Bacon Shrimp and Cheddar Grits

If you’re craving a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the rich flavors of bacon, succulent shrimp, and creamy cheddar grits, look no further than this Bacon Shrimp and Cheddar Grits recipe. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, this Southern-inspired dish will surely satisfy your taste buds. Here’s how to create this delicious meal step by step:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• Kosher salt
• 1 cup corn grits
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 6 slices bacon
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• 4 scallions, thinly sliced, plus more for garnish
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1/2 lemon

Instructions:

Preparing the Grits:

1. In a medium saucepan, bring chicken broth and water to a boil. Season generously with salt.
2. Reduce heat to a simmer and whisk in corn grits. Stir often and simmer until grits have absorbed the liquid and become tender, about 10 minutes.
3. Stir in butter and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cooking the Bacon and Shrimp:

4. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy, approximately 8 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat, then chop into small pieces. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet.

5. Season shrimp with dried oregano and paprika.

6. Add seasoned shrimp, sliced green onions, and minced garlic to the skillet with reserved bacon fat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until shrimp turns pink and is cooked through, about 4 minutes.

7. Stir in lemon juice to the shrimp mixture for a bright, citrusy flavor.

Assembling the Dish:

8. Serve shrimp over the prepared cheddar grits.

9. Top with chopped bacon and garnish with additional sliced scallions for extra flavor and presentation.

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

• Serve hot: This dish is best enjoyed fresh and hot from the stove to preserve its creamy texture and flavors.
• Garnish: Sprinkle with additional chopped scallions or fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
• Presentation: Serve in shallow bowls to showcase the creamy grits topped with savory shrimp and crispy bacon.

Storage Tips:

• Refrigerate promptly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Consume within 2-3 days: Grits can become dry upon reheating, so enjoy within a couple of days for the best taste and texture.
• Reheating: To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water when microwaving to maintain moisture in the grits. Alternatively, gently reheat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally.

Enjoy the savory delight of Bacon Shrimp and Cheddar Grits with these serving and storage tips, ensuring each meal is as delicious as the first serving!

Variations:

1. Cajun Style Bacon Shrimp and Cheddar Grits:
   • Add Cajun seasoning to the shrimp before cooking for a spicy kick.
   • Stir in diced bell peppers and celery to the grits for a Creole-inspired twist.
2. Mushroom and Spinach Bacon Shrimp and Cheddar Grits:
   • Saute sliced mushrooms and spinach with garlic before adding shrimp to the skillet.
   • Fold the cooked vegetables into the cheddar grits for added depth of flavor and nutrients.
3. Italian Herb Bacon Shrimp and Cheddar Grits:
   • Season shrimp with Italian seasoning or dried basil and oregano.
   • Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and chopped fresh basil to the grits for an Italian flair.
4. Smoked Gouda Bacon Shrimp and Cheddar Grits:
   • Replace cheddar cheese with smoked Gouda for a smoky flavor.
   • Top with crispy fried shallots or caramelized onions for added crunch and sweetness.
5. Lobster Bacon Shrimp and Cheddar Grits:
   • Substitute shrimp with cooked lobster meat for a luxurious twist.
   • Drizzle with a lemon-butter sauce or hollandaise for a decadent finish.
6. Vegetarian Bacon and Cheddar Grits:
   • Omit shrimp and add sauteed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and corn to the skillet.
   • Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for cooking the grits.
7. Spicy Sriracha Bacon Shrimp and Cheddar Grits:
   • Add a splash of Sriracha or hot sauce to the shrimp while cooking for a spicy kick.
   • Garnish with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice before serving.
8. Crab and Bacon Shrimp and Cheddar Grits:
   • Incorporate lump crab meat with shrimp for a surf and turf variation.
   • Finish with a drizzle of melted butter and Old Bay seasoning.
9. Asian-Inspired Bacon Shrimp and Cheddar Grits:
   • Marinate shrimp in soy sauce, ginger, and garlic before cooking.
   • Serve over grits flavored with coconut milk and garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
10. Buffalo Bacon Shrimp and Cheddar Grits:
    • Toss shrimp in Buffalo sauce before cooking for a tangy flavor.
    • Serve with a side of celery sticks and blue cheese crumbles on top of the grits.

These variations offer diverse flavors and ingredients to elevate your Bacon Shrimp and Cheddar Grits, catering to different tastes and culinary preferences for a delightful meal every time.

FAQs:

1. Can I use instant grits instead of corn grits for this recipe?
   • Instant grits can be used, but the texture and flavor may differ slightly. Corn grits provide a heartier and more traditional Southern taste.
2. What can I substitute for shrimp if I have seafood allergies?
   • You can substitute shrimp with diced chicken breast or sliced smoked sausage for a different flavor profile.
3. Can I make the grits ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can prepare the grits ahead of time and reheat them gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to maintain creaminess.
4. How do I prevent the shrimp from becoming tough when cooking?
   • Avoid overcooking the shrimp. Cook just until they turn pink and opaque, which usually takes about 4-5 minutes depending on the size of the shrimp.
5. Can I use pre-shredded cheese instead of shredding my own cheddar?
   • Yes, pre-shredded cheese can be used, but freshly shredded cheese will melt more smoothly into the grits.
6. What side dishes pair well with Bacon Shrimp and Cheddar Grits?
   • Serve with a side of steamed vegetables, a crisp green salad, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
7. How do I adjust the seasoning if I prefer a spicier dish?
   • Increase the amount of paprika or add cayenne pepper to the shrimp seasoning. You can also add hot sauce or red pepper flakes to taste.
8. Can I use bacon substitutes like turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon?
   • Yes, you can use alternative bacon options. Follow the package instructions for cooking and adjust seasoning as needed.
9. How should I store leftover Bacon Shrimp and Cheddar Grits?
   • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 days for the best taste and quality.
10. Can I freeze Bacon Shrimp and Cheddar Grits?
    • Grits tend to become dry when frozen and reheated. It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh and not freeze it.

These FAQs provide helpful tips and answers to common queries about preparing and enjoying Bacon Shrimp and Cheddar Grits, ensuring a delicious and satisfying meal every time.