Get ready to spice up your breakfast or brunch game with these 18 mouth-watering shrimp and grits recipes, all with a Southern twist! Grits are a staple in many parts of the country, particularly in the South, where they’re often served alongside savory ingredients like shrimp. And when you add a kick of heat from spices, hot sauce, or peppers, you’ve got a dish that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates.
In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through the South, highlighting the rich flavors and textures that make these dishes so beloved. From Cajun-style shrimp and cheesy grits to smoky bacon shrimp and jalapeño grits, each recipe is packed with flavor and sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re looking for a hearty breakfast or a satisfying brunch, we’ve got you covered.
Stay tuned for the full list of recipes!
Cajun shrimp and cheesy grits
Cajun Shrimp and Cheesy Grits Recipe
Experience the bold flavors of Louisiana with this spicy shrimp and cheesy grits recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup cooked grits
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and Cajun seasoning; cook until pink and just done, about 2-3 minutes per side.
2. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the heavy cream and stir to combine with any remaining butter and spices.
3. Bring the cream mixture to a simmer and let cook for 1-2 minutes or until slightly thickened.
4. Stir in the cooked grits and shredded cheddar cheese until well combined and heated through.
5. Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet; season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Garlic butter shrimp with creamy grits
Experience the perfect blend of savory and comforting flavors with this indulgent dish that combines succulent shrimp, rich garlic butter, and creamy grits. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup stone-ground grits
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook grits according to package instructions using 4 cups water and a pinch of salt.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through.
4. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
5. Serve shrimp on top of creamy grits, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spicy Creole shrimp and stone-ground grits
Experience the bold flavors of Louisiana with this spicy shrimp and stone-ground grits recipe, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh scallions, for garnish
– 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Tabasco), optional
Instructions:
1. Cook the grits according to package instructions using chicken broth instead of water.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Add shrimp and cook until pink and fully cooked, about 2-3 minutes per side.
5. Serve shrimp over hot grits and garnish with scallions. Add hot sauce if desired.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Smoky bacon shrimp and jalapeño grits
A spicy twist on a Southern classic, this recipe combines the flavors of smoky bacon, succulent shrimp, and creamy grits with a kick from jalapeños.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 6 slices of smoky bacon, diced
– 2 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: cheddar cheese for serving
Instructions:
1. Cook the grits according to package instructions using chicken broth instead of water.
2. In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Add the chopped jalapeños to the same skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until tender.
4. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink and fully cooked, about 2-3 minutes per side.
5. Stir in the cooked grits, butter, salt, and pepper.
6. Combine the cooked bacon and shrimp mixture into the grits and stir until well combined.
7. Serve immediately, topped with optional cheddar cheese.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Blackened shrimp with Parmesan grits
This Blackened shrimp with Parmesan grits recipe is a Southern-inspired twist on classic comfort food. The spicy kick from the blackening seasoning pairs perfectly with the rich, creamy Parmesan grits.
Ingredients:
– 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon blackening seasoning
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions:
1. Cook grits according to package instructions using water or broth.
2. In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and blackening seasoning; cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
3. Stir in paprika and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Combine cooked grits with Parmesan cheese and butter; stir until smooth.
5. Serve blackened shrimp over Parmesan grits.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Low-country shrimp and grits with andouille sausage
This classic Southern dish combines the flavors of spicy sausage, succulent shrimp, and creamy grits. A hearty breakfast or brunch option that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/2 cup stone-ground grits
– 4 cups water
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/2 cup diced Andouille sausage
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. Cook grits according to package instructions using 4 cups of water.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink and fully cooked, about 2-3 minutes per side.
5. Stir in cooked grits, salt, and pepper.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Chipotle shrimp and cheddar grits
Elevate your breakfast game with this bold and flavorful dish, combining the smoky heat of chipotle peppers with succulent shrimp and creamy cheddar grits.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 4 cups water
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook grits according to package instructions using 4 cups of water and butter. Stir in cheddar cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook until pink and fully cooked, about 2-3 minutes per side.
3. Add chopped chipotle peppers to the skillet with shrimp and stir to combine. Cook for an additional minute.
4. Serve shrimp and chipotle mixture over warm grits. Garnish with cilantro leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Lemon garlic shrimp with goat cheese grits
Elevate your comfort food game with this creamy, citrusy, and indulgently rich dish that combines succulent shrimp, tangy goat cheese grits, and a zesty lemon garlic sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 lemons, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)
– 1 cup goat cheese crumbles
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook grits according to package instructions with heavy cream, salt, and pepper.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until pink and cooked through.
4. Stir in lemon juice and cook for an additional minute.
5. Serve shrimp atop goat cheese grits, garnished with parsley or chives.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Barbecue shrimp and smoked Gouda grits
Savor the rich flavors of the South with this mouthwatering combination of succulent barbecue shrimp and creamy smoked Gouda grits.
Ingredients:
For the Shrimp:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon barbecue sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the Grits:
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 4 cups water or milk
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/4 cup smoked Gouda cheese, grated
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a large skillet, sauté garlic and shrimp in olive oil until pink and cooked through.
3. Add barbecue sauce and stir to combine; season with salt and pepper.
4. Cook grits according to package instructions.
5. Stir in butter, smoked Gouda cheese, and salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (includes cooking time for grits)
Old Bay shrimp and creamy polenta-style grits
A flavorful fusion of spicy shrimp and creamy polenta-style grits, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 2 cups water
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring the water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Gradually whisk in the grits and reduce heat to low. Cook, covered, for 20-25 minutes or until creamy and tender.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and sprinkle with Old Bay seasoning. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until pink and cooked through.
3. Stir in the heavy cream to the grits and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
4. Serve the shrimp on top of the creamy grits, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Caribbean jerk shrimp with coconut grits
Experience the bold flavors of the Caribbean with this mouthwatering dish that combines succulent shrimp with a spicy jerk seasoning and creamy coconut grits.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup coconut milk
– 1/2 cup stone-ground grits
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped scallions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together jerk seasoning and olive oil.
3. Add shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the jerk mixture.
4. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add shrimp. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until pink and cooked through.
5. While the shrimp is cooking, prepare the grits by combining coconut milk and stone-ground grits in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 10-12 minutes or until creamy and tender.
6. Serve the shrimp on top of the coconut grits, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Bourbon-glazed shrimp and brown butter grits
Elevate your brunch game with this decadent combination of sweet and savory flavors. Bourbon-glazed shrimp pairs perfectly with creamy brown butter grits.
Ingredients:
For the shrimp:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons bourbon whiskey
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the grits:
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 4 cups water
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together bourbon, honey, mustard, and red pepper flakes.
3. Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat with the glaze. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Cook the grits according to package instructions. Stir in butter until melted and season with salt.
5. Bake the shrimp for 8-10 minutes or until pink and cooked through.
6. Serve the shrimp on top of the brown butter grits.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Thai chili shrimp and cilantro-lime grits
This recipe combines the bold flavors of Thai chili shrimp with the creamy comfort of cilantro-lime grits, creating a unique and delicious meal.
Ingredients:
For the Thai Chili Shrimp:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1/4 cup Thai red curry paste
– 1/2 cup coconut milk
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
For the Cilantro-Lime Grits:
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 4 cups water
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the grits according to package instructions.
2. In a separate pan, heat oil and sauté garlic, ginger, and curry paste until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp and cook until pink and fully cooked.
4. Stir in coconut milk and season with salt and pepper.
5. Combine cooked grits with melted butter, lime juice, and chopped cilantro.
6. Serve the Thai chili shrimp over the cilantro-lime grits.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Creole tomato shrimp and spicy grits
Experience the bold flavors of Louisiana with this mouthwatering Creole tomato shrimp dish served over spicy grits. A perfect blend of succulent seafood, tangy tomatoes, and creamy cornmeal porridge will leave you craving for more.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup Creole tomato sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 cups cooked grits (see note)
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook shrimp according to package instructions; set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened.
3. Add Creole tomato sauce and paprika; stir well.
4. Add cooked shrimp and season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve shrimp mixture over cooked grits.
6. Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese on top (if using).
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes.
Truffle shrimp and mascarpone grits
Truffle Shrimp and Mascarpone Grits Recipe
Elevate your breakfast game with this decadent truffle shrimp and mascarpone grits recipe, perfect for a special occasion or brunch.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
- 1/4 cup truffle oil
- 1 cup grits
- 2 cups water or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove shrimp from skillet; set aside. If using white wine, add to skillet and cook until reduced by half.
- Add truffle oil to skillet and stir to combine.
- In a medium saucepan, bring grits and water or broth to a boil; reduce heat to low and simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until creamy.
- Stir in mascarpone cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve shrimp over grits and garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: About 30 minutes
Bacon-wrapped shrimp with blue cheese grits
Elevate your seafood game with this decadent dish featuring succulent shrimp wrapped in crispy bacon and served atop creamy blue cheese grits.
Ingredients:
– 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 2 cups water or shrimp broth
– 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
– 2 tablespoons butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together grits and water/shrimp broth. Cook according to package instructions.
3. Meanwhile, wrap each shrimp with a slice of bacon, securing with a toothpick if needed.
4. Place the bacon-wrapped shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until bacon is crispy.
5. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in crumbled blue cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve the bacon-wrapped shrimp atop the blue cheese grits.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pesto shrimp and sun-dried tomato grits
Elevate your brunch game with this creamy, flavorful dish that combines succulent shrimp with a rich pesto sauce and comforting sun-dried tomato grits.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup freshly made pesto
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the grits according to package instructions using 2 cups of water or broth.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add the shrimp and cook until pink and fully cooked, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Stir in the pesto sauce and cook for an additional minute.
5. Combine the cooked grits with the sun-dried tomatoes and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve the shrimp on top of the grits and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Maple-glazed shrimp and sage-infused grits
Elevate your breakfast or brunch game with this sweet and savory combination of maple-glazed shrimp and sage-infused grits.
Ingredients:
For the Maple-Glazed Shrimp:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sage-Infused Grits:
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 4 cups water
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 sprigs of fresh sage, chopped
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together maple syrup, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the glaze.
4. Place the glazed shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 8-10 minutes or until pink and cooked through.
5. Cook grits according to package instructions. Stir in butter, chopped sage, and salt to taste.
6. Serve maple-glazed shrimp over sage-infused grits.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Get ready to spice up your brunch game with these 18 mouth-watering shrimp and grits recipes! From classic Southern dishes like Cajun shrimp and cheesy grits, to international twists like Caribbean jerk shrimp with coconut grits, there’s something for every palate. These recipes combine succulent shrimp with creamy, cheesy, or spicy grits for a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more. Whether you’re in the mood for smoky bacon, bold spices, or tangy citrus, these shrimp and grits combinations have got you covered.