Smoked Bacon Shrimp and Stone-Ground Grits

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Creamy stone-ground grits topped with plump shrimp and smoky bacon, finished with fresh chives for a comforting, savory breakfast or brunch. This southern-inspired breakfast ready in about 30 minutes combines stone-ground grits, water, milk 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 480 calories and feeds 2, 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.

★ 4.2 (14 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 2 Southern cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a saucepan, combine 1 cup water, 1/2 cup milk, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 4 ounces stone-ground grits; bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20–25 minutes until thickened, stirring occasionally.
  2. Step 2: While grits cook, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and cook until crisp, about 5 minutes; remove bacon and set aside, leaving 1 tablespoon bacon fat in the skillet.
  3. Step 3: Add diced onion to the skillet with the bacon fat, cooking for 5 minutes until translucent. Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes until pink and opaque; remove shrimp and set aside.
  4. Step 4: Stir butter and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper into the cooked grits, then fold in cooked shrimp and bacon; cook for 1 minute to heat through.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately, garnished with 1/4 cup chopped chives.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoked Bacon Shrimp and Stone-Ground Grits take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Smoked Bacon Shrimp and Stone-Ground 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 Smoked Bacon Shrimp and Stone-Ground 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 Smoked Bacon Shrimp and Stone-Ground Grits for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Smoked Bacon Shrimp and Stone-Ground 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.

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