Southern-Style Shrimp and Grits with Creamy Cheese Sauce

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

A comforting Southern classic featuring tender shrimp sautéed with spices, served over creamy cheesy grits. This southern-inspired seafood ready in about 40 minutes blends stone-ground grits, water, sharp cheddar cheese, shredded into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Southern cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Slowly whisk in 1 cup stone-ground grits and 1 tsp salt. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring frequently, for 20-25 minutes until thick and creamy.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 2 tbsp unsalted butter and 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the cooked grits. Cover and keep warm.
  3. Step 3: While grits cook, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 cloves minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet along with 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp salt. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until shrimp are pink and opaque.
  5. Step 5: Remove skillet from heat and stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.
  6. Step 6: Serve the cooked shrimp over a bed of cheesy grits, garnish with additional parsley and lemon wedges for squeezing.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Southern-Style Shrimp and Grits with Creamy Cheese Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Southern-Style Shrimp and Grits with Creamy Cheese Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Southern-Style Shrimp and Grits with Creamy Cheese Sauce?

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 Creamy Cheese Sauce 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 Creamy Cheese Sauce?

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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