New Orleans Jazz Brunch Shrimp and Grits
Creamy stone-ground grits topped with spicy sautéed shrimp, smoky bacon, and a touch of fresh herbs for a soulful brunch classic. This American Southern-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 45 minutes, pairs stone-ground grits, water, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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 unsalted butter
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 6, chopped bacon strips
- 1 lb, peeled and deveined large shrimp
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring 4 cups water and 1 tsp salt to a boil in a medium pot. Slowly whisk in 1 cup stone-ground grits, reduce heat to low, and cook covered for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally until thick and creamy.
- Step 2: Remove grits from heat and stir in 3 tbsp unsalted butter and 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Step 3: In a large skillet, cook 6 chopped bacon strips over medium heat until crispy, about 6 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, reserving fat in the skillet.
- Step 4: Add 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet with bacon fat, then add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Step 5: Stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice and cooked bacon pieces, tossing to combine and heat through.
- Step 6: Spoon grits onto plates and top with the spicy shrimp mixture. Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped green onions and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does New Orleans Jazz Brunch Shrimp and Grits take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (10 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover New Orleans Jazz Brunch Shrimp and Grits?
Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.
Can I substitute ingredients in New Orleans Jazz Brunch 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 New Orleans Jazz Brunch 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 New Orleans Jazz Brunch Shrimp and Grits?
American Southern seafood 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.
