When it comes to soul-warming, satisfying Southern food, nothing hits quite like Cheesy Shrimp and Grits.
This dish combines creamy, cheesy grits with tender shrimp smothered in a rich, spicy bacon-infused sauce.
It’s perfect for brunch, dinner, or anytime you’re craving something hearty and packed with flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Rich and Creamy – The grits are simmered with milk, butter, and cheddar cheese for unbeatable flavor and texture.
Bold, Spicy Sauce – Cayenne, garlic, and hot sauce add a kick to the luscious shrimp gravy.
Crispy Bacon Goodness – Smoky bacon pieces elevate the entire dish with their crunch and saltiness.
A Southern Classic – A traditional comfort food made restaurant-quality at home.
Feeds a Crowd – Makes enough for a generous meal for the whole family or guests.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
For the Grits:
Cornmeal Grits (1 cup) – Use yellow grits for the best texture; avoid instant grits.
Milk + Water (2 cups each) – A mix of milk and water gives the grits a creamy base without being too heavy.
White Cheddar Cheese (1 cup) – Sharp, tangy flavor that melts perfectly into the grits.
Salted Butter (2 tbsp) – Adds richness and smoothness.
For the Shrimp & Sauce:
Bacon (4 slices) – Adds flavor to the base of the dish and a crispy topping.
Shrimp (1½ lbs) – Peeled and deveined, ready to soak up the sauce.
Onion + Garlic – Aromatics that add depth to the sauce.
Chicken Broth + Heavy Cream – The foundation of a rich and silky sauce.
Cornstarch (3 tbsp) – Thickens the sauce without making it heavy.
Cayenne & Hot Sauce – For heat; adjust to your spice level.
Fresh Herbs (Green Onion & Parsley) – Add freshness and color before serving.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Use Fresh Shrimp – It cooks fast and has the best texture. Frozen is fine if thawed properly.
Stir Grits Constantly Early On – This prevents lumps and ensures even cooking.
Don’t Overcook Shrimp – They only need a couple of minutes on each side. Overcooked shrimp turn rubbery fast.
Sauce Too Thick? – Add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up.
Want Less Heat? – Reduce cayenne and skip the hot sauce altogether if desired.
How to Make Cheesy Shrimp and Grits
Step 1: Cook the Grits
In a large pot, combine milk, water, and salt.
Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Slowly whisk in the grits and keep whisking until they start to thicken—this helps prevent clumps.
Cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and creamy.
Stir in butter and shredded cheddar cheese.
Cover the pot and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium-high heat until crispy.
Use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate.
Leave the bacon grease in the pan.
Step 3: Sear the Shrimp
With the skillet still hot, add shrimp in a single layer.
Cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through.
Transfer shrimp to a plate and keep warm.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
To the same skillet, add chopped onion and sauté until softened. S
tir in minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Sprinkle in the cornstarch and cook for another minute to eliminate the raw taste.
Whisk in the chicken broth, stirring until slightly thickened.
Then add heavy cream, butter, cayenne, hot sauce, salt, and black pepper.
Simmer until the sauce becomes silky and coats the back of a spoon.
Step 5: Finish the Dish
Return the shrimp to the skillet and simmer gently for 3–4 minutes—don’t let it boil.
Add cooked bacon, green onions, and chopped parsley.
Stir gently to combine.
Step 6: Plate and Serve
Spoon about 1 cup of cheesy grits into a bowl or plate.
Top with 4–5 shrimp and a generous ladle of the spicy cream sauce.
Garnish with extra herbs or bacon if you’d like. Serve immediately.
What to Serve It With
Buttermilk Biscuits – Great for soaking up extra sauce.
Collard Greens or Kale – Balances the richness with something green.
Fried Green Tomatoes – A Southern twist that adds crunch.
Side Salad with Vinaigrette – A light contrast to the creamy dish.
Sweet Iced Tea or Sparkling Water – Refreshing beverages that pair well with the heat.
Variations / Substitutions
Swap Cheese – Use smoked gouda or pepper jack for a different twist.
Use Turkey Bacon – For a lighter, less fatty version.
Make it Cajun – Add Cajun seasoning or andouille sausage for extra flavor.
Vegetarian Version – Use mushrooms instead of shrimp and omit bacon.
No Cream? – Use evaporated milk or more broth for a lighter sauce.
Storage & Leftovers
Refrigerate – Store grits and shrimp separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Reheat Grits – Warm over low heat on the stove with a splash of milk or water.
Reheat Shrimp – Gently in a skillet; avoid microwaving, which can make them rubbery.
Freeze – Grits freeze well; shrimp and sauce are best fresh.
FAQs
Can I use instant grits?
You can, but they don’t have the same texture or flavor as stone-ground or old-fashioned grits.
Is this spicy?
It does have a kick from cayenne and hot sauce.
Reduce or omit for a milder version.
What shrimp size should I use?
Medium to large (about 21–30 count) works best—enough bite but not overpowering.
Can I prep ahead?
Yes! You can make the grits and sauce ahead of time.
Reheat and add freshly cooked shrimp before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Shrimp and Grits recipe brings together the comfort of the South with layers of bold flavor—from creamy cheddar grits to smoky bacon and spicy shrimp gravy.
It’s simple enough for a weeknight and impressive enough for guests.
Once you try it, you’ll understand why this dish has become a Southern staple for a reason.
