Imagine a dish that combines the creamy, luxurious texture of perfectly cooked grits with succulent, tender shrimp and crispy bacon – a true Southern masterpiece that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience. This Slow Cooker Shrimp Grits recipe is not just a meal; it's a comforting journey through the rich flavors of Southern cuisine that will transport you to a cozy kitchen in the heart of the South, without hours of complicated preparation!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup grits
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the grits. In a slow cooker, combine 1 cup of grits with 4 cups of chicken broth. Stir well to ensure the grits are evenly distributed in the broth.
- Set the slow cooker to low heat and cover it. Allow the grits to cook for about 4 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent clumping.
- While the grits are cooking, prepare the shrimp. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the 4 slices of bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and crumble it into small pieces, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic to the bacon grease and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet, cooking them for about 2-3 minutes or until they turn pink and opaque. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the shrimp are cooked, turn off the heat and set them aside. When the grits are finished cooking, stir in the cooked shrimp, crumbled bacon, and 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until well combined.
- Check the seasoning of the grits and adjust with additional salt and pepper if necessary. If the grits are too thick, you can add a little more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve the shrimp and grits warm, garnished with additional crumbled bacon and cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious Southern-style slow cooker shrimp and grits!
Tips
- Stirring is Key: Occasionally stir your grits during the slow cooking process to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
- Don't Overcook the Shrimp: Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque to maintain their tender, juicy quality. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery and tough.
- Bacon Grease Magic: Use the bacon grease to sauté your garlic and shrimp for an extra layer of rich, smoky flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- Cheese Consistency: Add the cheese at the end of cooking and stir until just melted to maintain its creamy texture and prevent separation.
- Liquid Adjustment: Keep some extra chicken broth on hand to adjust the grits' consistency if they become too thick during cooking.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This recipe can be prepared in advance and gently reheated, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 250mg
