If you’re craving an irresistibly comforting dinner with a little Southern kick, you have to make Spicy Southern Shrimp + Grits: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe. Imagine ultra-creamy, cheesy grits spooned into a bowl and topped with smoky, Cajun-spiced shrimp, studded with crispy bacon and bright, tender veggies, all tied together with a light, zippy sauce. This dish brings the flavors of the South right to your table, delivering boldness, warmth, and pure comfort in every bite. Whether you’re making Sunday supper or wowing friends at a brunch party, this recipe is pure gold.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Spicy Southern Shrimp + Grits: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Part of the magic behind Spicy Southern Shrimp + Grits: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe is just how simple and wholesome the ingredient list is. Every item is thoughtfully chosen: you’ll get depth, heat, richness, and super vibrant colors, all with easy-to-find ingredients.

Chicken broth: Adds savory depth and richness to both the grits and the sauce—use low-sodium if you want more control over seasoning.
Stone-ground grits: These give you the most amazing texture and absorb all the creamy, cheesy goodness.
Whole milk: For extra smooth and luscious grits, don’t skip this addition.
Unsalted butter: Makes the grits rich and dreamy, and lets you adjust the salt just how you like it.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully into the grits, bringing sharpness and gooey texture.
Salt and black pepper: Classic seasonings to bring out every flavor.
Large shrimp: The star of the show! Be sure they’re peeled and deveined for easy eating.
Cajun seasoning: Packs in that signature Southern flavor and heat.
Smoked paprika: Provides a subtle smokiness that’s irresistible with shrimp.
Cayenne pepper (optional): For an extra hit of heat, adjust to taste!
Bacon: Adds smoky crunch and the ideal fat for sautéing other ingredients.
Onion: Lends sweetness and builds the flavor base for the sauce.
Red bell pepper: Brightens up the dish and gives a pop of color.
Garlic: Deepens the savory layers and makes your kitchen smell amazing.
Lemon juice: Freshens everything up and gives a little tangy lift.
Fresh parsley: Brings herbal brightness and a nice color contrast.
Green onions: The perfect, zesty garnish for a fresh finish.

How to Make Spicy Southern Shrimp + Grits: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe

Step 1: Make the Creamiest Grits Ever

Start by bringing your chicken broth to a gentle boil in a sturdy saucepan—already, your kitchen is going to start smelling incredibly inviting. Lower the heat, stir in the stone-ground grits, and keep whisking to avoid lumps. Be patient: let them simmer, stir often, and watch as they transform into a thick, creamy base. Swirl in whole milk, butter, and cheddar cheese until silky smooth. Don’t forget to taste for salt and pepper; tuning the seasoning is the secret to irresistible grits. Keep them warm so they’re ready for the vibrant shrimp topping.

Step 2: Spice Up the Shrimp

While your grits are thickening, turn your attention to those gorgeous shrimp. Toss them generously with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and a pinch of cayenne if you’re up for extra heat. In a big skillet, fry up chopped bacon until crisp, then scoop it out, leaving all those magical bacon drippings in the pan. Place your seasoned shrimp into that flavor-packed skillet and cook until just pink and opaque, only a few minutes per side. Don’t overdo it—overcooked shrimp get rubbery fast! Remove and set aside for later.

Step 3: Build That Robust Sauce

Still in the same skillet (no need to clean, all those fond bits are flavor!), add diced onion and red bell pepper, sautéing until softened and aromatic. Stir in garlic for just 30 seconds—it burns quickly, so stay close. Pour in chicken broth and a squeeze of lemon juice, scraping up any stuck bits from the bottom. Let it simmer briefly, just to reduce and concentrate those flavors. Now, tip the crispy bacon and shrimp back in, tossing everything in that zesty, savory sauce. The colors and aroma at this point are just mouthwatering.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

This is the exciting part! Spoon your velvety grits into big, cozy bowls. Ladle the sizzling shrimp and sauce mixture right over the top. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and green onions for a peppery, herbal spark. Bring it to the table immediately—this Spicy Southern Shrimp + Grits: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe is best enjoyed piping hot, when every bite is at its creamy, savory best.

How to Serve Spicy Southern Shrimp + Grits: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe

Garnishes

Classic Southern style is all about those fresh finishing touches. Scatter plenty of sliced green onions and freshly chopped parsley over each bowl so you get color, crunch, and a hit of herbal freshness in every bite. For an extra flourish, a dash more smoked paprika or a bit of crumbled, crispy bacon on top can really emphasize the flavors and make it beautiful to present.

Side Dishes

Spicy Southern Shrimp + Grits: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe is delightfully rich and filling, but if you want to round out your meal, consider serving it alongside a crisp mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette, tender roasted okra, or simple sautéed greens. These sides cut through the richness and add extra color and texture to the table, creating a meal that feels utterly special.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining, serve the grits in smaller cups or ramekins topped with a single shrimp for an elegant appetizer. Try layering the shrimp and grits parfait-style in glassware for a playful brunch treat. You can also set up a “toppings bar” with extras like hot sauce, extra cheese, or fried shallots for guests to customize their own bowls—a fun twist, especially for gatherings!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Spicy Southern Shrimp + Grits: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe, simply transfer the grits and shrimp to separate airtight containers. This helps keep the textures just right. The grits will thicken as they cool, which is completely normal, and both components can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze the cheese grits in a freezer-safe container for up to a month; just let them cool fully before sealing. While shrimp is best eaten fresh, you can freeze the shrimp mixture separately if needed, though the texture may be a little softer when thawed. Always label your containers, so you know when to pull out a Southern comfort classic whenever you crave it!

Reheating

To reheat, warm grits gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen them up—stir frequently until they’re creamy again. For the shrimp mixture, reheat in a skillet over medium heat until just warmed through. Avoid microwaving shrimp on high, as it can make them tough. When everything is hot, assemble just as before and dive in!

FAQs

Can I use quick or instant grits instead of stone-ground?

While you can use quick or instant grits for convenience, you just won’t get the same luscious texture or depth of flavor that stone-ground grits bring to Spicy Southern Shrimp + Grits: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe. If possible, seek out stone-ground; it’s worth the minimal extra effort!

What’s the best way to peel and devein shrimp?

Peeling is straightforward: just pinch off the shell starting at the legs, and pull it away. For deveining, gently slice along the back of the shrimp with a small knife and use the tip to lift out the vein. Rinse briefly under cold water—quick, easy, and so much fresher than prepped shrimp!

How spicy is this dish? Can I tone it down?

This Spicy Southern Shrimp + Grits: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe is definitely bold, but you’re in full control! Leave out or reduce the cayenne and go for a milder Cajun blend if you want less heat. You can also add a bit more cheese and milk to the grits for extra creaminess as a counterbalance.

What other proteins can I use?

While shrimp is classic, this dish absolutely welcomes andouille sausage, pan-seared scallops, or even grilled chicken. Mixing shrimp with andouille sausage gives an extra smoky, traditional Southern vibe that’s totally satisfying.

Can I make the grits ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the grits in advance and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, gently reheat with a generous splash of milk or broth, whisking until creamy. This means you can have Spicy Southern Shrimp + Grits: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe ready for dinner in minutes.

Final Thoughts

Trust me: Spicy Southern Shrimp + Grits: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe is the kind of meal that brings people together and leaves everyone craving one more bowl. Go ahead and give it a try—before you know it, this soulful dish could become your most-requested dinner ever!

Spicy Southern Shrimp + Grits: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate Southern comfort food with this spicy shrimp and grits recipe. Creamy, cheesy grits serve as the perfect base for perfectly seasoned shrimp in a flavorful sauce. This dish is a true taste of the South!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Grits:

4 cups chicken broth
1 cup stone-ground grits
1 cup whole milk
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
salt and black pepper to taste

For the Shrimp:

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
4 slices bacon, chopped
1 small onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup chicken broth
juice of 1/2 lemon
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
green onions, sliced, for garnish

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Instructions

Make the Grits: In a saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil. Stir in grits, reduce heat to low, and cook, stirring often, until thick and creamy (about 20–25 minutes). Stir in milk, butter, and cheddar cheese until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Keep warm.
Prepare the Shrimp: Toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper if using. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving drippings in the skillet. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened (about 4 minutes). Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly. Return shrimp and bacon to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
Assemble: Spoon creamy grits into bowls, top with shrimp mixture, and garnish with parsley and green onions. Serve immediately.