Authentic Southern Shrimp and Grits a Taste of the Lowcountry

Authentic Southern Shrimp and Grits Lowcountry Delight

By Laura TideSeptember 9, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Fancy some Authentic Southern Shrimp and Grits ? Ever wonder what real comfort food tastes like? This recipe will whisk you away to the Lowcountry with every bite! I'm telling you, this isn't just food, it's an experience.

What is Authentic Shrimp and Grits All About?

This Authentic Southern Shrimp and Grits recipe comes straight from the heart of Southern cuisine. It showcases creamy grits with cheese, then tops it all off with flavourful shrimp.

Making it will take about an hour and serves four hungry folks. Get ready to experience a Charleston Shrimp and Grits Recipe that will make your taste buds sing!

Why You'll Love This Shrimp and Cheese Grits Recipe Southern

Honestly, what's not to love? This Easy Shrimp and Grits Recipe is packed with protein and Southern goodness. Perfect for a lazy Sunday brunch or a cosy weeknight dinner.

It's what I call proper Southern Comfort Food Recipes .

Let's Talk Ingredients for Creamy Shrimp and Grits Recipe

This recipe hinges on good quality ingredients. For the grits, you'll need water, salt, stone ground grits, butter, cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, and cream, plus black pepper for seasoning.

For the shrimp, think shrimp, olive oil, bacon, andouille sausage, onion, bell pepper, garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, chicken broth, butter, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice.

And don't forget the parsley for garnish. Best Shrimp and Grits starts with the best ingredients!

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Cooking!

Alright, buttercups, let's dive into what you'll need to whip up some Authentic Southern Shrimp and Grits . Don't stress; it's easier than dealing with London traffic on a bank holiday, honestly.

We're aiming for that Charleston Shrimp And Grits Recipe vibe.

Main Players: Your Key Ingredients

First, the grits. You'll need 4 cups (950ml) of water and 1 teaspoon (6g) of salt . Bring that to a boil, then add 1 cup (160g) of stone ground grits .

Not the instant stuff, mind you. Stone ground gives it that authentic texture. Stir, simmer for 20- 25 minutes . Once done, stir in 4 tablespoons (56g) of butter , 1 cup (113g) of sharp cheddar , and ½ cup (50g) of Parmesan .

Splash in ¼ cup (60ml) of heavy cream if you fancy extra richness.

Next, the stars of the show, the shrimp. Grab 1 pound (450g) of large shrimp . Peel 'em, devein 'em. You also need 4 slices of bacon , diced, and ½ cup (57g) of Andouille sausage , sliced.

Good quality bacon is key for that smoky Lowcountry Shrimp and Grits flavour.

Seasoning and Flavour: The Secret Sauce

For seasoning, think smoky and a wee bit spicy. We're talking 1 teaspoon (2g) of smoked paprika and ½ teaspoon (1g) of cayenne pepper (adjust to your taste, yeah?).

Got no cayenne? A pinch of chilli flakes will do in a pinch. Plus, 1 cup (240ml) of chicken broth , 1 tablespoon (15ml) of Worcestershire sauce , and 2 tablespoons (30ml) of lemon juice .

Fresh parsley is great for garnish.

What You'll Need: Tools of the Trade

Keep it simple. A medium saucepan with a lid for the grits. A large skillet for the shrimp and sauce.

A whisk to banish lumps. A wooden spoon for stirring. And a grater for your cheesy goodness. No fancy gadgets needed here, mate!

So, there you have it everything you need to create your very own Authentic Southern Shrimp and Grits: A Taste of the Lowcountry .

This Easy Shrimp and Grits Recipe is all about that savory richness, the slight kick of spice, and the creamy comfort of the grits.

This Shrimp And Cheese Grits Recipe Southern will bring the sunshine, even on a grey day. Let's cook!

Cooking Method: The Authentic Southern Shrimp and Grits Way

Alright y'all, let's dive into cooking up some Authentic Southern Shrimp and Grits . Honestly, there's a right way and, well, a less than stellar way.

We're aiming for the Best Shrimp and Grits ever ! This isn't just about food; it's about Southern comfort food recipes and a taste of Charleston Shrimp And Grits Recipe straight from the Lowcountry.

Trust me, I've made enough batches to fill a swimming pool!

Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row

Okay, mise en place is fancy chef talk. It just means get your stuff ready! Dice your onion and bell pepper, peel those shrimp (tails on or off, your call), and grate that cheese.

Honestly, having everything prepped saves so much time. It's like, 25 minutes of prep vs. a chaotic hour in the kitchen.

Remember, safety first, use a sharp knife (and watch your fingers!).

step-by-step: Let's Get Cooking!

Boil 4 cups of water with 1 teaspoon of salt. Slowly whisk in 1 cup stone ground grits.
Simmer on low for 20- 25 minutes , stirring now and then. You want creamy.
Remove from heat. Stir in 4 tablespoons butter, 1 cup cheddar, and ½ cup Parmesan. Oh my gosh , the cheese is the key. Add ¼ cup heavy cream if you're feeling fancy.
Cook 4 slices bacon and ½ cup Andouille sausage in a skillet until crispy. Set aside, but keep that bacon fat!
Sauté diced onion and bell pepper in the bacon fat for 5- 7 minutes . Add 2 cloves minced garlic for the last minute.
Stir in 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon cayenne, and 1 cup chicken broth. Simmer for 5 minutes .
Add 1 pound shrimp. Cook until pink and opaque, about 3- 4 minutes per side. Don't overcook them or they will be rubbery!
Stir in 2 tablespoons butter and 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Add bacon and sausage back in. Serve over grits.

Pro Tips: Secrets to Success!

Use stone ground grits! Lowcountry Shrimp and Grits just isn't the same without them. A common mistake is overcooking the shrimp; cook until they’re just pink.

If you want to get a jump on things and avoid the pressure, you can make the grits ahead of time and reheat them with a bit of milk.

Now you have a Easy Shrimp and Grits Recipe !

Recipe Notes for the Best Shrimp and Grits

Alright, buckle up buttercup! Now that we've got the Authentic Southern Shrimp and Grits sorted, let's dive into some tips and tricks to really nail this dish.

Think of these as insider secrets to Southern Comfort Food Recipes , like those passed down through generations!

Let's Plate This: Serving Suggestions

Presentation is key, right? For Authentic Shrimp and Grits , try spooning those creamy grits into a shallow bowl. Top with a generous portion of the shrimp gravy.

Sprinkle with fresh parsley. A drizzle of hot sauce never hurts! For sides, think classic Southern Comfort Food Recipes . Collard greens are amazing.

A light, crisp salad cuts through the richness. Pair it with an ice-cold sweet tea, or a nice crisp Sauvignon Blanc.

Oh my gosh, perfection!

Leftovers? Storage Tips

Got leftovers? Honestly, I rarely do, but if you do, here's the lowdown. Keep the grits and shrimp separate. This prevents the grits from getting soggy.

Store both in airtight containers. They will stay fresh in the fridge for 3 days . Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Add a splash of broth or water to the grits if they've thickened too much. Freezing isn't ideal due to the dairy in the grits.

The texture might change. Though, in a pinch, it's doable.

Remixing It: Variations

Want to change things up? For a lighter version, skip the heavy cream in the grits. Use skim milk instead.

For a spicy twist, throw in some jalapeños with the onions and peppers. For a Crawfish and Grits Recipe , sub the shrimp with crawfish tails.

Easy peasy! Wanna make Lowcountry Shrimp and Grits , add some okra to the shrimp mixture. A little Charleston Shrimp And Grits Recipe secret, add a splash of sherry or bourbon.

It gives it some extra umph.

Goodness in Every Bite: Nutrition Basics

Okay, let's talk numbers. This Authentic Southern Shrimp and Grits is filling. It's got protein from the shrimp. The grits offer carbs.

You know, energy. Each serving has roughly 650 calories. It's a treat! The shrimp is packed with selenium and vitamin B12.

These are awesome for your immune system and energy levels. Just remember that nutritional information is an estimate. It varies on your ingredients.

So there you have it! These notes should help you create a Creamy Shrimp and Grits Recipe that is both delicious and totally you .

Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun. You've got this! Time to show off your Charleston Shrimp And Grits Recipe !

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly are grits, and why are they so important for Authentic Southern Shrimp and Grits?

Grits are coarsely ground corn, like a polenta, but traditionally made from a specific type of corn called dent corn. For authentic Southern Shrimp and Grits, using stone ground grits is key they have a coarser texture and a more pronounced corn flavour than instant grits, giving the dish that true Southern character.

Think of it like using proper tea leaves versus a teabag for a cuppa both do the job, but one's just better!

Help! My grits are lumpy! What am I doing wrong and how can I fix it?

Lumpy grits are a common problem! The trick is to whisk the grits into the boiling water slowly and constantly to prevent clumping. If lumps do form, don't panic! Keep stirring vigorously with a whisk and they should eventually smooth out.

If they're really stubborn, you can try passing the cooked grits through a fine mesh sieve for a super smooth finish. A little patience goes a long way.

Can I make Authentic Southern Shrimp and Grits ahead of time, and how should I store any leftovers?

You can definitely prep some components ahead of time. The grits can be made up to a day in advance, stored in the refrigerator, and reheated gently with a little milk or water to loosen them up.

The shrimp and gravy are best made fresh, but you can chop the vegetables and prepare the spice blend ahead of time to save time. Leftovers should be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

I'm watching my waistline are there any healthy substitutions I can make to this Authentic Southern Shrimp and Grits recipe?

Absolutely! You can lighten up the dish by using skim milk instead of heavy cream in the grits, and reducing the amount of butter. Consider using turkey bacon or skipping the sausage altogether for a leaner protein option. Load up on the vegetables to add more fiber and nutrients, and be mindful of the portion size.

It’s all about balance, darling!

What kind of cheese is best for adding to the grits for this Authentic Southern Shrimp and Grits recipe?

Sharp cheddar is a classic choice and adds a wonderful tang to the creamy grits. Parmesan provides a lovely umami note. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyere or even a touch of goat cheese for a more complex flavour profile, but remember not to overdo it!

And always use freshly grated cheese for the best melting and flavour.