Get ready to indulge in a true Southern classic that’s as comforting as it is flavorful: Shrimp & Grits with Bacon! Imagine creamy, cheesy grits topped with succulent, perfectly cooked shrimp, all infused with savory bacon drippings and finished with crispy bacon bits and fresh green onions. This dish is a celebration of rich textures and bold flavors, perfect for a hearty breakfast, a decadent brunch, or a satisfying dinner.
Why I Love This Recipe
Shrimp & Grits is a dish that immediately transports me to the heart of Southern hospitality. What I love most about this recipe is how it achieves that perfect balance of creamy, savory, and slightly smoky flavors. The stone-ground grits cook up to a dreamy, soft consistency, soaking up the rich chicken broth and milk, and then get incredibly cheesy with sharp cheddar. The bacon provides a crucial crispy texture and a fantastic rendered fat base for cooking the shrimp, infusing them with savory depth. It’s a truly satisfying and well-rounded meal that feels both gourmet and wonderfully home-cooked, making it a go-to for special occasions or whenever I crave a taste of the South.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this classic Southern comfort dish:
For the Creamy Grits:
- 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
For the Shrimp & Bacon:
- 4 strips bacon (or 2-3 thick-cut slices)
- 1 lb. jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Kosher salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Red bell pepper (optional, diced, for cooking with shrimp)
- Thinly sliced green onions for garnish (optional)
Swaps and Notes
- Stone-Ground Grits: These are traditional and offer the best texture and flavor. Instant or quick-cooking grits can be used for faster prep, but adjust liquid amounts and cooking times according to package directions, and the texture will be different.
- Whole Milk: Adds richness and creaminess to the grits. You can use 2% milk, but the grits won’t be as rich.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Essential for that classic cheesy grits flavor. Other good melting cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gruyere can also be used.
- Bacon: Thick-cut bacon yields more rendered fat and substantial crispy bits. Pork belly can be used for an even richer flavor.
- Jumbo Shrimp: Large, raw shrimp (peeled and deveined) are best for a hearty bite. If using frozen, ensure they are fully thawed and patted very dry.
- Seasoning for Shrimp: Adjust salt based on whether your shrimp is pre-treated with sodium. The recipe notes this is important to check! Adding a dash of garlic powder or smoked paprika to the shrimp seasoning would also be delicious.
- Red Bell Pepper: Optional, but a small amount of diced red bell pepper added with the shrimp brings color and a subtle sweetness.
- Green Onions: Adds freshness and a mild oniony bite for garnish.
Instructions
Let’s cook this delicious and comforting Shrimp & Grits with Bacon!
- Cook the Grits: In a medium-sized pot (a heavy-bottomed one works best), combine 2 cups of the chicken broth (reserved 1/2 cup for later), 2 cups of whole milk, 3 tablespoons of the butter, and a pinch of salt. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Add the 3/4 cup of stone-ground grits, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the grits simmer for 15 minutes, or until they are soft and creamy. Whisk every few minutes during simmering to prevent sticking. Once cooked, remove the pot from heat, keep it covered, and set aside – the grits will continue to soften as they sit.
- Cook the Bacon: While the grits are simmering, cook the 4 strips of bacon (or 2-3 thick-cut slices) in a nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium heat until wonderfully crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon with tongs or a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cool enough to handle, chop the crispy bacon into small pieces.
- Prepare Skillet for Shrimp: Drain all but 2 tablespoons of the rendered bacon grease from the skillet. If you have less than 2 tablespoons, add a tiny drizzle of olive oil to make up the difference.
- Cook the Shrimp: Rinse the jumbo shrimp with cold water and thoroughly pat them dry with paper towels. Season the shrimp generously with kosher salt (only a little, if any, if your shrimp is treated with sodium – check the ingredients list on the packaging!), and black pepper to taste. If adding optional diced red bell pepper, you can add it now with the shrimp. Place the seasoned shrimp in a single layer in the skillet with the bacon grease. Cook over medium-high heat until they are just cooked through and pink – this usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side, depending on their size. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, or they will become tough and rubbery.
- Finish Shrimp Sauce: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and the reserved 1/2 cup of chicken broth to the skillet with the cooked shrimp. Stir gently until the butter is melted and the broth is heated through, creating a light sauce. Taste and add more salt if necessary.
- Finish the Grits: Stir the 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the cooked grits until it is completely melted and the grits are wonderfully cheesy and smooth. Taste and add more salt if necessary.
- Serve: To serve, spoon a generous portion of the creamy, cheesy grits into bowls. Top the grits with the cooked shrimp mixture, making sure to spoon some of the flavorful liquid from the skillet over the grits. Finally, sprinkle generously with the chopped crispy bacon pieces and thinly sliced green onions (if using). Serve immediately and savor every delicious bite!
Tips for Success
- Stone-Ground Grits: These take longer to cook but yield a superior, creamier texture and more authentic flavor. Follow the cooking time and resting period.
- Don’t Overcook Grits: Whisk frequently to prevent sticking, but don’t overcook to the point of being gluey. They should be creamy.
- Crispy Bacon: Cook bacon until truly crispy; this provides a vital textural contrast. Don’t discard all the grease; a little is crucial for flavor!
- Don’t Overcook Shrimp: This is the most common mistake with shrimp! They cook very quickly. Remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
- Pat Shrimp Dry: Dry shrimp sear better and get more flavor.
- Taste and Adjust Salt: Grits, broth, bacon, and cheese all contribute saltiness. Taste before adding more salt to any component.
- Serve Immediately: Shrimp and grits are best enjoyed hot and fresh.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Shrimp & Grits with Bacon is a complete and incredibly satisfying meal, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple additions:
- Hot Sauce: A dash of your favorite hot sauce (like Tabasco or Crystal) for an extra kick.
- Poached Egg: A runny poached egg on top for an even richer breakfast/brunch.
- Simple Side Salad: A light green salad with a vinaigrette can offer a refreshing contrast.
- Cornbread or Biscuits: To soak up any extra sauce.
- For other incredibly flavorful Southern comfort foods, you might also love our Fried Catfish or Okra and Jalapeño Hushpuppies.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Shrimp & Grits is best fresh, but here’s how to handle leftovers:
- Refrigeration: Store cooled leftover shrimp and grits in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. The grits will thicken considerably.
- Reheating: To reheat grits, add a splash of milk or broth and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring frequently, until creamy again. Reheat shrimp separately (briefly in a skillet or microwave) to avoid overcooking. Combine just before serving.
- Freezing: Freezing is not recommended for this dish, as the grits can become grainy and the shrimp tough upon thawing and reheating.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the savory, comforting, and classic nature of this Shrimp & Grits with Bacon, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic Southern-inspired and hearty recipes:
- For another incredibly flavorful skillet meal packed with Southern charm, try This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor.
- If you’re a fan of comforting, hearty bowls, our This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort is a must-try.
- And for another incredibly tender and flavorful meat dish that’s perfect for lazy Sundays, don’t miss These Easy Turkey Wings Are My Favorite Comfort Food for Lazy Sundays!
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp & Grits with Bacon recipe is a brilliant solution for bringing a truly comforting, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying meal to your table. It’s perfect for a cozy weekend brunch or a hearty dinner, promising a taste of classic Southern hospitality in every delicious bite.
Give this recipe a try and let the rich, creamy flavors transport you! What’s your favorite Southern comfort food to make at home? Share your ideas in the comments below! And for more amazing, easy-to-follow recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, be sure to visit Chefmaniac.com. Happy cooking!
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