Paula Deen's Cheesy Shrimp on Grits Toast

Bring Southern comfort to the table with Paula Deen's Cheesy Shrimp on Grits Toast—a delightful fusion of crispy fried grits and succulent shrimp in a creamy, spiced sauce. This recipe starts with perfectly seasoned grits, enriched with sharp cheddar cheese and butter, set and cut into toast-like squares before being pan-fried to golden perfection. Topped with tender, juicy shrimp cooked in a velvety garlic cream sauce with a hint of cayenne for a touch of heat, each bite is bursting with bold flavors and satisfying textures. Perfect as an appetizer for gatherings or a show-stopping main course, this dish is easy to prep ahead for effortless entertaining. Garnished with fresh parsley for a vibrant finish, it’s a crowd-pleaser that celebrates the best of classic Southern cooking.

Nutriscore Rating: 56/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 cup Quick-cooking grits
• 4 cups Chicken broth
• 1 cup Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 0.5 teaspoons Salt
• 0.5 teaspoons Black pepper
• 0.5 cup All-purpose flour
• 1 cup Vegetable oil (for frying)
• 1 pound Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 0.5 cup Heavy cream
• 0.25 teaspoons Cayenne pepper
• 2 tablespoons Parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Slowly whisk in the grits, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until thickened.

Step 2

Stir in 2 tablespoons of butter, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and black pepper until the cheese is fully melted and the mixture is creamy.

Step 3

Grease a small baking dish or sheet pan with cooking spray. Pour the grits mixture into the dish, smoothing it into an even layer about 1/2-inch thick. Let it cool and set in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

Step 4

Once the grits are firm, cut them into small squares or rectangles for the toast base. Dredge each piece in all-purpose flour, shaking off the excess.

Step 5

Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the grits squares in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 6

In a separate skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 7

Add the shrimp to the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.

Step 8

Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle with cayenne pepper. Stir gently and cook for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 9

To assemble, place a crispy grits square on a serving platter and top each with a spoonful of creamy shrimp. Garnish with chopped parsley.

Step 10

Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1273.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4787.1

Total Fat 365.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 110.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 1221.3mg	0%
Sodium 2463.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 231.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 4.9g	0%
Total Sugars 1.4g
Protein 160.6g	0%

Vitamin D 24IU	0%
Calcium 1170.6mg	0%
Iron 15.6mg	0%
Potassium 1767.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 67.7%

Protein: 13.2%

Carbs: 19.1%