions & Leftovers
Shrimp and grits are rich and filling, so if you’re adding a side, keep it light. I like to garnish them with green onions or fresh parsley.
Serve 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.
Keep leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, storing the shrimp and grits separately. Grits will thicken as they cool, so add additional broth or a splash of heavy cream when reheating.
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 diced onion
- ⅓ cup diced green bell pepper or red bell pepper
- 1 pound medium shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Cheese Grits
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup grits
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup butter
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, add chicken broth, water, 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 uncovered for 18-20 minutes or thick and creamy (or follow the cooking times listed on your 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 the heat to medium 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, ½ teaspoon salt & ¼ teaspoon pepper. Add to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per 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
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do you have diabetes recipes
I don’t have recipes specifically designed for diabetics but you can find my low carb recipes here.
Shrimp and grits is one of my husband’s favorite meals. I made it tonight and he raved about it! But a note for future use – we don’t eat bacon, so I used bacon bits. Next time (and there will be a next time!), I’ll use real bacon.
It was delicious. I’ll give it 5 starts!!
The only recipes I subscribe to! Easy to navigate and aways delicious!!
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.