Southern Style Shrimp and Grits

If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful dish that’s rich in Southern tradition and packed with comfort, look no further than Southern style shrimp and grits. This recipe delivers everything you want in a cozy meal: creamy white grits infused with cheddar cheese, juicy shrimp cooked in savory bacon grease, and a touch of heat and lemon to brighten it all up.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Ingredients and Substitutions
• Step-by-Step Instructions
• Expert Tips and Tricks
• How to Serve Southern Shrimp and Grits
• How to Store and Reheat
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Try More Incredible Shrimp Recipes
• Final Thoughts
• Southern Style Shrimp and Grits

Shrimp and grits may have started as a humble breakfast in the South, especially in regions like New Orleans and Charleston, but it’s now beloved at any time of day. With just 45 minutes of cook time and basic pantry ingredients, this dish is a weeknight favorite that feels like a weekend indulgence.

this recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make and Family Friendly

This recipe is perfect for busy nights or relaxed weekends. Everything comes together in under an hour and uses only a few dishes. It’s satisfying enough for adults but kid-approved too, especially if you skip or reduce the hot sauce.

If you’re a beginner in the kitchen, this is a great recipe to build your confidence. And if you’re a seasoned cook, you’ll love how the flavors balance beautifully without needing fancy techniques.

Flavor and Texture You Can’t Resist

Every bite is layered with richness. The grits are thick, buttery, and smooth, thanks to low and slow simmering in chicken broth and water. Sharp cheddar adds a tangy depth that plays perfectly with the shrimp.

The shrimp themselves are a showstopper. Cooking them in bacon grease brings smoky, salty intensity. Add in garlic, lemon juice, green onions, and a dash of hot sauce, and you’ve got a punchy, savory topping that cuts through the creaminess of the grits in the best way.

Naturally Gluten-Free

Grits are naturally gluten-free, making this a great option for anyone with sensitivities. Just be sure your broth and bacon are also labeled gluten-free. For dairy-free eaters, simple swaps make this recipe easily adaptable.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Full Ingredient List

For the Grits:

• 2 cups water
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or ½ teaspoon table salt)
• 1 cup white grits (not instant)
• 2 tablespoons salted butter
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

For the Shrimp:

• 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• ½ cup sliced green onions, divided
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 dashes hot sauce, or to taste

Tips on Choosing Quality Ingredients

White grits are milder than yellow grits and absorb other flavors beautifully. Stone-ground grits give the best texture, though they take a bit longer to cook.

Freshly shredded cheddar melts more evenly than pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents that affect texture.

Shrimp should be raw and preferably large. You can use fresh or frozen, but thaw frozen shrimp fully before cooking.

Bacon grease acts as the cooking fat and flavor booster, so use turkey bacon.

Use fresh lemon juice for a burst of brightness, and your favorite hot sauce for heat.

Substitutions and Dietary Swaps

• For dairy-free: Use vegan butter and dairy-free shredded cheese or nutritional yeast.
• For low-sodium: Skip the salted butter and choose no-sodium broth.
• To make it vegetarian: Swap the shrimp for sautéed mushrooms and skip the bacon. Use olive oil and smoked paprika for flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Grits

1. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water and 2 cups of chicken broth to a boil. Stir in the salt.
2. Slowly whisk in the grits while stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
3. Lower the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 30 to 35 minutes.
4. Once the grits are thick and creamy, remove from heat and stir in the butter and cheddar cheese until melted.

Cook the Shrimp

1. Add shrimp, garlic, and half the green onions to the hot bacon fat. Sauté until shrimp are pink and opaque, 5 to 6 minutes.
2. Drizzle in the lemon juice and hot sauce. Stir to coat the shrimp evenly.
3. Spoon the shrimp over the cheesy grits and top with remaining green onions.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Maximize Flavor and Texture

• Stir the grits frequently in the first 5 minutes to prevent clumping.
• Don’t overcook the shrimp. As soon as they turn pink and start to curl, they’re done.
• For extra richness, add a splash of cream to the grits just before serving.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

• Adding grits too quickly can cause lumps. Sprinkle them in slowly while whisking.
• Cooking shrimp too long makes them rubbery.
• Don’t drain all the bacon grease. It’s crucial for building flavor.

Save Time in the Kitchen

• Use frozen shrimp that’s already peeled and deveined to skip prep.
• Shred cheese while the grits simmer.
• Cook the bacon a day ahead and store in the fridge. Reheat grease when ready.

How to Serve Southern Shrimp and Grits

Delicious Pairings

• Garlic sautéed greens like spinach or kale
• Buttermilk biscuits or cornbread
• A fresh tomato and cucumber salad

Beautiful Presentation Ideas

• Serve in shallow bowls so you can layer grits and shrimp attractively.
• Add a sprinkle of paprika, extra green onions, or microgreens on top.
• Garnish with a lemon wedge for color and an optional squeeze at the table.

Best Drinks to Serve With

• Sweet tea or peach iced tea
• A dry Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc
• A Bloody Mary with extra spice

How to Store and Reheat

Storing Leftovers

• Store grits and shrimp separately in airtight containers.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Grits can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating Without Losing Quality

For grits: Reheat gently in a saucepan with a splash of water or broth. Stir constantly to bring them back to creamy.

For shrimp: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for just 1 to 2 minutes. Avoid using the microwave, which can overcook them.

Microwave tip: If needed, microwave grits in 30-second bursts, adding water as needed. Add shrimp only at the very end or reheat them separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Creative Variations and Customizations

Adapt to Your Diet

• Vegan: Use sautéed mushrooms or plant-based sausage in place of shrimp and bacon. Use vegan cheese and butter.
• Low-Fat: Use turkey bacon and cut cheese in half. Use shrimp sautéed in olive oil instead of bacon grease.

Flavor Boosts

• Cajun-style: Add Cajun seasoning or Old Bay to the shrimp.
• Spicy twist: Use extra hot sauce, cayenne, or top with jalapeño slices.
• Herby version: Stir fresh thyme or rosemary into the grits.

Holiday and Seasonal Spins

• Summer: Add fresh corn kernels and diced tomatoes.
• Fall: Serve with sautéed apples and caramelized onions.
• Winter: Try a smoky gouda cheese in place of cheddar.

Try More Incredible Shrimp Recipes

If you loved this dish and want more shrimp magic in your kitchen, check out these reader favorites from Bake with Lina:

• Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp – a crispy, cheesy shrimp recipe made in minutes
• Shrimp Scampi – buttery garlic shrimp served over pasta
• Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry – a quick and colorful meal packed with bold flavor

And if you’re a Pinterest fan, don’t forget to save this recipe and follow us on Pinterest for even more delicious ideas.

Final Thoughts

Southern style shrimp and grits is one of those recipes that instantly brings comfort and satisfaction. It’s full of soul, easy to make, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch, looking for a new family favorite, or just want to bring the flavors of the South into your kitchen, this dish is a must-try.

Let me know how yours turns out in the comments. If you made any twists, I’d love to hear about them. And don’t forget to snap a photo and tag us on Pinterest — your version might just inspire the next home cook.

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