Description
Get ready to experience the heart and soul of Southern cuisine with this Creamy Cheesy Shrimp and Grits recipe! It’s a dish that’s as comforting as a warm hug, that’s bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp
- 4 strips thick-cut bacon, diced
- 1 cup white grits
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 cup whipping cream, divided
- 3 tablespoons cream cheese
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 3/4 cup red/orange bell pepper, diced small
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley, plus more for garnish
- Cracked black pepper, for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, toss the shrimp with paprika, Cajun seasoning, Old Bay, salt, black pepper, garlic powder and onion powder. Refrigerate to marinate.
- Dice the bacon and start crisping it up in a cast iron pan.
- In a pot, bring the chicken stock to a boil.
- Add in the grits, two tablespoons of butter, 1/4 cup heavy cream and a pinch of salt. Whisk together and reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring often.
- Once the bacon is crisp, remove from the pan and reserve.
- In the same pan used for bacon, leave two tablespoons of bacon fat. Add in the diced bell pepper and reserved shrimp. Sauté until the shrimp are just opaque and peppers are slightly colored.
- Pour in remaining heavy cream and fresh parsley. Simmer a few minutes, until thickened.
- Finish grits by stirring in the shredded cheese, cream cheese and remaining butter. Taste for salt.
- Spoon the creamy cheesy grits into individual bowls.
- Pour the shrimp mixture over the grits.
- Top with crispy bacon, fresh parsley and cracked black pepper.
- Serve immediately.
- ENJOY!
Notes
- Marinate the shrimp in advance to allow them to absorb the flavors of the seasonings.
- Adjust the seasonings to your preference and heat level.
- Use stone-ground or regular yellow grits for the best texture and flavor.
- Cook the bacon until crispy to add a crunch element to the dish.
- Stir the grits regularly while simmering to prevent sticking and ensure a creamy consistency.
- Cook the shrimp and bell peppers in the same pan used for the bacon to infuse them with smoky flavor.
- Finish the grits with cheese, cream cheese and butter for a creamy and flavorful base.
- Taste the grits for salt.
- Simmer the shrimp and peppers in the sauce for a few minutes, until thickened.
- Serve immediately to enjoy this shrimp and grits dish at its freshest, and most flavorful.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Easy
- Cuisine: Southern