Prepare to be transported to the heart of Southern comfort food with a dish that's more than just a meal—it's a soulful experience! Imagine creamy, cheesy grits topped with succulent shrimp and crispy bacon, a combination so irresistible it'll have your family and friends begging for seconds. This classic Southern recipe isn't just food; it's a celebration of tradition, flavor, and pure culinary magic that brings the warmth of the South right to your dinner table.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup grits
- 4 cups water
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium-sized pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add a pinch of salt to the water.
- Gradually whisk in 1 cup of grits, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Cook the grits for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are thick and creamy.
- While the grits are cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until it becomes crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
- In the same skillet, leave about 2 tablespoons of the bacon drippings. If there is too much grease, carefully pour some off, leaving just enough to sauté the shrimp. Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet and let it melt.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the shrimp for about 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are pink and opaque.
- Once the shrimp are cooked, add the crispy bacon back into the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for an additional minute to heat everything through.
- When the grits are finished cooking, remove them from the heat and stir in 1 cup of cheddar cheese until melted and well combined. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- To serve, spoon a generous portion of cheesy grits onto each plate and top with the shrimp and bacon mixture. Garnish with additional cheddar cheese or chopped green onions if desired.
- Enjoy your Southern Culinary Traditions Shrimp and Grits!
Tips
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Use fresh, large shrimp and stone-ground grits for the most authentic flavor.
- Prevent Lumpy Grits: Whisk continuously when adding grits to boiling water and stir frequently during cooking.
- Bacon Matters: Use thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and crispy texture.
- Don't Overcook Shrimp: Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque to keep them tender and juicy.
- Season Generously: Don't be shy with salt and pepper—they bring out the rich flavors of the dish.
- Cheese Tip: Add cheese to grits off the heat to prevent separation and ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
- Serve Immediately: Shrimp and grits are best enjoyed hot, right after cooking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 520kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 38g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 250mg
