Easy Cheesy Grits and Shrimp with Bacon – The Best!

Cheesy grits and shrimp is a classic Southern dish that combines salty, sweet shrimp with creamy grits and the goodness of smoky bacon.

Chefs from cities such as Charleston, South Carolina, and Savannah, Georgia, are credited with taking everyday regular grits to a new level by adding gourmet flavors to establish the dish as a signature Southern meal. The Lowcountry’s abundance of corn and the gulf shrimp caught fresh by fishermen became the perfect match.  Gather the simple ingredients and make the best creamy shrimp and grits recipe, which is bound to become a favorite fall and winter comfort food.

I had always compared grits with cream of wheat as a breakfast dish…what did I know? I was intrigued the first time I saw this on a menu in Nashville. Talk about the ultimate comfort food – cheesy, creamy grits topped with shrimp and bacon…wow!!   

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I am German by birth and spent my young years in Las Vegas, Nevada, before ending up in north Idaho.  I had never heard of or tasted this wonderful-sounding dish. As we know it here in the United States, grits are not common on the German menu.  After I had my first bite, I was in love! Soooo, delicious!!! 

Whenever we return from Nashville, I crave this tasty dish.  Since no one in our area serves southern food, I make it at home to enjoy cheese grits with tender shrimp and flavorful brown bits of bacon.  This is no problem because it is a comforting, delicious dinner that can be made in a short amount of cooking time.

What are grits?

Grits, that beloved Southern comfort food, has a fascinating history that dates back centuries. The dish was originally created by the Native American Muscogee tribe, who used maize (corn) to craft this hearty and versatile meal.

When American colonists arrived, they quickly adopted the practice of making grits from the Muscogee. The technique spread across the United States, eventually becoming a staple in American cuisine.

Grits vs Polenta – What is the difference?

I have cooked with polenta and love it, but how is it different from grits? They are both made from corn and besides their different origin, they also have a different texture and flavor.

Grits is a staple in the southern states of the US.  Generally, they are made from white hominy corn that has been treated with alkali to remove the hull.  Since the hominy corn is ground fine, the texture is creamy and smooth. The flavor is mild with a slight nutty taste.

Polenta originates from Italy and is made from yellow flint corn, which is known for its hard and coarse texture.  Once cooked, polenta has a grainy texture and a familiar corn flavor.

Cheesy Grits and Shrimp with Bacon Recipe

This recipe makes 4 servings.

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Ingredients you will need

For the cheesy grits:

• 3 1/2 Cups chicken broth
• 1/2 Cup of Cream
• 1 Teaspoon Kosher salt
• 1 Cup Stone-ground Grits – do not use the instant type of grits
• 2 Tablespoons Butter
• 3/4 Cup Grated Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese
• 1/4 Cup Fresh Grated Parmesan Cheese

For shrimp and sauce:

The cooking process is quick – so be ready to serve when cooked.

• 1 Pound Shrimp – Peeled, deveined and washed
• 1/3 Pound Bacon – about 5-6 slices
• 1 Cup Onions – Diced
• 2-3 Cloves Garlic – Freshly minced
• 1/2 Cup Heavy Cream
• 1/2 Cup Chicken Stock
• 1 Tablespoon Butter
• 1/4 – 1/2 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional – omit if you don’t like it spicy)
• 1/2 Teaspoon Kosher Salt
• 1/4 Teaspoon Black Pepper
• Green onions and parsley for garnish – finely chopped

Instructions to make cheesy grits and shrimp with bacon

Clean shrimp.  Peel and devein shrimp if not already done.

Dice the bacon

Start by making the cheesy grits recipe:

1. In a medium pot, bring the chicken stock to a boil.  Whisk the grits into the boiling chicken stock along with the salt and lower the heat to low. 
2. Add the cream and butter and let the grits cook for about 15 minutes, stirring every few minutes.
3. After 15 minutes, add the extra sharp cheddar and parmesan cheese.  Stir well until the cheese has melted.  Cover the pot and remove from the heat.

For the shrimp and sauce:

1. While the grits cook, fry the bacon in a large skillet until brown and crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan with a slotted spoon and place on a plate lined with paper towels.
2. In the same skillet with the bacon grease, cook the peeled and deveined shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes per side, then remove from the pan.
3. Add onions and butter to the skillet and cook until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Add the 1/2 cup of chicken stock to deglaze the pan, and use a spatula to loosen the brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
5. Add the cream, cayenne, salt, and black pepper, and cook for a couple of minutes until the sauce thickens.
6. Return the shrimp and half of the bacon bits to the sauce, cook for one minute more, and then remove from the heat.
7. Serve immediately. Spoon the cooked grits onto individual plates or bowls, top with the shrimp and sauce, and garnish with the remaining crispy bacon, green onions, and parsley.  Serve with additional hot sauce on the side for those who like it extra spicy.

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Here are a few sides to serve with grits and shrimp

• Collard Greens – Slow-cooked greens with a smoky flavor complement the creamy grits and shrimp.
• Cornbread – A slightly sweet, crumbly cornbread adds a nice texture contrast to the dish.
• Fried Okra—Crispy fried okra is a great Southern side dish that complements the richness of shrimp and grits.
• Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus – This Asparagus adds a nice salty and crunchy element to the meal.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts – The caramelized flavor of roasted Brussels sprouts can balance out the dish’s richness.
• Sautéed Spinach – Lightly sautéed spinach with garlic is a simple and healthy side.
• Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits – Soft, flaky biscuits are another classic Southern side that would be a hit.
• Garden Salad -A light, refreshing garden fresh salad with vinegar dressing can balance the meal’s richness.
• Green Beans – Southern-style green beans with shredded smoky ham hock.

Cheesy grits and shrimp are more than just a meal—a Southern tradition that embodies comfort, flavor, and a touch of nostalgia. From the smoky bacon and creamy grits to the tender shrimp, each bite is a reminder of the rich culinary history of the Lowcountry. Whether you’re craving the warmth of home-cooked comfort food or looking to recreate the flavors of your travels, this dish will surely become a favorite.

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Shrimp and grits always bring back memories of my time in Nashville. While it’s not common in Idaho, it’s a dish that is now one of my favorite things to make at home. Once you try it, you’ll be hooked, too! Enjoy it with classic Southern sides or your favorite drink and let this comforting meal transport you to a cozy, warm place.

More recipes you might enjoy!

• Homemade BBQ Sauce
• All-Purpose Sweet and Savory BBQ Rub and Seasoning
• Braised and Oven Cooked London Broil Recipe

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