A classic Southern dish you can make at home in minutes, Cheesy Shrimp and Grits is a creamy, comforting bowl of happy. Cheesy grits are topped with a healthy helping of tender shrimp swimming in a slightly spicy cream sauce that will keep you digging in for more.
Watch the video showing you how to make Cheesy Shrimp and Grits, then scroll to the bottom of this post and print out the recipe so you can make it at home!
I spent years visiting Hilton Head, SC visiting my mother in law. It was kind of a luxury having a relative that lived smack dab in the middle of “low country.” When I was a teenager, I had the chance to spend two weeks right outside Charleston and that’s when my love affair with the south began. So, it had been almost 15 years before I was able to get down there again….but after that I was a frequent visitor biking along the coast while the Spanish moss blew in the breeze around me.
It’s a magical place with equally magical food, if you ever have the chance to visit…you must go. One of my favorite things to eat every time I visited was Shrimp and Grits. And everywhere you order it…it’s just a little bit different.
Everyone has their own take on Shrimp and Grits. Even me, I love my grits to be extra creamy and loaded with cheese….hence, Cheesy Shrimp and Grits. A lot of places skip the cheese and you can too, but try it with the cheese and I promise you you’ll love it.
The sauce is slightly creamy but not overly thick. It’s the perfect blanket for your shrimp, not too heavy….not too light. Just right. And I used yellow cornmeal grits….you can use white if you prefer but I love the vibrant yellow color it adds to the dish. It’s like a bowl full of southern sunshine…but with shrimp and bacon and other goodness just ready for you to dig into. Drooling yet?
Cheesy Shrimp and Grits couldn’t be easier to make. I like to make the grits first so they’re perfect and smooth. They take a few minutes of your attention at the beginning but the result is a velvety smooth bowl of heaven.
The shrimp and gravy comes together in about 15 minutes making this an easy weeknight dinner that will transport your tastebuds on a mini vacation.
I can guarantee you’ll want to add this recipe to your weekly meal rotation.
Here are a few more shrimp recipes you might enjoy:
- Crispy Baked Salsa Ranchera Shrimp
- Crispy Cajun Shrimp Fettuccine
- Alfredo Zoodles with Shrimp
- Easy Shrimp Fried Rice
- Grilled Cilantro Lime Shrimp
Cheesy Shrimp and Grits
Ingredients
GRITS:
- 2 cups low fat milk
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal grits
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
SHRIMP & SAUCE:
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1½ pounds shrimp, peeled & de-veined
- 1½ cups chopped onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1½ cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (use less if you don't like spicy)
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
PREPARE THE GRITS:
- In a large pot over medium heat, add the milk, water and salt. Bring to a simmer. Whisk in the grits and continue whisking until they begin to thicken. (This will help eliminate lumps.) Continue to cook the grits for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Stir in the butter and cheese. Cover and set aside.
PREPARE THE SHRIMP & SAUCE:
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium-high heat until crisp. Transfer to a paper towel lined platter using a slotted spoon to drain.
- Return the skillet to the heat and add the shrimp to the pan. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes on each side. Transfer the shrimp to a platter and keep warm.
- Add the onions to the skillet and cook until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Sprinkle the cornstarch over the onions/garlic and cook for an additional minute. Whisk in the chicken stock and cook until the sauce begins to thicken. Whisk in the cream, butter, cayenne pepper, hot sauce, salt and pepper. Continue cooking until the sauce starts to thicken more. Return the shrimp to the pan and cook for 3 to 4 minutes- making sure not to overcook the shrimp. Stir in the bacon, green onions and parsley.
SERVE:
- Spoon about 1 cup grits onto a plate and top with 4 to 5 shrimp. Pour about 1 cup gravy over the shrimp. Repeat with remaining grits and shrimp. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This recipe looks amazing….the problem is neither my husband or myself likes grits! Sorry….but have you tried it with rice..we both love rice!!
This recipe was the bomb! I replaced the cheese with smoked cheddar cheese absolutely a game changer! Will definitely make this often.
My family and friends love this recipe I will make this recipe again
Wow! This is fabulous. Will definitely be making this the next time I want to impress company. Only thing I would change is to have some additional bacon and green onion to sprinkle on top.
Not the shrimp and grits recipe I was looking for, to rich with the cream. Sorry
I made this last night and it was amazing! My store didn’t carry yellow grits, so I tried white. It turned out great in case anyone else can’t find yellow grits.
So do you leave the bacon grease in the pan and cook everything in it?
yes!
i will be using this recipe from now on, so delicious!! perfect recipe very flavorful!
I did everything to a tee and it was amazing! Thank you!
I did make one very small change where I added saute andoullie sausage. WHOA!
Amazing! Thank you again!
Absolutely, perfect! Creamy and delicious, favorite version to date!
This one ranks right up there as one of my top all time favorites! I substituted Jimmy Deans Pork Sausage for the bacon, halved the pepper and hot sauce, and combined the shrimp and sausage with the other goodies in the pan. I’m making this one again!!