Shrimp and Grits – Spend With Pennies

This shrimp and grits recipe goes together like… well… shrimp and grits!

In this flavor packed recipe, cheesy buttery grits are topped with bacon, peppers, and juicy shrimp for one of my all time favorite comfort foods!

Perfect Shrimp and Grits Every Single Time

I have a deep love for Southern food like collard greens and a mac and cheese, and a bowl of shrimp and grits definitely tops my list.

• Comforting and delicious, this recipe is tested and perfected for delicious results.
• It’s a satisfying meal ready in about 30 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights.
• This recipe is easy to make and tastes restaurant worthy!

What are Grits?

Made from corn, grits are similar in texture to creamy polenta and they can be served any time of day and enjoy them sweet or savory!

I use regular grits in this recipe, but you can use quick cooking (a finer grind) or stone ground (a coarser grind). Depending on the grind, grits can need more or less time so check your package.

How To Make Shrimp and Grits

Shrimp and grits is a simple dish to prepare, and it’s the ultimate in comfort food. Depending on the type of grits you use, the cooking time can vary (check your package to be sure).

1. Cook Grits: Cook the grits in broth & water (per the full recipe below).
2. Crisp Bacon: While the grits cook, fry bacon. Set aside to drain on paper towels.
3. Cook Shrimp: Fry shrimp and peppers in bacon grease with seasoning.
4. Finish & Serve: Stir sharp shredded cheddar cheese & butter into the grits.

Voila!! Spoon the shrimp mixture over the cheesy grits.

Serving Suggestions & Leftovers

Shrimp and grits are rich and filling, so if you’re adding a side, keep it light. I like to garnish them with green onions or fresh parsley.

Serve this easy shrimp and grits recipe alongside a simple tossed salad or even just with some cornbread or dinner rolls to sop up the leftover butter from the shrimp.

Keep leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, storing the shrimp and grits separately. Grits will thicken as they cool, so add additional broth or a splash of heavy cream when reheating.

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Shrimp and Grits

This classic Southern combo is so comforting. Cheesy grits are topped with bacon, peppers, and juicy shrimp for the ultimate comfort food!

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 30 minutes minutes

• In a medium saucepan, add chicken broth, water, and garlic powder and bring to a boil over high heat. While whisking, slowly add the grits. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for 18-20 minutes or thick and creamy (or follow the cooking times listed on your package). Remove from heat and stir in cheese, butter, and salt to taste.

• While the grits are cooking, chop the bacon and add to a large skillet. Cook over medium-high heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet reserving the drippings in the pan (about 1 tablespoon).

• Reduce the heat to medium and add the onions to the bacon grease. Cook until slightly softened, stirring occasionally, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the bell peppers and cook until tender, about 3 minutes more. Remove the peppers and onions from the pan and set aside.

• Toss the shrimp with garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt & ¼ teaspoon pepper. Add to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side. Add the onion mixture, lemon juice, and parsley and stir to combine.

• Spoon the grits into a bowl and top with shrimp, spooning any sauce from the pan overtop. Garnish with crumbled bacon, parsley, and lemon wedges. 

If using quick-cooking grits, reduce cooking time to about 10 minutes or until creamy.  Stone ground grits (a coarser grind) take longer to cook; check your package for cooking times and liquid ratios if needed.

Calories: 427 | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 250mg | Sodium: 1220mg | Potassium: 250mg | Vitamin A: 725IU | Vitamin C: 18.6mg | Calcium: 330mg | Iron: 2.5mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Dinner, Side Dish

Cuisine American

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