Classic Southern Shrimp and Grits Recipe: Homestyle Comfort Magic

Southern charm meets coastal comfort in this hearty shrimp and grits recipe that whispers stories of coastal kitchens.

Creamy stone-ground grits provide a luxurious canvas for perfectly seasoned gulf shrimp dancing across the plate.

Generations of cooks have perfected this classic southern dish, blending rich flavors with simple ingredients.

Our version brings together smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, and plump shellfish in a harmonious melody of taste.

Expect a plate that transports you straight to a breezy Charleston porch, where culinary magic happens effortlessly.

Each bite promises a delightful journey through traditional southern cooking, with unexpected twists that make this recipe uniquely irresistible.

You’ll want to savor every single spoonful of this soulful, comforting masterpiece that celebrates the heart of southern cuisine.

Why Southern Style Shrimp And Grits Is A Southern Staple

• Savor Southern Comfort: Dive into a hearty dish that captures the warmth and soul of traditional Southern cooking with creamy grits and perfectly seasoned shrimp.
• Quick and Flavorful Feast: Whip up this restaurant-quality meal in just 30 minutes, combining crispy bacon, tender shrimp, and rich, cheesy grits for a satisfying dinner that impresses without complicated techniques.
• Texture Explosion: Experience a delightful mix of creamy grits, crispy bacon bits, and succulent shrimp that creates an irresistible combination of smooth and crunchy textures in every single bite.
• Customize Your Spice: Play with heat levels by adjusting cayenne and hot sauce, making this recipe perfect for those who love mild flavors or crave a spicy kick that tingles the taste buds.

Ingredients For Southern Style Shrimp And Grits

• Grits: Creamy, hearty base for the dish, stone-ground varieties offer the best texture and flavor.
• Chicken Broth or Water: Provides liquid for cooking grits, broth adds extra depth of flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creates smooth, luxurious texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that melts beautifully and provides tangy flavor.
• Butter: Enhances creaminess and adds rich, smooth taste.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings for balanced flavor.

• Shrimp: Tender, quick-cooking seafood that's classic in Southern cuisine, fresh or frozen work well.
• Bacon: Crispy meat that adds smoky, salty flavor to the dish.
• Onion, Bell Pepper: Classic Southern vegetable combination for depth and sweetness.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides robust flavor base.

• Smoked Paprika: Adds smoky, deep flavor to shrimp.
• Cayenne Pepper: Provides gentle heat and Southern spice character.
• Chicken Broth: Creates light sauce for shrimp.
• Hot Sauce: Optional spicy kick for extra flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh garnish that adds color and herbal note.
• Butter: Adds final richness to shrimp sauce.

How To Cook Southern Style Shrimp And Grits

Step 1: Whip Up Creamy Grits

• Heavy cream
• Cheddar cheese
• Butter
• Salt
• Black pepper

Keep the grits warm and creamy while you prepare the shrimp.

Step 2: Crisp Up Bacon

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in chopped bacon and cook until it becomes golden and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a separate plate, but leave behind the delicious bacon fat in the skillet.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

• Diced onion
• Chopped bell pepper

Cook until the vegetables become soft and slightly translucent. Throw in minced garlic and let it dance around the pan for about a minute, releasing its aromatic magic.

Step 4: Spice Up the Shrimp

• Smoked paprika
• Cayenne pepper

• Butter
• Hot sauce (optional)

Return the crispy bacon to the skillet and give everything a good mix.

Step 5: Create the Masterpiece

Ladle the creamy grits into serving bowls. Crown the grits with the spicy shrimp mixture. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.

Step 6: Dive In

Serve immediately while everything is hot and steamy. Get ready to experience a Southern comfort food classic that’ll make your taste buds dance!

Tips For Creamy Southern Style Shrimp And Grits

• Boost Grits Creaminess: Use a mixture of water and chicken broth for richer, more flavorful grits that have a luxurious texture.
• Prevent Rubbery Shrimp: Cook shrimp just until they turn pink to ensure tender, perfectly cooked seafood that doesn't become tough.
• Maximize Bacon Flavor: Save the crispy bacon fat for sautéing vegetables, adding an extra layer of smoky depth to the entire dish.
• Customize Spice Level: Adjust cayenne and hot sauce to match your personal heat preference, making the recipe adaptable for mild or spicy lovers.
• Make It Healthier: Substitute turkey bacon or reduce bacon amount for a lighter version without compromising the classic Southern taste.

Store Southern Style Shrimp And Grits Without Losing Texture

• Refrigerate: Transfer shrimp and grits to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Separate shrimp and grits to prevent soggy texture.
• Reheat Grits: Warm gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore creamy consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
• Reheat Shrimp: Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring gently to prevent overcooking. Add a touch of butter or broth to maintain moisture and prevent dryness.
• Avoid Microwave: Microwaving can make shrimp rubbery and grits grainy. If necessary, use short intervals at 50% power, stirring between each to ensure even heating.

What Goes Great With Southern Style Shrimp And Grits

• Craft a Classic Southern Wine Pairing: Complement the rich, creamy grits and spicy shrimp with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, which cuts through the dish's richness while its bright acidity balances the smoky bacon and cayenne heat.
• Brew a Perfect Beer Match: Select a wheat beer or light blonde ale that offers refreshing citrus notes to counteract the dish's spiciness and provides a clean, smooth accompaniment to the hearty shrimp and grits.
• Create a Zesty Cocktail Companion: Mix a classic Bloody Mary with extra spice, using vodka and fresh tomato juice, which echoes the dish's southern flavors and provides a tangy, bold counterpoint to the creamy, savory meal.
• Design a Non-Alcoholic Refresher: Whip up a homemade lemonade with a hint of jalapeño, delivering a sweet-and-spicy kick that mirrors the shrimp's seasoning and cleanses the palate between bites.

Ways To Add A Twist To Southern Style Shrimp And Grits

• Cajun Kick Shrimp Grits: Boost the spice level by adding andouille sausage and extra cayenne pepper for a fiery New Orleans-style experience. Incorporate diced jalapeños and use Creole seasoning to amplify the heat and flavor profile.
• Smoky Seafood Fusion: Replace bacon with chorizo for a deeper smoky undertone. Add smoked gouda cheese to the grits and mix in some roasted corn kernels for added texture and complexity.
• Coastal Carolina Classic: Use fresh local shrimp and swap out cheddar for white cheddar in the grits. Incorporate fresh green onions and a splash of white wine during shrimp cooking for a lighter, brighter coastal interpretation.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Grits: Introduce crumbled feta cheese into the grits and add sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs like basil and oregano. Top with a quick lemon-garlic sauce and garnish with toasted pine nuts for a Mediterranean spin.

Questions Answered On Southern Style Shrimp And Grits

• What makes Southern shrimp and grits different from other seafood dishes?

Southern shrimp and grits stand out because of their rich, creamy texture and the signature combination of bacon, spices, and cheesy grits that create a hearty, comforting meal deeply rooted in Southern culinary tradition.

• How spicy is this shrimp and grits recipe?

The recipe has a mild to moderate heat level with smoked paprika and optional cayenne pepper. You can easily adjust the spiciness by reducing or increasing the amount of cayenne to suit your taste preferences.

• Can I use a different type of cheese in the grits?

Absolutely! While cheddar is traditional, you can experiment with other melting cheeses like gouda, monterey jack, or pepper jack to add your own unique flavor to the dish. Each cheese will bring a slightly different character to the grits.

• Is this dish considered authentic Southern cuisine?

Yes, shrimp and grits originated in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina and Georgia. This recipe captures the essence of traditional Southern cooking by using simple, flavorful ingredients and creating a rich, satisfying meal that reflects the region’s culinary heritage.

Southern Style Shrimp And Grits Recipe

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4.5 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Southern comfort meets coastal charm in this mouthwatering Shrimp and Grits delicacy. Creamy stone-ground grits nestle beneath succulent seasoned shrimp, creating a classic Southern masterpiece that welcomes you to savor pure comfort on a plate.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup stone-ground grits
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 slices bacon, chopped

Liquid Ingredients:

• 4 cups water or chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth

Seasoning and Supporting Ingredients:

• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper, finely chopped (red or green)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare the creamy foundation by bringing liquid to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan. Gradually incorporate grits while reducing heat, stirring consistently until the mixture transforms into a luxurious, velvety texture. Infuse with rich cream, sharp cheddar, smooth butter, and seasonings, maintaining warmth.
2. Render bacon in a large skillet over moderate heat until achieving a crisp, golden crunch. Extract the bacon pieces, reserving the flavorful drippings. Introduce diced onions and bell peppers to the skillet, sautéing until they become translucent and tender.
3. Incorporate minced garlic, allowing its aromatic essence to bloom briefly. Introduce seasoned shrimp, dusting with smoky paprika and fiery cayenne. Sear until the shellfish turn a vibrant pink, indicating perfect doneness.
4. Deglaze the skillet with chicken broth, carefully scraping accumulated flavor from the pan’s surface. Allow the liquid to reduce slightly, creating a luscious sauce. Swirl in butter and optional hot sauce for additional depth and complexity.
5. Sprinkle reserved crispy bacon over the succulent shrimp, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
6. Ladle the silky grits into serving vessels, crowning them with the decadent shrimp mixture. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of brightness and visual appeal.
7. Present immediately, ensuring maximum enjoyment of this classic Southern delicacy while its temperature and texture remain optimal.

Notes

• Customize grits thickness by adjusting liquid, adding more broth or cream for softer texture or reducing liquid for firmer consistency.
• Swap heavy cream with milk or Greek yogurt for lighter, healthier version without compromising creamy richness.
• Select high-quality, fresh shrimp for optimal flavor and tender texture, preferably wild-caught for more robust taste.
• Experiment with bacon alternatives like turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon bits to accommodate different dietary preferences while maintaining smoky depth.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 1070 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 220 mg