Description

Get ready to fall in love with one of the South’s most beloved comfort foods—Savory Southern Shrimp and Grits. This easy dinner idea brings together juicy, Cajun-spiced shrimp with creamy, buttery stone-ground grits, finished with sharp cheddar and crispy bacon. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with rich aromas and satisfies every craving in one cozy bowl. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast-for-dinner, a soulful brunch, or hearty food ideas that impress guests, this recipe checks all the boxes. Creamy, smoky, and full of flavor—this one’s an instant favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup stone-ground grits
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup water
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
4 slices bacon
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions

In a saucepan, bring chicken broth and water to a boil. Slowly whisk in the grits. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring often, until thick and creamy (about 20–25 minutes).
Stir in the butter, heavy cream, and cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and set aside.
In a skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels. Reserve 1–2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet.
Add diced onion to the skillet and cook until soft. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Add shrimp to the skillet and season with Cajun seasoning, paprika, and black pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through.
Crumble the bacon and stir into the shrimp mixture.
To serve, spoon grits into bowls and top with shrimp and sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes