Shrimp and Grits is a classic Southern comfort dish: creamy, buttery grits topped with savory shrimp. It’s rich, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make at home.

Here’s a simple and delicious recipe that tastes like restaurant-quality.

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🍤 Shrimp and Grits (Classic Southern Style)

Ingredients

For the grits:

• 1 cup stone-ground grits
• 4 cups water (or 2 cups water + 2 cups milk for extra creaminess)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt & pepper to taste

For the shrimp:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled & deveined
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 bell pepper, diced (optional)
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne (optional)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley
• Salt & pepper

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Instructions

1) Cook the grits

1. Bring water (or water + milk) to a boil.
2. Add a pinch of salt.
3. Slowly stir in grits.
4. Reduce heat to low and cook 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Stir in butter and cheese until creamy.

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2) Cook the shrimp

1. In a skillet, cook bacon until crisp.
2. Remove bacon and set aside (leave the bacon grease in the pan).
3. Sauté onion and bell pepper in the bacon grease until soft.
4. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
5. Add shrimp, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
6. Cook shrimp 2–3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through.
7. Add lemon juice and parsley, then stir in bacon.

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3) Assemble

Serve shrimp mixture over a bed of cheesy grits.

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🔥 Tips for the BEST Shrimp and Grits

✅ Use stone-ground grits for the creamiest texture
✅ Don’t overcook shrimp (they get rubbery)
✅ Add hot sauce if you like spice
✅ Stir grits often so they don’t clump

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Optional Add-Ins

• Andouille sausage
• Cream or more cheese
• Tomatoes
• Green onions