Southern Cheesy Shrimp and Grits Recipe

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If you're looking for a recipe that will fill your stomach and your heart with cheesy goodness, then this is the dish for you! Shrimp and grits are a classic southern pairing, and this recipe takes them to a whole new level. With gooey cheese and crispy bacon, this meal is sure to satisfy.

two bowls of shrimp and grits on white table with glasses of wine in background

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Cheesy Shrimp and Grits
Ingredients
Handy Kitchen Tools
How to Make Shrimp and Grits
Frequently Asked Questions
Tips for Serving Shrimp and Grits
More Classic Southern Recipes
📖 Recipe

Cheesy Shrimp and Grits

This cheesy shrimp and grits recipe is the perfect dish to make when you’re craving something that is simply delicious and feels like true comfort food. It has the perfect texture of grits, sharp cheddar flavor, a few shrimp, and of course, the crips bacon on top that makes it the ideal all-in-one dish that is comforting and easy to prepare.

It's great for breakfast with some fresh fruit on the side or even as a main course with a nice fresh salad instead.

If you like a bit of seafood on your menu, you'll also love this creamy lobster macaroni and cheese. It's a delicious meal all by itself with a truly unique and decadent sherry cream sauce.

cream bowl of grits topped with cooked shrimp and bacon

Ingredients

2 ½ cups chicken broth
2 cups whole milk
1 cup grits
4 tablespoons butter
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 pound shrimp
6 slices bacon
1 garlic clove
3 green onions
Salt and black pepper

Handy Kitchen Tools

white bowl of grits topped with shrimp and bacon crumbles

How to Make Shrimp and Grits

In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of chicken broth and 2 cups of milk to a boil over medium heat.

Once the broth and milk begin to bubble, add in the butter and whisk in the grits.

uncooked grits in saucepan with milk and butter

When the grits are mixed in well in the saucepan, reduce the heat to low and then cover with a lid.

Let the grits cook for 20-minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent burning, and make sure that they cook evenly.

While the grits are simmering, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the bacon, 3 to 4 or until crispy then set aside to drain on a paper-lined plate.

Once the bacon is done cooking, reserve 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease in the pan.

Then add the minced garlic and 2 of the green onions into the skillet along with the shrimp.

Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring regularly until the shrimp are pink and fully cooked.

Once the grits are done cooking, stir in the cheese and taste. Add additional salt and black pepper if desired.

Serve the cheesy grits with shrimp and bacon on top and an additional sprinkle of green onion.

two white bowls of shrimp and grits on white table

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Instant Grits For This Recipe?

If you want to use instant grits for this recipe, you can. You will want to follow the instructions on the package and then once the grits are made, you can follow the rest of the recipe. It will change your overall prep and cook time, and may also change the amount of broth and milk needed. Follow the directions for amounts.

What Cheese is Best for Grits?

Cheddar cheese is the classic choice for grits, but you can use any type of cheese that you prefer. If you want a really cheesy dish, then go ahead and use an extra sharp cheddar. It will add a lot of flavor and richness to the recipe.

If you decide to use a different cheese, you want to make sure that it melts well. You want the cheese to melt into the grits and disappear adding only flavor. If the cheese doesn't melt well, it will give the grits a stringy texture. This will take away from the delicious creaminess that you want. Try using a combination of cheddar, pepper jack, grated parmesan, and even crumbled goat cheese.

Do I Have to Use Whole Milk in Grits?

You do not have to use whole milk. I always recommend it because it adds to the creaminess. You can use other milk, like 2% or fat-free. If needed, you can even use almond milk, but you want to be careful that it isn't too watery when you add it. It doesn't get as creamy as regular milk does. In my opinion, while you can use other milk products, this is one of those dishes that you want to splurge on whole milk if you can.

Are Shrimp and Grits a Breakfast Food?

Shrimp and grits are food that can be served any time of day. It’s my personal favorite as a breakfast food because it really fills you up and gives you the energy to start your day off right. It can be served as a side dish with dinner, or as the main dish for a light lunch. You can use this easy cheesy grits recipe as part of any meal of the day.

close up image of shrimp on top of bowl of grits

Tips for Serving Shrimp and Grits

Grits are a Southern classic and are definitely something that can be a more acquired taste due to the texture. If you want to make perfect grits, follow these tips!

Don't leave your grits unattended when the are simmering as they can burn easily. Make sure you check at least every 5 minutes and stir to make sure they cook evenly.
Using chicken broth gives extra flavor but can bring a bit of saltiness. This coupled with the salty bacon is typically enough salt, but always taste before serving to add a bit extra if needed.
If using quick or instant grits, choose the basic and not flavored options. Flavored options may sound good, but will be offputting with the addition of cheese and bacon.

large cream bowl of grits topped with cooked shrimp and bacon

More Classic Southern Recipes

If you love this recipe, then you will also enjoy some more of our Southern classic recipes. Tons of tasty dishes started in the southern regions, and they are loaded with flavor, and sometimes, not the healthiest options but are delicious! Below are some favorites of mine to add to your menu plan. Make sure that you bookmark them, pin them to a favorite Pinterest board, or even print the recipes to keep on hand!

📖 Recipe

Yield: 6

Southern Cheesy Shrimp and Grits Recipe

A classic Southern cheesy shrimp and grits recipe is the ideal meal to serve for breakfast, lunch, or dinner! Savory and comforting, they are a tasty addition to your menu!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

2 ½ cups chicken broth
2 cups whole milk
1 cup grits
4 tablespoons butter
6 slices bacon
3 green onions, chopped and divided
1 garlic clove, minced
1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of chicken broth and 2 cups of milk to a boil over medium heat.
Once the broth and milk begin to bubble, add in the butter and whisk in the grits.
When the grits are mixed in well in the saucepan, reduce the heat to low and then cover with a lid.
Let the grits cook for 20-minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent burning, and make sure that they cook evenly.
While the grits are simmering, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the bacon, 3 to 4 minutes until crispy then set aside to drain on a paper-lined plate.
Once the bacon is done cooking, reserve 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease in the pan.
Then add the minced garlic and 2 of the green onions into the skillet along with the shrimp.
Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring regularly until the shrimp are pink and fully cooked.
Once the grits are done cooking, stir in the cheese and taste. Add additional salt and black pepper if desired.
Serve the cheesy grits with shrimp and crumbled bacon on top and an additional sprinkle of green onion.