Classic New Orleans Breakfast Shrimp and Grits
This hearty breakfast dish combines creamy stone-ground grits with sautéed shrimp seasoned with Cajun spices, inspired by flavors from New Orleans’ Central Business District. This southern-inspired breakfast ready in about 40 minutes combines stone-ground grits, water, salt into a breakfast that fuels the morning without the midday crash — make-ahead-friendly and balanced enough to anchor the first meal of the day. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it sits comfortably in a weekly breakfast rotation alongside fruit, yogurt, or coffee. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 4 cups water
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 12 oz large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water and 1 tsp salt to a boil. Slowly whisk in 1 cup stone-ground grits, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened and creamy.
- Step 2: Remove grits from heat and stir in 3 tbsp butter and 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth; keep warm.
- Step 3: While grits cook, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 12 oz peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet, sprinkle with 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until shrimp are pink and opaque.
- Step 5: Serve shrimp over the cheesy grits and garnish with 2 tbsp sliced green onions for a fresh finish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Classic New Orleans Breakfast Shrimp and Grits take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a busy morning; prep components the night before to save active time.
How do I store leftover Classic New Orleans Breakfast Shrimp and Grits?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven; egg- or grain-based items may need a splash of milk or water to refresh texture. Cold-served items (overnight oats, smoothies) keep 2–3 days in the fridge.
Can I substitute ingredients in Classic New Orleans Breakfast Shrimp and Grits?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Classic New Orleans Breakfast Shrimp and Grits for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Classic New Orleans Breakfast Shrimp and Grits?
Southern breakfast like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
