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Creamy Southern Shrimp and Grits

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A cozy, comforting Southern classic featuring creamy, cheesy grits topped with smoky, seasoned shrimp and crispy bacon. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup stone-ground grits
  • 4 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 slices bacon, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional garnishes: sliced green onions, extra shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water or chicken broth to a boil over medium-high heat. Slowly whisk in 1 cup of stone-ground grits to prevent clumping.
  2. Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon for about 20-25 minutes until thick and creamy.
  3. Once grits are thickened, stir in 2 tablespoons of softened butter and 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep grits warm on very low heat, stirring occasionally.
  4. While grits cook, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
  5. Add minced garlic to the bacon fat and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Add peeled shrimp to the skillet, sprinkle smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
  7. Squeeze lemon juice over the shrimp and stir in the cooked bacon and chopped parsley.
  8. Spoon creamy grits onto plates or shallow bowls. Top generously with the shrimp and bacon mixture.
  9. Garnish with extra cheddar and sliced green onions if desired. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Stir grits often to prevent lumps and sticking. Cook shrimp just until pink to avoid rubbery texture. If grits get too thick, add a splash of hot water or broth to loosen. Cook shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. For dairy-free, substitute cheddar and butter with alternatives and use olive oil instead of butter.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp and grits, Southern recipe, comfort food, creamy grits, bacon, easy dinner, seafood

Find it online: https://tastypierecipes.com/creamy-southern-shrimp-and-grits-recipe-easy-cozy-comfort-meal/