cheesy shrimp and grits recipe

The Best cheesy shrimp and grits recipe

I’m so excited to share this recipe with you, it’s one of my family’s favorite dishes and we’ve been making it for years. The dish is called shrimp and grits, and it’s a classic Southern American recipe that originated in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina. It’s a hearty, comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a quick weeknight dinner.

The key to this dish is the combination of tender shrimp, creamy grits, and a rich, cheesy sauce that all come together to create a truly satisfying flavor experience. My kids love helping me make this recipe, and they always get excited when they see the shrimp sizzling in the pan. We like to serve it with some crusty bread on the side to mop up all the delicious juices.

As for me, I love how easy this recipe is to make – it’s perfect for a busy weeknight when I don’t have a lot of time to cook. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love a good cheese sauce? It’s just one of those things that makes life better.

We’ve made this recipe so many times over the years, but it never gets old. In fact, my kids are now asking me to make it every week – I guess that’s what happens when you grow up on good food! I’ve tried making this recipe with different types of cheese, but my favorite is still good old cheddar.

There’s just something about the way the cheddar melts into the sauce that makes my heart happy. And don’t even get me started on the health benefits of this dish – shrimp is packed with protein and omega-3s, and grits are a great source of fiber and complex carbohydrates. Plus, you can customize this recipe to suit your dietary needs by using gluten-free bread or substituting in some veggies for added nutrition.

Cheesy Shrimp and Grits

4.8 from 1168 votes

A comforting Southern dish featuring creamy grits topped with savory shrimp in a rich, cheesy sauce. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Grits

2 cups stone-ground grits
8 cups water
1 tsp salt

For the Shrimp

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Cheese Sauce

2 cups heavy cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt

For Garnish

2 green onions, chopped
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring 8 cups of water to a boil in a large pot.
2Add 1 tsp salt.
3Gradually whisk in 2 cups of stone-ground grits.
4Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally until the grits are thick and creamy.
5The grits should coat the back of a spoon.
6In a separate skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
7Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
8Add 1 lb of shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque.
9Sprinkle with 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
10Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
11In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
12Whisk in 1 tbsp all-purpose flour to make a roux.
13Cook for 1-2 minutes until the roux turns light brown.
14Gradually whisk in 2 cups of heavy cream.
15Cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
16Add 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
17Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
18Season with 1/2 tsp salt.
19Divide the cooked grits among 4 plates.
20Top each serving with an equal portion of the shrimp.
21Pour the cheese sauce over the shrimp and grits.
22Garnish with chopped green onions and fresh parsley.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Skillet
Wooden spoon
Colander

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: For extra heat, add more cayenne pepper to the shrimp. To make this dish vegetarian, substitute the shrimp with sautéed bell peppers and onions.

Watch Video Of How Cheesy Shrimp and Grits Works

This cheesy shrimp and grits recipe is always a hit at our house – whether we’re serving it up at a family gathering or just enjoying it as a quick weeknight dinner. One thing I love about this recipe is how versatile it is – you can customize it to suit your dietary needs by using gluten-free bread or substituting in some veggies for added nutrition.

Plus, it’s just so easy to make! Simply cook up some shrimp and grits according to package instructions, then stir in some cheese until it’s melted and bubbly.

Serve it up over some crusty bread or rice – either way, you’ll be sure to please your family and friends.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Shrimp and Grits

Q: What type of shrimp should I use for this recipe?

A: For this recipe, you’ll want to use large shrimp that have been peeled and deveined. You can either buy them pre-peeled or peel them yourself – whichever is easier for you! If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them first before cooking.

Q: Can I use any type of cheese in this recipe?

A: While you can experiment with different types of cheese, my favorite is still good old cheddar. The sharpness of the cheddar pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the shrimp and the richness of the grits.

Q: How do I keep my grits from becoming too sticky?

A: To prevent your grits from becoming too sticky, make sure to cook them according to package instructions and then stir in some butter or oil before adding in any other ingredients.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes! You can prepare all the ingredients ahead of time and store them in separate containers in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

Q: What if I don’t have any cream or half-and-half on hand?

A: No problem! You can substitute heavy cream or half-and-half with milk or even water if needed – just keep in mind that your sauce might not be as rich and creamy.

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