This Bacon Shrimp and Cheddar Grits recipe is a comforting Southern-inspired dish that’s bursting with flavor. Creamy, cheesy grits pair perfectly with succulent shrimp and crispy bacon, creating a hearty meal that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. The combination of savory bacon, tender shrimp, and rich cheddar cheese will satisfy any craving. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!
Ingredients
For the Cheddar Grits:
- Water (3 cups)
- Whole Milk (1 cup)
- Stone-Ground Grits (1 cup)
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese (1 cup, shredded)
- Unsalted Butter (2 tablespoons)
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon)
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon)
For the Shrimp:
- Shrimp (1 lb, peeled and deveined)
- Bacon (6 slices, chopped)
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
- Lemon Juice (2 tablespoons)
- Smoked Paprika (1/2 teaspoon)
- Cayenne Pepper (1/4 teaspoon, optional)
- Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped for garnish)
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Cheddar Grits
- Boil Water and Milk: In a large saucepan, bring the water and milk to a boil over medium heat.
- Cook the Grits: Gradually whisk in the stone-ground grits, making sure to stir constantly to prevent lumps. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring frequently, for about 20-25 minutes, or until the grits are creamy and tender.
- Add Cheese and Butter: Once the grits are cooked, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, unsalted butter, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the cheese and butter are fully melted and the grits are creamy. Set aside and keep warm.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet with the bacon grease, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are pink and opaque.
- Add Lemon Juice: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and toss to coat. Remove the skillet from the heat.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
- Plate the Dish: Divide the cheddar grits into bowls and top each with the cooked shrimp and bacon.
- Garnish: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for garnish.
- Serve: Serve the bacon shrimp and cheddar grits immediately, with extra lemon wedges if desired.
Duration Time
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 4 servings)
- Calories: 500
- Total Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 275mg
- Sodium: 1000mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugars: 3g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
FAQs
1. Can I use instant or quick grits instead of stone-ground?
Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use quick-cooking grits or instant grits. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions. Keep in mind that stone-ground grits offer a heartier, creamier texture.
2. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the milk with a plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk) and use dairy-free cheese or omit the cheese altogether for a dairy-free version.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover shrimp and grits in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the grits on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or water to restore creaminess.
4. Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely! You can experiment with different cheeses like Gouda, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan to change the flavor profile of the grits.
5. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, you can add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or kale to the dish for an extra boost of nutrients and flavor.
6. Can I make this dish spicy?
For a spicier version, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce when cooking the shrimp.
7. Can I use turkey bacon or omit bacon altogether?
Yes, you can substitute turkey bacon for a lighter option, or omit bacon entirely for a healthier dish. Use olive oil or butter to sauté the garlic and shrimp instead.
8. How can I make the grits even creamier?
For extra creamy grits, you can replace half of the water with more milk or even use heavy cream for an ultra-rich texture.
Conclusion
This Bacon Shrimp and Cheddar Grits dish is the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors. The richness of the cheddar grits pairs beautifully with the smoky bacon and succulent shrimp, creating a meal that’s comforting yet impressive. Whether you’re serving it for brunch, dinner, or a special occasion, this dish is sure to be a hit!