If you’ve ever wanted to bring the taste of the South right into your kitchen, this Authentic Southern Shrimp and Grits Recipe is your golden ticket. Creamy, cheesy grits paired with perfectly seasoned shrimp create a comforting and soul-satisfying dish that balances richness and spice in every bite. Warm, hearty, and bursting with flavor, this classic Southern meal is easier to make than you might think, and it’s sure to become a favorite whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests with a taste of Southern hospitality.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Authentic Southern Shrimp and Grits Recipe lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and creating the perfect texture — from the creamy grits to the savory, spiced shrimp.
- Stone-ground grits: The soul of the dish, providing a creamy, slightly coarse base that absorbs all the beautiful flavors.
- Chicken broth: Used instead of water to cook grits, adding a rich depth and savory background.
- Fresh shrimp: Peeled and deveined, these bring a delicate sweetness and tender bite.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Melts into the grits for a luscious, creamy texture and tangy punch.
- Butter (divided): Enhances the richness in both the grits and the shrimp for a comforting finish.
- Onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and a savory layering to the sautéed shrimp.
- Garlic, minced: Brings an aromatic depth that wakes up the flavors of the shrimp.
- Spices (smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper): This combo adds warmth, smokiness, and just the right kick to make the dish memorable.
- Green onions and parsley: Fresh garnishes that brighten the dish visually and in flavor.
How to Make Authentic Southern Shrimp and Grits Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Grits to Creamy Perfection
Start by bringing the chicken broth to a boil in a medium pot. Slowly whisk in the stone-ground grits to keep them smooth without lumps. Then lower the heat and let the grits simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally until they reach a creamy consistency. Finish by stirring in butter and sharp cheddar cheese, which melt into the grits, creating a silky, cheesy base that will complement the shrimp perfectly.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp with Aromatic Veggies and Spices
While the grits cook, heat the remaining butter in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until they turn translucent and fragrant. Then add the peeled, deveined shrimp to the skillet, sprinkling with your smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to bring that authentic spicy kick. Cook the shrimp until they turn pink and opaque, which only takes about 3-4 minutes — too long and they’ll get rubbery, so keep an eye on them!
Step 3: Assemble Your Authentic Southern Shrimp and Grits
To serve, ladle the creamy cheesy grits onto warm plates and top with the seasoned sautéed shrimp. Scatter fresh green onions and parsley on top to add a pop of color and freshness that balances the rich flavors. This plating invites everyone to enjoy a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
How to Serve Authentic Southern Shrimp and Grits Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes like chopped green onions and parsley make all the difference — they provide fresh, vibrant herbal notes and a burst of color that brings the dish to life. For an extra touch, sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika or a fine drizzle of hot sauce to personalize your plate just the way you like it.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own, but pairing it with a crisp, refreshing side like a simple green salad or sautéed collard greens gives great textural contrast. For a true Southern feast, a slice of crusty cornbread or garlic bread can round out the meal, soaking up any remaining juices.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the grits in a warm bowl topped extravagant style with sautéed shrimp, garnished with microgreens or edible flowers for gatherings. Alternatively, plate smaller portions as an appetizer with a skewer of shrimp on top for a party-friendly presentation that highlights this classic Southern dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover shrimp and grits store well in the fridge for up to 3 days, but keep them separate if possible since the grits can absorb liquid and become overly thick. Store shrimp in an airtight container to maintain their flavor and texture.
Freezing
While the creamy grits don’t freeze particularly well due to texture changes, you can freeze cooked shrimp on their own for up to 1 month. Be sure to thaw shrimp gently in the refrigerator before reheating to keep them tender.
Reheating
When reheating the grits, add a splash of milk or broth and warm slowly on the stove, stirring frequently for smoothness. For shrimp, a quick sauté in a hot pan or gentle warming in the microwave works best to avoid toughness.
FAQs
Can I use quick grits instead of stone-ground grits?
Quick grits cook faster but lack the texture and depth of flavor stone-ground grits provide. For the most authentic experience, stick with stone-ground, but quick grits work in a pinch.
What can I substitute if I don’t have sharp cheddar?
While sharp cheddar adds signature tang, you can try gouda, Monterey Jack, or even Parmesan for a different but delicious spin on the cheese component.
How spicy is this recipe?
The recipe offers a gentle warmth from cayenne and smoked paprika. You can easily adjust the heat by moderating these spices to suit your taste preference.
Can I make this vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth, use vegan butter and cheese, and replace shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or seasoned tofu for a plant-based twist.
Is it better to peel and devein shrimp before cooking?
Yes, peeling and deveining shrimp enhances the dish’s texture and ensures a cleaner, more pleasant eating experience.
Final Thoughts
This Authentic Southern Shrimp and Grits Recipe brings together simple ingredients in a way that creates a deeply satisfying, memorable dish. Whether you’re new to Southern cooking or revisiting a cherished classic, this recipe invites you to savor every bite, share the warmth, and celebrate the rich flavors of Southern hospitality. Grab your skillet and pot, and dive into this comforting feast — your taste buds will thank you!
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Authentic Southern Shrimp and Grits Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Authentic Southern Shrimp and Grits is a classic comforting dish featuring creamy, cheesy stone-ground grits topped with flavorful sautéed shrimp seasoned with smoked paprika and cayenne. Ready in just 30 minutes, this Southern staple is perfect for a hearty breakfast, brunch, or dinner, combining rich textures and bold spices in every bite.
Ingredients
Grits
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
Shrimp
- 1 lb fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Green onions, sliced
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the grits: In a medium pot, bring 4 cups of chicken broth to a boil over medium-high heat. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of stone-ground grits to prevent lumps. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally until the grits become creamy and tender.
- Finish the grits: Once the grits have thickened, stir in 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 cup of grated sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and incorporated for a rich, creamy texture. Adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
- Sauté the shrimp: While the grits are simmering, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onions turn translucent and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Cook the shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season with smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook the shrimp for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn pink and opaque, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Assemble and serve: Spoon the creamy grits onto plates, top with the sautéed shrimp mixture, and garnish with sliced green onions and chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use stone-ground grits for authentic texture and flavor; quick or instant grits will alter the dish’s consistency.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level for more or less heat.
- For extra richness, you can substitute some of the chicken broth with milk or cream when cooking the grits.
- Fresh herbs like thyme or smoked sausage slices can be added for variation.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
