🍤🧀 White Cheddar Grits and Shrimp

A classic Southern comfort dish, White Cheddar Grits and Shrimp combines creamy, cheesy stone-ground grits with tender seasoned shrimp, smoky bacon, and a flavorful garlic butter sauce. It’s elegant enough for brunch but comforting enough for a cozy dinner.

⏱️ Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: About 50 minutes
• Servings: 4

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🛒 Ingredients

🧀 White Cheddar Grits

• 1 cup stone-ground grits
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1½ cups shredded white cheddar cheese
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese (optional)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

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🍤 Garlic Butter Shrimp

• 1½ pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ small onion, diced
• 1 small bell pepper, diced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Make the White Cheddar Grits

1. Bring chicken broth and milk to a gentle boil.
2. Slowly whisk in grits.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 25–30 minutes, stirring often.
4. When creamy, stir in:
   • Butter
   • White cheddar
   • Parmesan
   • Garlic powder
   • Salt and pepper

Keep warm.

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2. Cook the Shrimp

1. Cook bacon in a large skillet until crispy.
2. Remove bacon and leave about 1–2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pan.
3. Add butter, onion, and bell pepper.
4. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
5. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
6. Season shrimp with paprika, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
7. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and tender.
8. Add lemon juice and parsley.
9. Stir bacon back in.

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3. Assemble

Spoon creamy white cheddar grits into bowls.

Top with:

🍤 Garlic butter shrimp
🥓 Crispy bacon
🌿 Fresh parsley
🧀 Extra cheddar (optional)

Serve warm.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Perfect with:

• 🥗 Fresh green salad
• 🍞 Garlic bread
• 🥦 Roasted vegetables
• 🍳 Fried egg on top for a brunch version
• 🍹 Fresh lemonade or iced tea

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💡 Tips for the Best Shrimp & Grits

• Use stone-ground grits for the creamiest texture.
• Stir grits often to prevent sticking and keep them silky.
• Add a splash of warm milk before serving if grits become too thick.
• Do not overcook shrimp—they become rubbery quickly.
• Add a splash of hot sauce for classic Southern heat.
• Smoked Gouda can replace some cheddar for extra richness.

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🧊 Storage

• Refrigerator: Store shrimp and grits separately for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm grits slowly with a little milk or broth; reheat shrimp gently.
• Freezing: Grits can be frozen, but shrimp texture is best when freshly cooked.

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🍴 Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: 680
• Protein: 43 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fat: 34 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 1,200 mg

White Cheddar Grits and Shrimp is the perfect blend of Southern tradition and comfort—creamy, cheesy grits paired with juicy shrimp, smoky bacon, and bold savory flavors. 🍤✨