Savory Southern Shrimp and Grits Recipe

Introduction

Experience a symphony of classic Southern flavors with this Savory Shrimp and Grits recipe—a dish that pairs silky, buttery grits with juicy, perfectly seasoned shrimp in a rich, savory sauce. Beloved throughout the South, this hearty meal is celebrated for its comfort, complexity, and crowd-pleasing appeal. Whether for a soul-satisfying brunch or an impressive dinner, shrimp and grits never fail to bring warmth and joy to the table.

What Makes This Shrimp and Grits Recipe Stand Out

The magic of this recipe lies in the expert layering of contrasting textures and flavors: velvety grits, succulent shrimp, smoky bacon, and the kick of fresh aromatics. The secret is building depth in the sauce with just a few staple ingredients, making this recipe both accessible and extraordinary. Your guests will rave over how this Southern classic delivers earthy, spicy, and creamy notes in every bite.

How to Prep Shrimp and Vegetables with Ease

Efficiency is key, especially when prepping multiple components. For hassle-free chopping and uniform cuts, the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper is a game-changer for dicing bell peppers, onions, or scallions, expediting your mise en place and helping you get dinner on the table even faster.

Ensure the shrimp are peeled and deveined—save those shells, if desired, to add flavor to stocks or sauces. Set all ingredients within easy reach before you start cooking for smooth, stress-free execution.

Cooking the Creamiest Southern Grits

Perfect grits should be smooth, creamy, and deeply flavorful. Use stone-ground grits if possible, cooking them low and slow for the ultimate texture. Don’t hesitate to enrich them with butter, cream, and sharp cheddar cheese for indulgence.

To avoid sticking and ensure even cooking, use a sturdy pan such as the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet. Stir gently but frequently as your grits simmer, building up silky layers of flavor. A dash of salt and a final flourish of cheese make these grits truly irresistible.

Building the Bold Shrimp and Bacon Sauce

Start by crisping thick-cut bacon for smoky undertones and a satisfying crunch. Remove the bacon, then sauté aromatics—garlic, peppers, and green onions—in the rendered fat for a depth of flavor.

Add the shrimp, quickly searing until pink and opaque. Pro tip: Use a digital thermometer like the ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking to make sure your shrimp don’t overcook—a quick reading at 120–125°F means they’re perfectly done.

Deglaze the pan with a splash of broth, scraping up the browned bits for extra flavor, and finish with a pat of butter for richness.

Assembly, Serving, and Presentation Tips

Spoon generous servings of creamy grits onto plates or shallow bowls. Top with the savory shrimp and bacon mixture, then garnish with freshly chopped herbs or a sprinkle of scallion greens. If prepping ahead for a crowd, store the grits and shrimp mixture separately in reliable, airtight containers like the Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers for optimal freshness.

Place everything on the table with southern hospitality—consider a simple table covering such as the Pureegg Plastic Table Cloth Disposable 10 Pack for easy cleanup after sharing this stunning meal with family and friends.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe serves 4 generously. Each portion delivers approximately 500–550 calories, packed with protein from the shrimp and wholesome fiber from the grits. It’s a comforting and balanced choice, particularly when paired with a light salad or sautéed greens.

The Perfect Savory Southern Shrimp and Grits (Recap)

Few dishes represent Southern comfort better than shrimp and grits, where creamy, cheesy grits anchor a rich, vibrant shrimp topping. Each bite offers a satisfying harmony of flavors that makes this recipe truly unforgettable for guests and family alike.

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil. Whisk in the grits, reduce heat to low, and cook, stirring often, for 20–25 minutes until creamy. Add cheddar cheese, 2 tablespoons butter, heavy cream, salt, and pepper; stir to combine. Cover and keep warm.
2. Meanwhile, in the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crisp. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon; set aside, leaving the drippings in the pan.
3. Add onion, red bell pepper, and the white parts of the scallions to the bacon drippings; sauté until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
4. Add shrimp in a single layer; season with salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Cook for 1–2 minutes per side until just opaque. (Check doneness using the ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking—shrimp are ready at 120–125°F.)
5. Deglaze the pan with a splash of broth, scraping any browned bits with a spatula. Stir in remaining 2 tablespoons butter and reserved bacon. Toss to coat all ingredients in the sauce.
6. To serve, spoon grits onto warm plates or shallow bowls using a heatproof mitt set like the KitchenAid Ribbed Soft Silicone Oven Mitt Set. Top with shrimp mixture, scallion greens, parsley, and extra cheddar, if desired.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Enjoy a true taste of the South—bold, satisfying, unforgettable—with this savory shrimp and grits recipe!