The Ultimate Comfort Dish: Easy and Flavorful Shrimp and Grits Recipe

Photo byAngie Bright

Shrimp and grits is a beloved dish that brings together the rich flavors of the South. A comforting bowl of creamy, cheesy grits topped with tender shrimp and crispy bacon creates a perfect harmony of textures and tastes. This hearty and flavorful meal has deep roots in Southern coastal cuisine, but it’s become a popular dish across the country, thanks to its irresistible combination of fresh ingredients and simple preparation.

The beauty of shrimp and grits lies in its versatility and the way it embraces bold, comforting flavors. The creamy, smooth grits act as a perfect base for the savory shrimp and smoky bacon, while the Cajun seasoning and garlic add just the right amount of spice to elevate the dish. Whether you’re making this for a weekend brunch, a quick weeknight dinner, or a special occasion, shrimp and grits always hit the spot.

Cooking Up Comfort: Shrimp and Grits Recipe

Start with the grits, the heart of this dish. Using quick-cooking or stone-ground grits, you’ll whip up a creamy and cheesy base that provides a soft, comforting foundation for the rich shrimp topping. To give it that extra touch of indulgence, stir in a generous amount of sharp cheddar cheese, melting it into the grits for a smooth and flavorful finish.

On top of the grits sits a mixture of tender shrimp and crispy bacon. The shrimp are sautéed in a skillet with onions and garlic, then flavored with Cajun seasoning and a splash of chicken broth. The crispy bacon adds a smoky crunch to every bite, making the dish even more satisfying. Don’t forget to garnish the shrimp and grits with green onions for a fresh pop of color and flavor.

Recipe: Shrimp and Grits

Ingredients:

• 1 cup grits (quick-cooking or stone-ground)
• 4 cups water
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 slices of bacon, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the grits: Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a large saucepan. Slowly whisk in the grits, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the grits are thick and smooth.
2. Add the cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it's fully melted and incorporated into the grits. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and keep the grits warm.
3. Cook the bacon: In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, but leave the bacon drippings in the skillet for added flavor.
4. Sauté the veggies: Add the olive oil to the skillet along with the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Cook the shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet along with the chicken broth and Cajun seasoning. Cook the shrimp until they turn pink and are fully cooked, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the crispy bacon at the end.
6. Serve: Spoon the cheesy grits onto serving plates and top with the shrimp and bacon mixture. Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh finish.

Final Thoughts: This shrimp and grits recipe brings out the best in simple ingredients, transforming them into a flavorful and hearty dish that’s perfect for any meal. The rich, creamy grits paired with savory shrimp and crispy bacon make for a satisfying meal that feels indulgent yet homey. Whether you're a Southern food lover or just looking for a comforting dish to try, shrimp and grits are sure to please.

Here are a few great sources for making shrimp and grits, each with its own twist and unique approach to the classic dish:

1. Southern Living offers a rich, traditional recipe for shrimp and grits that includes stone-ground grits, cheddar cheese, and pancetta. It also features a flavorful base with bell pepper, onion, and garlic, making it perfect for weeknight meals or brunches with friends​Southern Living.
2. Serious Eats presents a version that incorporates a variety of mushrooms, using their depth of flavor to complement the shrimp. This recipe also offers tips on browning and deglazing with chicken stock, and it finishes with fresh herbs like parsley and chives​Serious Eats.
3. Taste of Home provides a more straightforward version that highlights the shrimp and bacon combination, with the option of adding Cajun or blackened seasoning for extra heat. It also includes detailed tips for prepping shrimp and customizing the dish with ingredients like tomatoes or Andouille sausage​Taste of Home.

These sources will give you different perspectives and options for preparing shrimp and grits, so you can choose the one that fits your tastes best!