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Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp and Grits with Bacon Crumbles

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A quick and comforting Southern-inspired dish featuring tender shrimp in a garlic butter sauce served over creamy cheddar grits and topped with crispy bacon crumbles.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 cup stone-ground grits
  • 4 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon: Place bacon slices in a cold skillet and cook over medium heat until crisp, about 8–10 minutes, flipping occasionally. Transfer to paper towels to drain and crumble once cool. (Tip: Save a tablespoon of bacon fat for extra flavor in the shrimp if you like.)
  2. Prepare the grits: In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water or chicken broth to a boil. Slowly whisk in 1 cup stone-ground grits to prevent lumps. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring frequently, until thickened and tender, about 25–30 minutes. (If grits thicken too much, add a splash of water or milk.)
  3. Finish the grits: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream, 2 tablespoons butter, and 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm on very low heat, stirring occasionally.
  4. Cook the shrimp: While grits cook, heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant (don’t let it brown). Add shrimp, smoked paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook shrimp 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp to a plate and keep warm.
  5. Make the garlic butter sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter, scraping up any browned bits. Let it melt and bubble slightly, then return shrimp to the pan and toss to coat evenly in the garlic butter sauce.
  6. Assemble and serve: Spoon creamy grits onto plates or shallow bowls. Top with garlic butter shrimp and sprinkle generously with bacon crumbles and chopped parsley. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

Do not overcook shrimp to avoid rubbery texture. Stir grits frequently to prevent lumps and burning. Save a tablespoon of bacon fat for extra flavor if desired. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil and heavy cream with coconut cream. Use gluten-free grits to maintain gluten-free status.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp and grits, garlic butter shrimp, bacon crumbles, creamy grits, Southern recipe, quick dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://islatable.com/creamy-garlic-butter-shrimp-and-grits-with-bacon-crumbles-easy-recipe/