How to Make the Perfect Cheesy Shrimp and Grits
American · Easy · 30 min · 4 servings
This southern style cheesy shrimp and grits is a kid friendly comfort food recipe that families absolutely love for dinner. Creamy cheesy grits topped with buttery seasoned shrimp make a satisfying meal kids will clean their plates for.
Why this recipe works
This Cheesy Shrimp and Grits recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 30 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 450 calories with 30g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 cup quick cooking grits
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 lb medium shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups water or chicken broth
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook the Grits
Bring water or chicken broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Whisk in grits and reduce heat to low. Cook stirring frequently for 5 to 7 minutes until thickened.
Step 2: Make Cheesy Grits
Stir cheddar cheese and 1 tablespoon of butter into the cooked grits. Season with salt and pepper and stir until the cheese is completely melted and grits are smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Melt remaining butter in a skillet over medium high heat. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds then add shrimp in a single layer. Cook 2 to 3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through.
Step 4: Serve
Spoon cheesy grits into bowls and top with the cooked garlic butter shrimp. Serve immediately while everything is hot and creamy.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- quick cooking grits → instant grits to cut cooking time for busy weeknights
- cheddar cheese → monterey jack cheese for a milder creamier flavor kids enjoy
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not stirring grits enough which causes them to get lumpy and stick to the pot
- Overcooking the shrimp which makes them rubbery and tough instead of tender
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 450 calories, 30g protein, 38g carbs, 20g fat, 2g fiber.
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