Shrimp and grits has always felt like comfort food with a little swagger. It is cozy, yes, but it also has personality. This version leans into that feeling, rich grits underneath and bold, saucy shrimp on top, all coming together faster than you would expect.
I love recipes like this because they feel generous without being fussy. You can make it on a busy weeknight, or stretch it into a lazy weekend brunch and no one feels shortchanged. It is familiar food, but it still feels special every time.
What really sold me on this approach is the speed. Once the chopping is done, the rest moves quickly and with purpose. Everything lands on the plate hot, creamy, and full of flavor, exactly how shrimp and grits should be.
Ingredients Needed for the Recipe
- Low-sodium chicken stock – used to cook the grits and build a flavorful sauce.
- Quick cook grits – the base of the dish, soft and creamy without long cooking time.
- Pepper jack cheese – adds a gentle heat and smooth melt to the grits.
- Sharp cheddar cheese – brings depth and that classic cheesy richness.
- Mascarpone cheese – makes the grits extra silky and comforting.
- Butter – used in both the grits and the skillet for richness.
- Kosher salt and black pepper – to season every layer properly.
- Olive oil – helps sear the shrimp without burning the butter.
- Jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined – the star of the dish, tender and juicy.
- Cajun seasoning – gives the shrimp warmth, spice, and personality.
- Bacon – adds smoky crunch and a savory backbone to the sauce.
- Onion – brings sweetness and balance once softened.
- Red bell pepper – adds color and a mild, fresh bite.
- Jalapeño – for a subtle heat that lingers but does not overpower.
- Tomato paste – deepens the sauce and ties everything together.
- Hot sauce – optional, but great for adjusting heat to your taste.
- Fresh lemon juice – brightens the dish right at the end.
- Green onions – a fresh finish with light crunch.
Before cooking, I like to get everything prepped and lined up. Chopped vegetables in one area, shrimp seasoned and ready, cheese grated and waiting. It sounds simple, but this little step keeps the cooking calm and smooth.
Quick cook grits are a favorite here because they move fast and still turn out creamy. If you only have slower grits, they will work too, just plan for a longer cook time and a little extra patience.
How to make ?
Step 1 – Start the Grits
Bring three cups of the chicken stock to a boil in a saucepan. Slowly stir in the grits, keeping the motion steady so they do not clump. Let them return to a boil and cook for a few minutes until thickened.
Lower the heat and stir in the pepper jack, cheddar, and mascarpone. Keep stirring gently until everything melts together and the grits look glossy and smooth.
Step 2 – Finish and Hold the Grits
Add two tablespoons of butter to the grits and season with salt and pepper. Taste here, because this is your foundation and it should be flavorful on its own.
Once seasoned, cover the pot and keep it warm on low heat. Stir occasionally so the bottom stays soft and creamy.
Step 3 – Heat the Extra Stock
In a small saucepan, warm the remaining chicken stock until hot. This will be used to build the sauce later, and having it ready keeps everything moving.
Do not skip this step. Adding cold liquid to a hot pan can slow things down and dull the flavors.
Step 4 – Sear the Shrimp
Heat olive oil and the remaining butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper, coating them evenly.
Add the shrimp to the hot pan in a single layer and cook briefly on each side. They should just turn opaque before you remove them and set them aside.
Step 5 – Build the Sauce Base
In the same skillet, add the chopped bacon and let it begin to crisp. Toss in the onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño, seasoning lightly as they cook.
Cook until the vegetables soften and pick up a little color. This step adds a lot of depth, so let it happen naturally without rushing.
Step 6 – Finish the Sauce
Stir in the tomato paste and cook it for a minute until it darkens slightly. Pour in the hot stock and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
Add hot sauce to taste, then return the shrimp and any juices back into the skillet. Let everything simmer until the shrimp are just cooked through.
Step 7 – Brighten and Serve
Finish the sauce with fresh lemon juice and a final taste for seasoning. Adjust salt or heat if needed.
Spoon the shrimp and sauce generously over the warm grits and sprinkle with sliced green onions before serving.
Tips
- Season in layers, especially the grits, so nothing tastes flat.
- Do not overcook the shrimp, they finish cooking in the sauce.
- Warm stock makes a smoother, faster sauce.
- Taste before serving and adjust with lemon or hot sauce.
- Keep the grits warm and stir occasionally to maintain texture.
Cheese and Flavor Variations
One of my favorite things about shrimp and grits is how flexible the cheese situation can be. If pepper jack feels too spicy, swap in Monterey jack or Colby jack for a softer profile.
Cream cheese works beautifully in place of mascarpone and gives the grits a familiar tang. I have mixed cheeses more times than I can count, and it almost always works out.
You can also play with the seasoning. A little smoked paprika or garlic powder in the shrimp adds another layer without changing the soul of the dish.
Serving and Leftover Ideas
This dish is best served hot and fresh, right when the grits are at their creamiest. I like bringing the skillet to the table and letting everyone spoon their own.
If you have leftovers, store the shrimp and grits separately if possible. Reheat the grits gently with a splash of stock and warm the shrimp just until heated through.
Shrimp and grits may be rooted in tradition, but it is the kind of food that adapts to your kitchen and your mood. That is what keeps me coming back to it, again and again.
Shrimp and Grits Recipe
Description
You'll love this speedy version of the Southern classic—creamy, cheesy grits topped with Cajun-spiced shrimp, bacon, and a savory vegetable medley. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, weekend brunches, or even Mardi Gras celebrations!
ingredients
Instructions
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In a saucepan, bring 3 cups of the chicken stock to a boil. Slowly stir in the grits. Return to a boil and cook for 3 to 4 minutes.
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Turn down the heat and stir in the pepper jack, cheddar, and mascarpone. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in 2 tablespoons of the butter, season with salt and pepper to taste, and keep warm.
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In a separate saucepan, heat the remaining 2 cups of stock until hot.
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Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil and remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Season the shrimp with the Cajun seasoning and some salt and pepper. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, then remove and set aside.The shrimp will finish cooking in the sauce.
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Add the bacon, onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño to the skillet and season with a little more salt and pepper. Cook over high heat until beginning to brown, about 3 minutes.
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Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the hot stock and add hot sauce to taste.
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Return the shrimp to the skillet with any accumulated juices. Cook until the shrimp are just cooked through, another 2 minutes. Add the lemon juice and season with more salt and pepper.
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To serve, spoon the shrimp and sauce over the grits and top with sliced green onions.Optional: Add a few dashes of Cholula hot sauce for extra flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
Serving Size 1 serving (approx. 3 oz shrimp + â…” cup grits)
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 470kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 32.4g50%
- Saturated Fat 18g90%
- Trans Fat 0.5g
- Cholesterol 185mg62%
- Sodium 631mg27%
- Potassium 420mg12%
- Total Carbohydrate 22g8%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 3g
- Protein 28g57%
- Calcium 25 mg
- Iron 10 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Want it lighter? Skip the bacon and use olive oil; swap mascarpone for low-fat cream cheese.
- No quick grits? Use stone-ground grits—but note they’ll take longer to cook (30–45 min).
- Cheese swaps: Any combo of cheddar, colby jack, gouda, or monterey jack works great.
- Make it spicy: Leave seeds in the jalapeño or add extra cayenne to the Cajun rub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the grits and shrimp mixture separately up to a day ahead. Reheat gently—add a splash of stock to the grits if they thicken too much.
Are grits gluten-free?
Plain grits are naturally gluten-free, but always check the package for cross-contamination warnings if you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.