Shrimp & Grits w/Bacon

Few dishes feel as comforting and satisfying as a warm bowl of shrimp and grits. This Shrimp & Grits w/Bacon recipe brings together creamy stone-ground grits, sharp cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and tender shrimp cooked in savory bacon drippings for a meal that feels rich, cozy, and deeply Southern in the best possible way.

What makes this dish so special is the contrast of textures and flavors. The grits are soft, buttery, and cheesy, while the shrimp stay juicy and tender with just enough seasoning to let their natural flavor shine. Then the bacon adds smokiness and crunch, and the little bit of pan liquid spooned over the top ties everything together into something truly comforting.

This is the kind of meal that works for brunch, lunch, or dinner and feels equally right for a relaxed weekend or a special family meal.

Why I Love This Recipe

What I love most about shrimp and grits is how simple ingredients can come together into something that tastes so special. Grits, bacon, broth, cheese, and shrimp are all fairly straightforward on their own, but when combined, they create a dish that feels layered, hearty, and a little luxurious.

I also love how the bacon pulls double duty here. It adds crisp bites on top, but the drippings also become the flavor base for cooking the shrimp, which gives the whole dish even more depth.

Another reason this recipe stands out is that it feels comforting without being overly complicated. The grits cook gently while the bacon crisps, and the shrimp come together fast at the end, making this a satisfying meal that is very doable at home.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth, preferably low sodium, divided
• 2 cups whole milk
• 4 tablespoons butter, divided
• 3/4 cup stone-ground grits
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 4 strips bacon, or 2 to 3 thick-cut slices
• 1 pound jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Thinly sliced green onions, optional for garnish
• Red bell pepper, optional

Swaps and Notes

Stone-ground grits give this dish the best texture and flavor, with a creamy finish that feels more homemade and hearty than quick grits. If you use another type, the cook time may need to be adjusted.

Sharp cheddar adds richness and a little bite to the grits, which works beautifully with the shrimp and bacon. Mild cheddar can work too, but sharp cheddar gives the dish more personality.

Bacon is key here because it adds both smoky flavor and the cooking fat for the shrimp. Thick-cut bacon gives even more richness, but standard slices are perfectly fine.

The red bell pepper is optional, but it adds color and a little sweetness if you want another layer of flavor in the shrimp mixture.

How to Make Shrimp & Grits w/Bacon

1. Cook the grits

In a medium-sized pot, bring 2 cups of the chicken broth, the milk, 3 tablespoons of the butter, and a pinch of salt to a gentle boil.

Add the grits and whisk well. Lower the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, whisking every few minutes, until the grits are soft and creamy.

Cover and remove from the heat. They will continue softening as they sit.

2. Cook the bacon

In a nonstick or cast iron skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate.

Once the bacon cools, chop it into small pieces.

Drain all but about 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease from the skillet.

3. Prepare the shrimp

Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry. Season with salt and pepper, keeping in mind that some shrimp may already contain sodium. Add any extra seasoning you like, and bell peppers if using.

Cook the shrimp in the bacon grease for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until just cooked through.

4. Finish the shrimp mixture

Add the remaining tablespoon of butter and the final 1/2 cup of chicken broth to the skillet with the shrimp. Stir until the butter melts and the broth is hot.

Taste and add salt if needed.

5. Finish the grits

Stir the shredded cheddar cheese into the warm grits until fully melted. Taste and adjust the salt if necessary.

6. Serve

Spoon the grits into bowls or onto plates. Top with the shrimp mixture, making sure to spoon some of the skillet liquid over the grits.

Finish with the chopped bacon and sliced green onions if using. Serve right away.

Tips for Success

Whisk the grits when you first add them and again every few minutes while they cook. This helps keep them smooth and creamy.

Do not overcook the shrimp. They only need a short time in the skillet, and they are best when they stay tender and juicy.

Taste both the shrimp mixture and the grits before serving. Because the bacon, broth, cheese, and shrimp can all vary in saltiness, adjusting at the end makes a big difference.

Serve this dish immediately. Shrimp and grits are at their best when the grits are hot and creamy and the shrimp are fresh from the skillet.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This dish is rich and satisfying enough to stand on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a simple salad, roasted vegetables, or a light appetizer if you are making a full meal.

If you love Southern comfort food, This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort is another bold, cozy favorite worth saving.

For another savory Southern-inspired meal, This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor fits beautifully into the same comfort-food lineup.

If you want a bright contrast to the richness of shrimp and grits, This Blueberry Lemonade Is My Favorite Refreshing Drink for Sunny Days adds a refreshing touch.

And for dessert, This Big Family Banana Pudding Is My Favorite Classic Dessert to Feed a Crowd is a perfect Southern-style finish.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

Estimated per serving, based on 4 servings:

• Calories: 540
• Protein: 31g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 34g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Cholesterol: 220mg
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 4g

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on the bacon, broth, and cheese used.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Store leftover shrimp and grits separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This helps keep the shrimp from overcooking when reheated.

Reheat the grits gently with a splash of milk or broth to loosen them back up, since they will thicken quite a bit in the refrigerator.

Warm the shrimp briefly in a skillet or microwave just until heated through. Shrimp can become rubbery if reheated too long.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you enjoyed this Shrimp & Grits w/Bacon recipe, here are a few more recipes to try:

• This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort
• This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor
• This Baked Brie Appetizer Is My Favorite Effortless Way to Impress Guests
• This Big Family Banana Pudding Is My Favorite Classic Dessert to Feed a Crowd
• This Blueberry Lemonade Is My Favorite Refreshing Drink for Sunny Days

Final Thoughts

Shrimp & Grits w/Bacon is the kind of dish that feels both comforting and a little special at the same time. Between the creamy cheddar grits, tender shrimp, crisp bacon, and flavorful skillet sauce, every bite brings that rich Southern-style comfort people come back to again and again.

Whether you serve it for brunch or dinner, it is one of those recipes that feels classic for a reason.