Southern Style Shrimp and Grits

Get ready to bring the taste of the South straight to your table with this comforting and flavorful Southern Style Shrimp and Grits recipe. Juicy, seasoned shrimp are nestled on a bed of creamy, buttery grits and topped with a savory gravy-style sauce loaded with flavor. It’s a true Southern classic that’s perfect for brunch, dinner, or anytime you’re craving hearty soul food.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Comfort Food Classic – Rich, creamy, and full of bold Southern flavor.
Quick and Satisfying – Ready in about 30 minutes for an easy meal.
One-Pan Wonder – Minimal cleanup and packed with flavor.
Perfect for Any Time – Great for a cozy dinner or a hearty brunch.
Customizable – Adjust heat and toppings to suit your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Grits:

• 1 cup stone-ground grits
• 4 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

• 4 turkey bacon strips, chopped
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• ½ green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Tools You’ll Need

• Medium saucepan
• Large skillet
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Mixing bowl

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Grits
In a medium saucepan, bring water, milk, and a pinch of salt to a boil.
Slowly whisk in the grits.
Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring often, until thick and creamy (about 20-25 minutes).
Stir in butter and shredded cheddar cheese.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and keep warm.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Shrimp
In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, paprika, cayenne (if using), garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, cook chopped turkey bacon until browned and crispy.
Add diced onion and bell pepper, sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir well to coat.
Slowly whisk in chicken broth to deglaze the pan and create a smooth sauce.
Add Worcestershire sauce and lemon juice.
Simmer for 3-5 minutes until thickened, stirring frequently.
Return cooked shrimp to the skillet and coat with the sauce.

Step 4: Plate and Serve
Spoon creamy grits into serving bowls.
Top with saucy shrimp and garnish with green onions and fresh parsley.
Serve hot and enjoy every Southern bite!

Tips for the Best Shrimp and Grits
Use Stone-Ground Grits – For the creamiest, most authentic texture.
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp – They cook quickly and should be just pink and tender.
Add Cheese Last – Stir in cheese once grits are fully cooked for a smooth finish.
Balance the Sauce – Adjust salt, lemon, or spice to taste before serving.
Keep Warm – Grits thicken as they cool, so serve promptly for best texture.

Serving Suggestions
Buttermilk Biscuits – A classic Southern side.
Collard Greens – Add a healthy, earthy balance.
Sweet Tea – For the ultimate Southern experience.
Hot Sauce – Let guests spice things up to their liking.
Fried Green Tomatoes – Crunchy and tart side that pairs perfectly.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate leftover shrimp and grits separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.

Reheating:
Stovetop – Reheat grits with a splash of milk or broth over low heat, stirring until smooth.
Microwave – Warm in short bursts, stirring in between to keep texture creamy.
Shrimp – Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or water.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use instant grits?
   Yes, though the texture won’t be as rich as stone-ground. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
2. What can I use instead of turkey bacon?
   Beef bacon or chicken sausage crumbles work well and keep the flavor smoky.
3. Is it very spicy?
   Only if you add cayenne! It’s easy to control the spice level.
4. Can I make this dairy-free?
   Yes, use plant-based milk and cheese for the grits and skip the butter.

Final Thoughts
Southern Style Shrimp and Grits is the ultimate comfort food, combining bold, savory shrimp with rich and creamy grits. Whether you’re enjoying it on a lazy Sunday or serving it up for guests, it’s a recipe that never disappoints. Packed with flavor, simple to make, and deeply satisfying—this dish is Southern hospitality in a bowl.

Give it a try and savor the heart of the South in every bite!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Cuisine: American (Southern)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 410 | Protein: 26g | Carbohydrates: 32g | Fat: 20g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 580mg

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