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Amazing Southern Shrimp and Grits with Bacon

Shrimp and Grits with Bacon

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A classic Southern comfort food dish, this shrimp and grits recipe features smoky bacon, creamy cheesy grits, and perfectly seasoned shrimp. It’s a hearty and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 cup stone-ground grits
  • 4 cups milk
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the skillet.
  2. While the bacon is cooking, bring the milk and chicken broth to a simmer in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  3. Gradually whisk in the grits. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the grits are tender and creamy.
  4. Stir in the cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and butter until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Keep warm.
  5. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Toss the shrimp in the seasoning mixture.
  6. Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet with the bacon drippings. Cook over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through.
  7. Spoon the cheesy grits into bowls. Top with the seasoned shrimp and crumbled bacon. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, add a splash of hot sauce to the grits.
  • You can substitute half-and-half for some of the milk for richer grits.
  • Feel free to add other seasonings to the shrimp, such as onion powder or a pinch of dried thyme.

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