There is something irresistibly comforting about a bowl of creamy, flavorful grits topped with perfectly cooked shrimp and crispy bacon, and the Creamy Shrimp and Bacon Grits Recipe captures this magic in every bite. This dish brings together the richness of creamy grits, the smoky goodness of bacon, and the tender juiciness of shrimp, all enhanced with zesty lemon and a touch of heat. Whether you’re after a special brunch, a cozy dinner, or a dish that feels like a warm hug, this recipe promises satisfaction and joy with each mouthful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple ingredients is the key to this fantastic dish. Each element plays a vital role in building the creamy texture, vibrant flavors, and wonderful aroma that make this recipe shine. Here’s what you’ll want on hand:
- Water (4 cups): The base liquid for cooking the grits, ensuring a smooth and tender finish.
- Old fashioned grits (1 cup): Coarse and hearty, these give that signature texture you expect in classic grits.
- Salt (1 teaspoon plus ½ teaspoon kosher salt): Enhances all the flavors throughout the dish.
- Cream cheese (2 ounces): Adds luscious creaminess and a subtle tang to the grits.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Provides richness and silkiness to the base.
- Bacon (4 slices, chopped): Brings smoky crunch and irresistible depth of flavor.
- Green onions (5, thinly sliced): Offer fresh, mild oniony brightness that balances richness.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Infuses the shrimp mixture with savory warmth and aroma.
- Large shrimp (1 pound, peeled and deveined): The star protein that adds tender sweetness and bite.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds gentle heat and complexity.
- All-purpose flour (3 tablespoons): Helps thicken the flavorful sauce lovingly coating the shrimp.
- Chicken or seafood broth (1 cup): Lends savory depth to the sauce and keeps it silky.
- Lemon juice (juice of 1 lemon): Injects bright acidity that lifts the whole dish.
- Hot sauce: Adds your preferred level of spicy kick, perfect for balancing richness.
How to Make Creamy Shrimp and Bacon Grits Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Grits
Start by bringing your water to a boil with a teaspoon of salt, then slowly whisk in the old fashioned grits. This gradual addition keeps lumps at bay and ensures a smooth texture. Lower the heat, cover loosely, and let the grits simmer while stirring frequently—this gentle attention will make sure your grits achieve that perfect creamy tenderness that forms the cozy base of the dish.
Step 2: Incorporate Cream Cheese and Butter
Once your grits are tender and thickened, cut your cream cheese and butter into chunks and stir them in. This step is where the grits transform from simple to luxuriously creamy, creating the dreamy texture that pairs impeccably with the savory toppings.
Step 3: Cook the Bacon
In a skillet, crisp up the chopped bacon over medium heat. When golden and crisp, remove it and let it drain on paper towels, keeping about two tablespoons of bacon grease in the pan. This flavorful fat will be the secret ingredient that brings everything together later.
Step 4: Sauté Onions and Garlic
To the reserved bacon grease in the skillet, add the sliced green onions and cook until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about a minute. This step releases the fresh, pungent flavors that perfectly complement the richness of the shrimp.
Step 5: Cook the Shrimp
Season your peeled and deveined shrimp with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook until they turn pink and are just shy of done, roughly 3 minutes. Don’t overcook—shrimp that’s tender and juicy makes this dish unforgettable. Remove them to the plate with the bacon, preserving all that great flavor in the pan.
Step 6: Make the Sauce
Whisk the flour into the chicken or seafood broth until smooth, then pour it into the skillet. Stir constantly, scraping the pan’s bottom to dissolve any browned bits. Let the sauce simmer until it thickens to a luscious consistency. Stir in fresh lemon juice and your favorite hot sauce to add brightness and a bit of heat, then return the shrimp to the pan to soak up the sauce.
Step 7: Assemble and Serve
To serve your Creamy Shrimp and Bacon Grits Recipe, spoon the rich shrimp and sauce generously over the hot, creamy grits. Crown with the crispy bacon and extra green onions if you’d like a fresh finish. This harmonious assembly brings all the components together for a truly soul-satisfying meal.
How to Serve Creamy Shrimp and Bacon Grits Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh green onions or a few dashes of hot sauce on top brightens the flavors and adds texture contrast. A wedge of lemon on the side invites a fresh squeeze right before eating, elevating the dish with a zesty pop that you’ll love.
Side Dishes
While this dish is a hearty, complete meal on its own, serving it alongside a crisp green salad or some roasted seasonal vegetables can round out the plate beautifully. Light sides keep the focus on the creamy goodness while balancing the richness of the shrimp and bacon.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, consider serving the grits in small ramekins topped individually with shrimp and bacon. Layer some of the garnishes in a glass serving bowl-style or even on toasted bread for creative bites. Presentation can make this rustic dish feel extra festive and fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover shrimp and grits in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The creamy texture will thicken as it cools, so you may need to loosen it up during reheating with a splash of broth or water.
Freezing
While you can freeze the shrimp and bacon separately, the grits don’t freeze as well because their texture changes. For best results, freeze cooked shrimp and bacon in portions and prepare fresh grits when you’re ready to serve again.
Reheating
Gently reheat the leftovers over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently. Add a bit of chicken or seafood broth to revive the creamy consistency. Avoid the microwave if possible to keep the shrimp tender and prevent the grits from becoming gummy.
FAQs
Can I use quick-cooking grits instead of old fashioned grits?
Yes, you can use quick-cooking grits, but the texture will be softer and less hearty. Just adjust the cooking time according to package instructions, and keep in mind you might need less water.
What type of shrimp works best for this recipe?
Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp are ideal because they cook evenly and have a satisfying bite. Fresh or frozen works fine—just thaw completely before cooking.
Is there a non-dairy alternative for the cream cheese and butter?
Absolutely! You can substitute cream cheese and butter with plant-based alternatives like vegan cream cheese and margarine. The texture and flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I make this dish spicy?
For sure! Feel free to add extra hot sauce or sprinkle some cayenne pepper when cooking the shrimp to give the dish a spicy kick that wakes up your taste buds.
How do I keep the shrimp from overcooking?
Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque—usually about 3 minutes. Remove them from heat promptly and add them back only at the last stage to warm through gently.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Shrimp and Bacon Grits Recipe is an absolute keeper, perfect for those moments you want to treat yourself to something both comforting and exciting. Its balance of creamy, smoky, and tangy flavors will quickly make it a go-to in your recipe collection. You really can’t go wrong with this classic Southern-inspired dish—give it a try and watch it turn into a new favorite!
Print
Creamy Shrimp and Bacon Grits Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Description
This classic Southern Shrimp and Grits recipe combines creamy, cheesy grits with succulent sautéed shrimp in a flavorful bacon-infused sauce. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s a comforting and satisfying dish perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.
Ingredients
For the Grits
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup old fashioned grits
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 ounces cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Shrimp and Sauce
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 5 green onions, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken or seafood broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Hot sauce, to taste
Instructions
- Make the Grits: In a large pot, bring the water to a boil and add the salt. Slowly whisk in the grits to prevent lumps. Reduce the heat to low, loosely cover, and simmer, stirring frequently, for 20 to 25 minutes until tender and creamy.
- Add Cream Cheese and Butter: Cut the cream cheese and butter into chunks and stir them into the hot grits until fully melted and combined, creating a rich, creamy texture.
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet, discarding the rest or saving it for another use. Increase heat to medium-high.
- Sauté Green Onions and Garlic: Add the thinly sliced green onions to the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Shrimp: Season the peeled shrimp with kosher salt and black pepper. Add them to the skillet with the bacon grease and cook for about 3 minutes until pink and almost cooked through. Remove the shrimp to the plate with the bacon.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour into the chicken or seafood broth until smooth. Pour the mixture into the skillet, whisking to combine with the onion and garlic, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens.
- Add Lemon Juice and Hot Sauce: Stir the lemon juice and a few dashes of hot sauce into the sauce. Return the shrimp and bacon to the skillet and stir everything together. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Spoon the rich shrimp and sauce mixture over the creamy grits. Garnish with additional crispy bacon pieces and sliced green onions if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use old fashioned grits for the best creamy texture; quick-cooking grits will alter the cooking time and texture.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add more hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the shrimp sauce.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and butter with coconut cream or a vegan butter alternative.
- Leftover shrimp and gravy can be stored separately and reheated over low heat to avoid overcooking.
- If you cannot find seafood broth, chicken broth works well as a flavorful substitute.
