Shrimp and Cheese Grits

Experience Southern-inspired comfort food at its finest with this Shrimp and Cheese Grits recipe—a perfect balance of creamy, cheesy richness and bold, zesty shrimp flavors. Tender stone-ground grits are slow-cooked with milk, butter, and sharp cheddar cheese for an irresistibly smooth base, while succulent shrimp are sautéed in garlic, paprika, and a hint of cayenne for a lightly spiced kick. A splash of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of green onions add brightness and color, making this dish as visually stunning as it is delicious. Ready in just 45 minutes, this crowd-pleasing recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Complete with easily sourced ingredients and straightforward steps, Shrimp and Cheese Grits is a comforting classic you'll want to savor again and again.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup stone-ground grits
• 3 cups water
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

In a medium saucepan, bring 3 cups of water, 1 cup of whole milk, and 1 teaspoon of salt to a boil over medium heat.

Step 2

Gradually whisk in 1 cup of stone-ground grits, reducing the heat to low. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 20-25 minutes until the grits are tender and creamy.

Step 3

Stir in 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and well combined. Keep warm while preparing the shrimp.

Step 4

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 5

Season 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp with 1 teaspoon of paprika, 0.25 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional), 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper, and a pinch of salt.

Step 6

Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Add 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice and stir to coat the shrimp in the sauce.

Step 7

Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the shrimp with 2 sliced green onions for garnish.

Step 8

To serve, spoon the cheese grits onto individual plates or shallow bowls and top with the cooked shrimp and pan sauce. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1841.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2103.2

Total Fat 90.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 46.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.6g
Cholesterol 1097.1mg	0%
Sodium 1716.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 176.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 6.3g	0%
Total Sugars 13.4g
Protein 160.6g	0%

Vitamin D 131.4IU	0%
Calcium 1382.0mg	0%
Iron 4.9mg	0%
Potassium 2080.4mg	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: 37.6%

Protein: 29.7%

Carbs: 32.7%