Shrimp and Grits with Bacon and Green Onions

Introduction

Shrimp and Grits with Bacon and Green Onions is a true Southern classic that embodies warmth, comfort, and bold flavor. Originating from the coastal kitchens of the American South, this dish has evolved into a beloved staple, balancing rich, creamy grits with tender, juicy shrimp and the smoky crunch of bacon. The green onions add a burst of freshness that brightens the dish, while the combination of textures—smooth grits, crispy bacon, and succulent shrimp—creates a harmony that’s hard to resist.

It’s a recipe that feels both rustic and elegant, equally at home on a casual Sunday morning table or served as a highlight at a dinner gathering. This dish is not only satisfying but also deeply soulful, representing the essence of Southern hospitality in every bite.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it brings together everything I crave in comfort food—richness, flavor, and texture—in one bowl. The creamy grits are like a warm, velvety foundation that soaks up all the savory juices from the shrimp and bacon. The shrimp cook quickly and take on the smoky depth of the bacon and garlic, while the green onions add just the right amount of freshness to balance the richness.

It’s also a dish that feels special yet approachable. I love that it can be served as a cozy weeknight dinner or dressed up for brunch when I want to impress guests. For me, Shrimp and Grits with Bacon and Green Onions is the kind of meal that feels indulgent without being fussy—soul-satisfying, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it captures the heart of Southern cooking while remaining versatile enough for any kitchen. The combination of creamy, buttery grits and savory, smoky shrimp creates a balance that’s both comforting and indulgent. The addition of bacon and green onions elevates the flavors with just the right amount of crunch and freshness, making every bite layered and satisfying.

It’s also a dish that delivers on multiple levels:

Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.

Flavorful: Bold and savory with smoky, garlicky undertones.

Comforting: Creamy grits that warm you from the inside out.

Balanced: Fresh green onions brighten the rich flavors.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories (approx): 450–500 calories per serving

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: Southern American
• Course: Main Course / Brunch

Ingredients

For the Grits:

• 1 cup stone-ground grits (or quick-cooking grits for convenience)
• 4 cups chicken broth (or water)
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (optional, for cheesy grits)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Shrimp Topping:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 slices bacon, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (or smoked paprika + cayenne)
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Cook creamy grits until smooth and thickened.
2. Cook bacon until crispy, then remove and reserve.
3. Sauté shrimp in bacon drippings with garlic, seasoning, and lemon juice.
4. Stir butter into shrimp for richness.
5. Spoon grits into bowls, top with shrimp, bacon, and green onions.

Step-by-Step Recipe Method

Step 1: Cook the Grits

1. In a medium saucepan, bring chicken broth and milk to a boil.
2. Slowly whisk in grits to avoid lumps.
3. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring often, until thickened (20–25 minutes for stone-ground, 5–7 minutes for quick grits).
4. Stir in butter and cheese (if using), then season with salt and black pepper.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

1. In a large skillet, cook diced bacon over medium heat until crispy.
2. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving drippings in the skillet.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

1. Add shrimp to the skillet with bacon drippings.
2. Season with Cajun seasoning and cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
3. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
4. Stir in lemon juice and butter, tossing shrimp until coated.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

1. Spoon creamy grits into bowls.
2. Top with shrimp and spoon over buttery pan sauce.
3. Sprinkle crispy bacon, green onions, and parsley on top.

How to Serve This Recipe

• Serve in wide shallow bowls so the grits can soak up the shrimp sauce.
• Pair with cornbread, biscuits, or a simple green salad.
• A glass of iced tea, lemonade, or light white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc) complements this dish perfectly.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor, but frozen (thawed) works fine.
• Stir grits frequently to avoid lumps and sticking.
• Adjust seasoning with extra cayenne if you prefer it spicier.
• If grits thicken too much, loosen them with a splash of milk before serving.

Variations

• Cheesy Shrimp and Grits: Add extra cheddar or even Parmesan to the grits.
• Creamy Cajun Sauce: Stir in ½ cup heavy cream into the shrimp sauce for a richer topping.
• Seafood Twist: Use a mix of shrimp and scallops.
• Vegetable Addition: Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra flavor.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Grits don’t freeze well as they become grainy, but shrimp can be frozen separately for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat grits gently on the stovetop with added milk or broth to restore creaminess.

Special Equipment Needed

• Medium saucepan (for grits)
• Large skillet (for bacon and shrimp)
• Whisk (for lump-free grits)
• Slotted spoon (for bacon)

Conclusion

Shrimp and Grits with Bacon and Green Onions is a classic Southern comfort dish that’s rich, flavorful, and easy to prepare. Creamy, buttery grits serve as the perfect canvas for smoky bacon, savory shrimp, and fresh green onions. Whether for brunch, dinner, or a special family gathering, this recipe will impress and satisfy. Once you taste it, you’ll see why this Southern favorite is beloved around the world.