Shrimp and Cheesy Grits with Bacon Recipe
If you love comfort food, try Shrimp and Cheesy Grits with Bacon Recipe! It is a southern classic that blends hearty, creamy, and savory flavors.
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Medium Saucepan
- Whisk
- Mixing Bowls
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
Ingredients
- Stone-Ground Grits = 01 cup
- Water or Chicken = 04 cups broth
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese = 01 cup shredded
- Butter = 02 tablespoons
- Fresh Shrimp = 01 pound peeled and deveined
- Bacon = 06 slices chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- Paprika = 01 teaspoon
- Cayenne Pepper = 1/4 teaspoon Optional
- Salt and Black Pepper to taste
- Lemon Juice = 01 tablespoon
- Parsley = 02 tablespoons chopped (for garnish) (Optional)
Instructions
- Step by Step Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Grits
- In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water or chicken broth to a boil.
- Slowly whisk in the grits to avoid lumps.
- Lower the heat to simmer, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes.
- Stir occasionally.
- Once the grits are creamy, stir in butter and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Mix well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Keep warm.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
- In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy.
- Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside on paper towels.
- Reserve about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic to the bacon grease and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until pink and opaque.
- Squeeze lemon juice over the shrimp and stir. Remove from heat.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
- Spoon the cheesy grits onto plates or bowls.
- Top with cooked shrimp and crispy bacon.
- Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Servings and Preparation Times
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
Notes
- Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp taste better than frozen ones.
- Don’t Skip the Bacon: It adds amazing flavor and texture.
- Choose Stone-Ground Grits: They are more flavorful than instant grits.
- Season the Shrimp Well: Use garlic, paprika, and cayenne for bold flavor.
- Add Cheese Gradually: This prevents clumps in the grits.
- Serve Hot: The dish tastes best when fresh and warm.