Southern Skillet Shrimp and Cheesy Grits
This Southern classic features tender sautéed shrimp in a spicy butter sauce served over creamy, cheesy grits. Ready in under an hour, it's a comforting dinner that blends rich flavors and a smooth texture.
Ingredients
Check ingredients as you go.
- Shrimp and Sauce
- Grits
- Garnish
Let’s make it
Grits
Bring water and whole milk to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Gradually whisk in the grits and a pinch of salt. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently, stirring frequently, until thick and creamy, about 15 minutes.
Grits
Remove the grits saucepan from heat. Stir in butter and shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and combined. Cover to keep warm.
Shrimp and Sauce
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and cook until crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving bacon fat in the skillet.
Shrimp and Sauce
Add minced garlic to the skillet with bacon fat and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Shrimp and Sauce
Add the peeled shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp are pink and opaque. Do not overcook.
Shrimp and Sauce
Add butter and fresh lemon juice to the skillet. Stir shrimp and sauce to coat evenly and blend flavors. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
Serving
To serve, spoon creamy cheddar grits onto plates and top with skillet shrimp and sauce. Sprinkle cooked bacon and sliced green onion over the top as garnish if desired.
Tips & notes
For best flavor, use fresh shrimp and freshly shredded cheddar cheese. Adjust cayenne pepper amount to control the spiciness. Stir grits often to prevent lumps and sticking. Let the shrimp rest a minute off heat before serving for juicier texture.
Saving it for later
Refrigerate leftover shrimp and grits in airtight containers within 2 hours. Consume within 3 days. Grits may thicken; reheat gently with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Reheating
Reheat shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking. Warm grits on the stovetop or microwave with a little milk added, stirring to restore creaminess. Heat until steaming hot.
