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Cheesy Bacon Shrimp and Grits

This Cheesy Bacon Shrimp and Grits recipe is pure comfort with a little Southern-style flair, combining creamy grits, salty bacon, and tender shrimp for a hearty dish that's perfect for family meals or special occasions.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 620
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the grits
  • 4 cups water For cooking the grits
  • 1 tsp salt Plus more to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper For seasoning the grits
  • 1 cup stone-ground grits Slow-cooked for best texture
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter For richness
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese For cheesiness
For the shrimp topping
  • 6 slices bacon Chopped
  • 1 lb large shrimp Peeled and deveined
  • 4 tsp fresh lemon juice For brightness
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley For garnish
  • 1 cup thinly sliced scallions Also known as green onions
  • 1 large clove garlic Minced

Method
 

Cooking the Grits
  1. Bring the water, salt, and black pepper to a boil in a medium saucepan.
  2. Slowly whisk in the grits to prevent clumping.
  3. Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, whisking every 5 minutes until thick and creamy.
Making Grits Rich and Cheesy
  1. Remove the pan from heat and stir in butter and cheddar cheese until smooth.
  2. Cover the pot to keep warm, adding water if the grits thicken too much.
Cooking the Bacon
  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon for 6 to 8 minutes until browned and crisp.
  2. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving about 2 tablespoons of fat in the skillet.
Cooking the Shrimp
  1. Increase heat to medium-high, add shrimp to the skillet in a single layer, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
Adding Flavorings
  1. Add lemon juice, bacon, parsley, scallions, and garlic to the skillet.
  2. Sauté for about 3 minutes until garlic is fragrant and scallions soften.
Serving
  1. Spoon the warm cheesy grits into bowls and top with the shrimp mixture.
  2. Serve immediately for best taste and texture.

Notes

For the best results, use large, peeled, deveined shrimp and avoid overcooking them. Customize with different cheeses or herbs as desired. For storage, keep grits and shrimp mixture separate to maintain texture.