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+ servings
Plated cheesy shrimp and grits.
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5 from 4 votes

Cheesy Grits and Shrimp with Bacon

Creamy, Cheesy Grits and Shrimp is the cuddle food of your dreams. Cream cheese, bacon and cheddar, oh my. Easy southern 20 minute dinner.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
0 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 5
Calories: 484kcal

Ingredients

For the Grits:

  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup quick 5 minute grits
  • 2 oz cream cheese (may use full fat or ⅓ fat)
  • 1 cup grated colby jack or cheddar cheese see note

For the Bacon and Shrimp:

  • 6 slices bacon (or more)
  • 2 Tablespoons butter
  • 1 small yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 Tablespoon minced garlic (2-3 cloves)
  • 1 lb raw shrimp, rinsed and patted dry (peeled,deveined) tail off optional
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • optional, fresh ground pepper to taste

Instructions

For the Grits

  • In a pot, bring chicken broth to a boil. Stir in quick grits, reduce heat and simmer until water is absorbed and grits are soft and cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
    4 cups chicken broth, 1 cup quick 5 minute grits
  • Add cream cheese and grated sharp cheddar cheese, stir until combined.
    2 oz cream cheese, 1 cup grated colby jack or cheddar cheese

For the Bacon and Shrimp:

  • In a skillet, fry bacon until crispy, turning occasionally until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain slices on paper towels. Chop into bite sized pieces.
    6 slices bacon
  • Clean skillet and melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and minced garlic, cooking until soft and beginning to brown, 5-7 minutes.
    2 Tablespoons butter, 1 small yellow onion, chopped, 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
  • Add shrimp and cayenne pepper and cook until pink and opaque, 3-4 minutes.
    1 lb raw shrimp, rinsed and patted dry, ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • In a large serving dish or individually, layer grits, then shrimp and onion mixture, and sprinkle with chopped bacon. Add fresh ground pepper to taste.
    optional, fresh ground pepper to taste

Notes

Grate your own cheese for the best results, using pre-grated cheese can result in grainier tasting grits due to the anti-caking additives most pre-shredded cheese brands have in them. 

Nutrition

Calories: 484kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 199mg | Sodium: 534mg | Potassium: 583mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 553IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 256mg | Iron: 1mg