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Southern Style Shrimp and Grits

Southern Style Shrimp and Grits

A classic, soul-satisfying dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a weekend brunch, a special dinner, or whenever you’re craving a taste of the South.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Brunch, Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Southern
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons Unsalted butter
  • 0.5 cup Yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 0.25 cup Green bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 0.25 cup Celery, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 cup Chicken broth
  • 0.5 cup Heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup Sharp cheddar cheese, grated
  • 0.25 teaspoon Smoked paprika
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 slices Bacon, cooked and crumbled (for topping, optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for topping, optional)
  • 1.5 cups Stone-ground grits
  • 4 cups Water or milk (or a combination)
  • 0.5 teaspoon Salt (for grits)

Equipment

  • Medium Saucepan
  • Large skillet

Method
 

  1. In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water or milk (or a combination) and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to a boil over medium-high heat.
    4 cups Water or milk (or a combination), 0.5 teaspoon Salt (for grits)
  2. Gradually whisk in the stone-ground grits.
    1.5 cups Stone-ground grits
  3. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer, stirring frequently, for 25-30 minutes, or until the grits are tender and have reached your desired consistency. If the grits become too thick, you can whisk in a little more milk or water.
  4. Once cooked, stir in 1 tablespoon of butter and 1/4 cup of the grated cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm.
    3 tablespoons Unsalted butter, 0.5 cup Sharp cheddar cheese, grated, to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  5. While the grits are cooking, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season them lightly with salt and pepper.
    1 pound Large shrimp, peeled and deveined, to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  6. Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
    1 tablespoon Olive oil, 3 tablespoons Unsalted butter
  7. Add the prepared shrimp to the hot skillet in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
    1 pound Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  8. Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and celery to the same skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
    0.5 cup Yellow onion, finely chopped, 0.25 cup Green bell pepper, finely chopped, 0.25 cup Celery, finely chopped
  9. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
    2 cloves Garlic, minced
  10. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
    1 cup Chicken broth
  11. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce has slightly thickened.
    0.5 cup Heavy cream
  12. Stir in the remaining 1/4 cup of grated cheddar cheese and the smoked paprika. Cook, stirring, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
    0.5 cup Sharp cheddar cheese, grated, 0.25 teaspoon Smoked paprika
  13. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the sauce. Stir to coat the shrimp and heat through, about 1-2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
    1 pound Large shrimp, peeled and deveined, to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  14. Spoon a generous portion of the creamy grits into shallow bowls.
  15. Ladle the shrimp and sauce mixture over the grits.
  16. Garnish with crumbled bacon and fresh chopped parsley, if desired.
    4 slices Bacon, cooked and crumbled (for topping, optional), Fresh parsley, chopped (for topping, optional)

Notes

Properly storing and reheating your delicious Southern Style Shrimp and Grits will ensure you can enjoy its comforting flavors for days to come.