If you are on the lookout for that perfect, comforting Southern dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Creamy Shrimp and Grits with Bacon and Green Onions Recipe. This dish brilliantly balances the rich creaminess of cheesy grits with tender, flavorful shrimp, aromatics, and the irresistible crunch of crispy bacon. The bright pop of green onions adds freshness that makes every bite sing. Whether you’re cooking a special weekend brunch or an impressive dinner for friends, this recipe promises layers of texture and bursts of savory goodness that will keep everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role — from the creamy foundation of grits to the seasoning and zest that bring the shrimp to life. The ingredients are wonderfully simple but come together to create a dish packed with flavor, texture, and color that feels both homey and sophisticated.
- 4 cups water: The base for cooking grits, ensuring they stay light and fluffy without becoming too thick.
- 1 cup old fashioned grits: Provides that signature Southern texture and heartiness; slow-cooked for maximum creaminess.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavor of the grits and shrimp without overpowering them.
- 2 ounces cream cheese: Adds luscious richness and a velvety texture to the grits.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Boosts the savory depth and adds a smooth finish to the grits.
- 4 slices bacon (chopped): Crisped to perfection for a smoky crunch that pairs beautifully with the shrimp.
- 5 green onions (thinly sliced): Offers a fresh, peppery bite that cuts through the richness.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the shrimp and sauce with fragrant, garlicky warmth.
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined): The star protein that soaks up all the luscious flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Seasoning to enhance the shrimp’s natural taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle spicy kick to balance the dish.
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the shrimp sauce, making it silky and luxurious.
- 1 cup chicken or seafood broth: Forms the flavorful base of the sauce that brings everything together.
- Juice of 1 lemon: Injects a bright citrus note that livens up the richness.
- Hot sauce: A few dashes for that perfect tangy heat to make your taste buds dance.
How to Make Creamy Shrimp and Grits with Bacon and Green Onions Recipe
Step 1: Make the Grits
Begin by bringing the water to a rapid boil in a large pot, seasoning it with salt to build flavor right into the grits. Slowly whisk in your old-fashioned grits, preventing lumps and creating a smooth texture that’s essential to the dish’s soul. Lower the heat and let them gently simmer, stirring often until they’re tender and creamy—patience here pays off beautifully.
Step 2: Enrich the Grits
Once the grits have reached the ideal thickness, stir in the cream cheese and butter chunks while the heat is still low. This step transforms the grits from simple to luxuriously creamy, giving each bite a silky mouthfeel that melds perfectly with the shrimp topping.
Step 3: Cook the Bacon and Prepare Aromatics
While the grits are simmering, crisp the chopped bacon in a skillet over medium heat until golden and crunchy. Don’t discard the rendered bacon grease; it will lend a smoky depth to your dish. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon, and keep about two tablespoons of that flavorful grease to cook the green onions and garlic.
Step 4: Sauté Green Onions and Garlic
In the reserved bacon grease, sauté the thinly sliced green onions for a few minutes until they soften and become fragrant. Toss in the minced garlic and cook just until you can smell its warm, inviting aroma. These ingredients build a delicate yet flavorful base that complements the shrimp to come.
Step 5: Cook the Shrimp
Season your peeled and deveined shrimp evenly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add them to the skillet in a single layer, cooking until they turn that perfect rosy pink and are just firm to the bite. Resist overcooking, as the shrimp will continue to cook slightly in the sauce. Remove shrimp to the plate with the cooked bacon pieces for now.
Step 6: Make the Sauce and Combine
Whisk the all-purpose flour into your choice of broth, then pour this mixture into the skillet, scraping up any delicious browned bits stuck to the pan. Simmer the sauce until thickened to a luscious consistency, then stir in fresh lemon juice and a few dashes of hot sauce for brightness and heat. Gently fold the shrimp back into the skillet, coating them in the flavorful sauce. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 7: Assemble the Dish
Spoon generous portions of the creamy grits onto plates or bowls, then ladle the shrimp and sauce over the top. Scatter the crispy bacon pieces and extra sliced green onions for that irresistible finishing touch, and serve immediately to enjoy this comforting wonder in its full glory.
How to Serve Creamy Shrimp and Grits with Bacon and Green Onions Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly sliced green onions add a lively crunch and vibrant color to the dish, while crispy bacon pieces contribute a smoky, salty contrast to the creamy grits. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few dashes of hot sauce on top can elevate your serving with fresh herbal notes and an extra kick of spice.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Shrimp and Grits with Bacon and Green Onions Recipe stands magnificently on its own, but if you’re craving a bit more, consider pairing it with a simple arugula salad tossed with a light lemon vinaigrette or some roasted seasonal vegetables. Both options bring brightness and balance to the plate without overwhelming the star flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant touch, serve the grits in shallow bowls and arrange the shrimp and sauce artfully on top, garnished with crispy bacon and a swirl of fresh herbs. You can also deconstruct the dish slightly for a party by serving creamy grits in small cups with shrimp and garnishes on mini skewers. It’s a fun, interactive way to enjoy this classic Southern comfort food.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store leftover creamy grits and shrimp separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keeping them separate helps maintain the texture of both components and prevents the grits from soaking up too much sauce and becoming mushy.
Freezing
The shrimp and sauce can be frozen for up to 2 months, but grits don’t freeze as well because their texture may become grainy when thawed. For the best experience, freeze only the shrimp mixture and prepare fresh grits when ready to eat.
Reheating
Reheat the shrimp and sauce gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. For the grits, warm them in a saucepan with a splash of water or milk, stirring until creamy again. This will restore some of their original richness and softness.
FAQs
Can I use quick-cooking grits instead of old fashioned?
Quick-cooking grits will work in a pinch, but they don’t develop the same luscious texture and slow-cooked creaminess. For the best results and authentic mouthfeel, old fashioned grits are highly recommended for this recipe.
What kind of shrimp should I buy?
Large shrimp that are peeled and deveined are ideal because they cook quickly and evenly. Fresh or frozen shrimp both work well; just thaw frozen shrimp in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
Is there a substitute for bacon?
If you prefer a bacon alternative, smoked turkey bacon or pancetta are excellent options. They provide a similar smoky, salty element that complements the dish perfectly.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To keep it dairy-free, substitute the cream cheese and butter with coconut cream or a creamy plant-based spread. The grits will still be rich but with a slightly different flavor profile.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat level depends on how much hot sauce you add. Feel free to start with just a few dashes and adjust according to your spice tolerance. The dish is meant to have a gentle kick that enhances the flavors without overpowering them.
Final Thoughts
Diving into this Creamy Shrimp and Grits with Bacon and Green Onions Recipe is like inviting pure Southern comfort into your kitchen. Every creamy, savory mouthful brings joy and satisfaction, making it an absolute must-try if you crave a hearty, flavorful dish with a touch of indulgence. I can’t wait for you to experience the magic of these layers — warm grits, perfectly cooked shrimp, smoky bacon, and zingy green onions — all coming together in one glorious plate. So grab your apron and treat yourself to something truly special tonight!
Print
Creamy Shrimp and Grits with Bacon and Green Onions Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
Classic Southern Shrimp and Grits recipe featuring creamy, cheesy grits topped with savory shrimp cooked in a flavorful bacon-garlic sauce. This comforting dish is perfect for a hearty breakfast, brunch, or dinner and comes together in about 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Grits
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup old fashioned grits
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 ounces cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Shrimp and Sauce
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 5 green onions, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken or seafood broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Hot sauce, to taste
Instructions
- Make the Grits: Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a large pot, then add 1 teaspoon of salt. Slowly whisk in 1 cup of old fashioned grits to prevent lumps. Reduce the heat to low and loosely cover the pot. Simmer, stirring frequently, for 20 to 25 minutes until the grits reach your desired tenderness and consistency.
- Add Cream Cheese and Butter: Cut 2 ounces of cream cheese and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter into chunks and stir them into the hot grits until fully melted and combined, resulting in rich, creamy grits.
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 4 slices of chopped bacon until crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set on paper towels. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pan, discarding the rest or saving it for another use. Increase the heat to medium-high.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add 5 thinly sliced green onions to the skillet with the bacon grease and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Shrimp: Season 1 pound of peeled and deveined large shrimp with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Add the shrimp to the skillet, adding more bacon grease if needed. Cook shrimp for about 3 minutes until pink and nearly cooked through. Remove shrimp and bacon from the pan and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour with 1 cup of chicken or seafood broth until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet, scraping the bottom to loosen any browned bits. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens, about 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the juice of 1 lemon and a few dashes of hot sauce.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately by spooning the shrimp and sauce over the creamy grits. Top with the crispy bacon pieces and additional sliced green onions if desired.
Notes
- Use old fashioned grits for best texture; quick-cooking grits will alter consistency.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce depending on your spice preference.
- Save extra bacon grease for additional flavor in other dishes.
- For a lower fat version, drain excess bacon grease and reduce butter usage in grits.
- Seafood broth enhances shrimp flavor but chicken broth works well as a substitute.
