Perfect this downhome comfort food meal with four of the BEST creamy shrimp and grits recipes we’ve ever had! You have to try these delicious variations on this classic Southern dish.

white bowl filled with creamy grits topped with juicy shrimp, crunchy bacon, and fresh green onions. Text overlay "4 ways to make shrimp and grits"

 

Shrimp and Grits is a southern staple that nourishes, tastes delicious, and can be enjoyed in a variety of different ways. It’s like the little black dress of coastal cuisine; We love it no matter the time of day, it fits the vibe no matter the season, and we can dress it up or down depending on the occasion.

Because it’s so perfect, one is never enough. I have FOUR recipes to share with you! We play with different ingredients, textures, and flavor profiles while still keeping the key details the same: The grits are ultra creamy, and the shrimp is always juicy.

For the traditionalists: Shrimp and Creamy, Cheesy Grits

cheddar cheese grits topped with buttery shrimp, crunchy bacon, and chopped green onions in a blue bowl

This is the perfect basic shrimp and grits recipe with the classic mixture of succulent shrimp, crunchy bacon, and fresh green onions on top. It’s given that balanced blend of salty and peppery flavor with the addition of Old Bay seasoning. Extra sharp cheddar cheese gives the creamy grits amazing flavor as well. Everyone would be overjoyed to have this served at a brunch in Georgia!

For the meat lovers: Andouille Sausage Jerk Shrimp and Cheddar Grits

a white shallow bowl full of creamy cheddar grits, topped with juicy andouille sausage, jerk shrimp, and fresh green onions
a fork holding a juicy, succulent shrimp with cheddar grits over a bowl with andouille sausage

Take your tastebuds to the Bayou for this super filling take on our favorite dish! Spicy andouille sausage is the ideal addition to the juicy shrimp seasoned with a jerk blend and our favorite creamy, cheesy grits. This is a great way to pack more protein into the meal, and that Cajun flavor ensures this is a huge favorite! Just make sure to use low-sodium broth and seasoning if you are watching your salt content.

For the experimenters: Gouda Grits with Shrimp and Brussels Sprouts

Gouda Grits with Shrimp and Crispy Sprouts, seriously the best grits ever!

While gouda is not the standard cheese for shrimp and grits, it brings a gloriously aromatic experience to the dish! To complement the mild and nutty taste of the gouda-cheddar blend, we went a tad spicier with some cayenne pepper for the shrimp. Another unexpected and amazing twist in this recipe: thinly sliced brussels sprouts sauteed until beautifully crispy. While vegetables aren’t usually a big part of shrimp and grits, these add fantastic texture and an earthy flavor you will love!

For the low-carb lovers: Keto Shrimp and Grits

Cajun butter sauce poured over a green bowl full of keto cauliflower grits and juicy shrimp
closeup view showing juicy cajun shrimp on a bed of cheesy keto cauliflower grits

Grits are made from corn and pack a ton of carbs into a bowl. However, in this Keto Shrimp and Grits recipe we boil, strain, and mash cauliflower into a beautifully creamy texture that is a wonderful substitute! We simmer the shrimp in a rich garlic butter sauce that you will want to spoon over each bowl to not waste a drop. It’s a truly delicious keto dinner that will give you all the comfort food vibes without weighing you down!

Shrimp and Grits FAQs

What kind of grits should you use?

You want to use stone-ground grits (yellow or white work fine) for the perfect, creamy shrimp and grits. Avoid using hominy grits or instant grits as these have both been processed significantly more and require different cooking times. If you must, you could use polenta though its coarser texture doesn’t allow it to get as creamy.

What’s the secret to perfect grits?

Instead of cooking your grits in water, you want to whisk them into a boiling pot of chicken broth instead. While they cook with the lid on, remove it occasionally to stir so that the grits don’t stick together. Once they are cooked, you then want to stir in cream cheese, shredded cheese, and kosher salt.

How can I add more flavor to shrimp?

We use all kinds of seasonings to give this succulent seafood amazing flavor, but there are other easy ways to add even more. First, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels before cooking — This helps them get a better sear which adds a lovely caramelized flavor. Second, while we love cooking them in olive oil for the benefits, try cooking them in bacon grease to impart that salty, meaty taste. Third, consider squeezing a bit of lemon juice over the shrimp right before serving to brighten the flavor. Lastly, cook them with the shrimp shells on if you have extra time. This protects them from cooking too quickly and adds more flavor, but you would want to remove the shells before serving, so it adds more prep time.

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