Southern-Style Shrimp and Grits with Bacon and Green Onions

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Creamy stone-ground grits topped with spicy sautéed shrimp, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions for a classic Southern comfort dish. This southern-inspired seafood ready in about 40 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 520 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.

★ 4.5 (11 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Southern cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring 4 cups water and 1 tsp salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Slowly whisk in 1 cup stone-ground grits and reduce heat to low. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes until thick and creamy.
  2. Step 2: When grits are done, stir in 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1 tbsp unsalted butter until melted and smooth. Keep warm.
  3. Step 3: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 6 chopped bacon slices until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving bacon drippings in the skillet.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 tbsp unsalted butter to the skillet with drippings. Add 1 lb peeled shrimp, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until shrimp turn pink and are cooked through. Stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  5. Step 5: To serve, spoon cheesy grits into bowls, top with sautéed shrimp, crispy bacon, and 4 thinly sliced green onions.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Southern-Style Shrimp and Grits with Bacon and Green Onions take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 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 Southern-Style Shrimp and Grits with Bacon and Green Onions?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep stone-ground grits from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Southern-Style Shrimp and Grits with Bacon and Green Onions?

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 Southern-Style Shrimp and Grits with Bacon and Green Onions 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 Southern-Style Shrimp and Grits with Bacon and Green Onions?

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.

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