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Chef John’s Classic Shrimp & Cheddar Grits

Chef John’s Classic Shrimp & Cheddar Grits layers juicy shrimp and crisp bacon in a creamy, Cajun-kissed pan sauce over luxuriously cheesy grits. Bright lemon and fresh herbs lift the richness, while a touch of heat keeps every bite lively. Serve for a cozy weekend dinner or a special brunch when comfort and Southern charm are on the menu.

  • Prep25 mins
  • Cook30 mins
  • Serves4
  • DifficultyMedium
Chef John’s Classic Shrimp & Cheddar Grits
  1. 1

    Assemble all the ingredients.

  2. 2

    Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat, turning now and then, until nearly crisp, 5 to 7 minutes. Move the bacon to a dish; keep the drippings in the skillet.

  3. 3

    Whisk 1/4 cup water, cream, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce together in a bowl.

  4. 4

    Combine 4 cups water, butter, and 1 teaspoon salt in a pot; bring to a boil. Whisk in the grits; return to a simmer, lower the heat to low, and cook until creamy, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the Cheddar cheese.

  5. 5

    Season the shrimp with Cajun seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper in a large bowl.

  6. 6

    Heat the bacon drippings in the skillet over high heat. Add the shrimp; cook for 1 minute. Flip the shrimp; add the jalapeño and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

  7. 7

    Stir the cream mixture, bacon, green onion, and garlic into the shrimp mixture; cook and stir until the shrimp are cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes, adding water as needed to thin the sauce. Remove from the heat and stir in the parsley.

  8. 8

    Ladle the grits into a bowl; top with the shrimp and sauce.

About This Recipe

Chef John's Classic Shrimp & Cheddar Grits is a Cajun and Creole breakfast recipe made with 17 ingredients. It takes about 55 mins, serves 4, and is rated medium. Key ingredients include Black Pepper, Butter, Cajun Seasoning, and Cayenne Pepper. Each serving provides about 438.73 kcal, and is a good source of protein.

Recipe Questions

What is Chef John’s Classic Shrimp & Cheddar Grits?
It is a Cajun and Creole recipe made with 17 ingredients, usually served for breakfast or dinner or lunch.
What is Chef John’s Classic Shrimp & Cheddar Grits made of?
The main ingredients are Black Pepper, Butter, Cajun Seasoning, Cayenne Pepper, Center-Cut Bacon. The full list of 17 is above.
What goes well with Chef John’s Classic Shrimp & Cheddar Grits?
Explore these Cajun and Creole side-dish recipes.
How long does it take to make Chef John’s Classic Shrimp & Cheddar Grits?
About 55 mins in total: 25 mins to prepare and 30 mins to cook.
How many calories are in one serving?
One serving provides about 438.73 kcal. The full nutrition breakdown is above.
Is Chef John’s Classic Shrimp & Cheddar Grits easy to make?
This recipe is rated medium, with 17 ingredients and 8 steps.

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