Shrimp and Grits: A Southern Comfort Dish You’ll Love
Shrimp and grits is a classic Southern dish that combines savory shrimp with creamy, flavorful grits. This dish has become a beloved comfort food, known for its rich flavors, tender shrimp, and satisfying texture. Whether you’re craving a hearty breakfast, a soul-satisfying dinner, or a dish that’s perfect for a special occasion, shrimp and grits delivers it all.

Why Shrimp and Grits is a Southern Favorite
Shrimp and grits originated in the Lowcountry of South Carolina and Georgia. What started as a simple, everyday dish for fishermen has evolved into a Southern delicacy served in homes and restaurants across the country. The combination of shrimp, grits, and a flavorful sauce is both satisfying and comforting. It’s the perfect blend of coastal seafood and Southern tradition.
The dish has endless variations, from creamy and cheesy grits to spicy Cajun seasoning. Whether you like it with a kick or prefer a more mellow flavor, shrimp and grits can be customized to suit your taste.
Shrimp and Grits Recipe: A Flavorful Southern Dish
Here’s how to make shrimp and grits from scratch, including all the ingredients and tips you’ll need for a perfect, restaurant-worthy meal.
Ingredients you will need:
For the Grits:
- 1 cup of stone-ground grits
- 4 cups of water or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional for spice)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- Fresh parsley for garnish
For the Bacon:
- 4 strips bacon (or 2-3 thick-cut slices)
For the Sauce:
- 4 strips bacon (or 2-3 thick-cut slices)
- 1/2 cup of chicken broth or seafood stock
- 1/4 cup of white wine (optional)
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon of hot sauce (optional for extra heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika
How to make Shrimp and Grits:
Cook the Grits:
- In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water (or chicken broth) to a boil. Slowly add the grits, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Reduce the heat to low and cook the grits for about 20-25 minutes, or until tender and creamy. Stir occasionally.
- Once the grits are cooked, stir in the heavy cream, butter, and salt and pepper to taste. For extra creaminess, mix in shredded cheddar cheese. Keep warm while you prepare the shrimp.
- In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water (or chicken broth) to a boil. Slowly add the grits, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Reduce the heat to low and cook the grits for about 20-25 minutes, or until tender and creamy. Stir occasionally.
- Once the grits are cooked, stir in the heavy cream, butter, and salt and pepper to taste. For extra creaminess, mix in shredded cheddar cheese. Keep warm while you prepare the shrimp.
Cook the Bacon:
- Cook the 4 bacon strips until crispy in a nonstick or cast iron skillet. Set aside on a paper towel lined plate. Once cool, chop into small pieces.
Cook the Shrimp:
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque.
- Add the minced garlic, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and cook for another minute, until the garlic is fragrant.
- Pour in the lemon juice, toss the shrimp to coat, and remove the shrimp from the skillet. Set aside.
Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth (or seafood stock) and white wine (if using). Scrape the bottom of the skillet to loosen any flavorful bits from cooking the shrimp.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and smoked paprika. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to reduce and thicken slightly.
- Add the butter and stir until melted and incorporated into the sauce. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Assemble the Dish:
- Spoon a generous portion of grits onto each plate.
- Top with shrimp, bacon and spoon the flavorful sauce over the shrimp and grits.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of paprika, if desired.
Serve and Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Shrimp and Grits:
- Choose the right grits: For authentic Southern shrimp and grits, always opt for stone-ground grits. They have a heartier texture, and more flavor compared to instant grits.
- Season the shrimp generously: Shrimp can be a bit mild on its own, so don’t shy away from seasoning it with bold flavors like garlic, paprika, cayenne, and lemon juice.
- Make the sauce your own: Adjust the level of spice and richness in the sauce to your liking. Add more hot sauce or Worcestershire for extra kick or use more butter for a creamier sauce.
- Add vegetables for extra flavor: If you like, toss in sautéed bell peppers, onions, or spinach into the sauce to add more layers of flavor and texture to your dish.
Health Benefits of Shrimp and Grits
Shrimp and grits is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of protein, healthy fats, and carbs. Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein, vitamins, and minerals, while grits made from corn provide essential carbs for energy. If you choose to use chicken broth or seafood stock for the sauce, you’ll also get additional nutrients without adding unnecessary calories.
To make it even healthier, you can reduce the amount of butter and cheese used in the grits or opt for a low-fat cream alternative. If you want to make it a full meal, you can serve your shrimp and grits with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad.
Why You Should Try Shrimp and Grits
Whether you’re a fan of Southern cuisine or looking to try something new, shrimp and grits is a must-try dish. It’s flavorful, satisfying, and a true crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!
This shrimp and grits recipe is perfect for impressing guests at a dinner party, enjoying a cozy meal at home, or sharing with your family on a special occasion. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll understand why this dish has stood the test of time as a Southern favorite.
You may also love to try this Chili Crunch Shrimp Scampi or our Baked Shrimp with Apricot Glaze.

Shrimp and Grits Recipe
Shrimp and grits is a classic Southern dish that combines savory shrimp with creamy, flavorful grits. This dish has become a beloved comfort food, known for its rich flavors, tender shrimp, and satisfying texture.
Ingredients
- FOR THE GRITS:
- 1 cup of stone-ground grits
- 4 cups of water or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
- FOR THE SHRIMP:
- 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional for spice)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- Fresh parsley or green onion for garnish
- 4 strips bacon (or 2-3 thick-cut slices)
- FOR THE SAUCE:
- 4 strips bacon (or 2-3 thick-cut slices)
- 1/2 cup of chicken broth or seafood stock
- 1/4 cup of white wine (optional)
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon of hot sauce (optional for extra heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika
Instructions
Cook the Grits:
- In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water (or chicken broth) to a boil. Slowly add the grits, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Reduce the heat to low and cook the grits for about 20-25 minutes, or until tender and creamy. Stir occasionally.
- Once the grits are cooked, stir in the heavy cream, butter, and salt and pepper to taste. For extra creaminess, mix in shredded cheddar cheese. Keep warm while you prepare the shrimp.
- In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water (or chicken broth) to a boil. Slowly add the grits, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Reduce the heat to low and cook the grits for about 20-25 minutes, or until tender and creamy. Stir occasionally.
- Once the grits are cooked, stir in the heavy cream, butter, and salt and pepper to taste. For extra creaminess, mix in shredded cheddar cheese. Keep warm while you prepare the shrimp.
Cook the Bacon:
- Cook the 4 bacon strips until crispy in a nonstick or cast iron skillet. Set aside on a paper towel lined plate. Once cool, chop into small pieces.
Cook the Shrimp:
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque.
- Add the minced garlic, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and cook for another minute, until the garlic is fragrant.
- Pour in the lemon juice, toss the shrimp to coat, and remove the shrimp from the skillet. Set aside.
Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth (or seafood stock) and white wine (if using). Scrape the bottom of the skillet to loosen any flavorful bits from cooking the shrimp.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and smoked paprika. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to reduce and thicken slightly.
- Add the butter and stir until melted and incorporated into the sauce. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Assemble the Dish:
- Spoon a generous portion of grits onto each plate.
- Top with shrimp, bacon and spoon the flavorful sauce over the shrimp and grits.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of paprika, if desired.
Serve and Enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving:Calories: 717Total Fat: 48gSaturated Fat: 24gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 20gCholesterol: 381mgSodium: 2540mgCarbohydrates: 17gFiber: 1gSugar: 3gProtein: 51g
Calories are estimated and may vary.