Creamy Southern Shrimp and Grits

Name: Creamy Southern Shrimp and Grits
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups water; 3 cups chicken broth, divided; 1 cup uncooked old fashioned grits; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper; 16 oz jumbo shrimp, thawed, peeled, and deveined; 1 Tbsp Cajun or Creole seasoning; 1 Tbsp vegetable oil; 1/2 small onion, finely diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 Tbsp all purpose flour; 1/2 cup milk; 1 tsp hot sauce; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 2 Tbsp butter

This comforting dish combines savory Cajun spiced shrimp with buttery, cheese filled grits for a perfect meal.

By Daily Recipes Book· 🌍 American· August 7, 2026

dailyrecipesbook.com

Prep

15 minutes

Cook

20 minutes

Total

35 minutes

Serves

Shrimp and grits is a classic Southern dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. I love this recipe because it balances creamy, cheesy grits with plump shrimp and a spicy pan sauce, making it the perfect choice for a cozy brunch or a quick weeknight dinner.

Using old fashioned grits gives the best texture, and cooking the sauce right in the same skillet as the shrimp adds so much depth to the flavor. It is a simple way to bring a little bit of restaurant quality comfort into your own kitchen.

Ingredients

2 cups water
3 cups chicken broth, divided
1 cup uncooked old fashioned grits
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
16 oz jumbo shrimp, thawed, peeled, and deveined
1 Tbsp Cajun or Creole seasoning
1 Tbsp vegetable oil
1/2 small onion, finely diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 Tbsp all purpose flour
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp hot sauce
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 Tbsp butter

Instructions

1
In a medium saucepan, bring the water, 2 cups of the chicken broth, salt, and pepper to a boil.
2
Whisk in the grits, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and creamy.
3
While the grits cook, toss the shrimp with the Cajun seasoning in a bowl.
4
Heat the vegetable oil in a medium skillet over medium high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and sear for 1 to 2 minutes per side until golden. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
5
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
6
Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic, stirring constantly for one minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
7
Slowly pour in the remaining 1 cup of chicken broth, the milk, and the hot sauce. Stir until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
8
Once the grits are done, stir in the butter and the cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
9
Add the shrimp back into the skillet with the sauce just to warm them through for about one minute.
10
Serve the shrimp and sauce over a generous scoop of the creamy cheese grits.

💡 Tips

Store leftover grits and shrimp in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. If the grits become too thick after chilling, stir in a small splash of broth or water while reheating on the stove over low heat.

#comfort food #southern #seafood #dinner #easy

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