Name: Shrimp and Grits - Family Style
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp works well.; Grits: Quick-cooking or stone-ground grits.; Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese adds richness to the dish.; Butter: Unsalted butter enhances flavor.; Garlic & Onion: Provide depth to the dish.; Cajun Seasoning: Adds kick!; Stock or Broth: Chicken or vegetable stock is ideal for the sauce.

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Shrimp and Grits – Family Style is the perfect comforting meal that brings together the flavors of southern cuisine right to your dinner table! This dish features succulent shrimp cooked in a savory gravy served over creamy, cheesy grits. It’s simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice for bustling weeknights or casual family gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients
How to Make
Tips for Making
Make-Ahead Instructions
Storing Leftovers
Freezing
Reheating
Serving Suggestions
FAQs
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect for Family Gatherings. This Shrimp and Grits dish is both comforting and satisfying, making it a perfect dish to serve for family gatherings or special occasions. The family-style presentation encourages sharing and makes every meal feel special!
Rich and Flavorful. The combination of succulent shrimp simmered in a savory sauce paired with creamy, cheesy grits creates a dish that is bursting with flavor. The gravy from the shrimp seeps into the grits, enhancing each bite!
Easy to Customize. Whether you like your shrimp spicy or prefer a more neutral flavor, you can easily adjust the seasoning to match your family’s preferences. Add hot sauce for a kick or keep it simple for kids!

Ingredients for Shrimp and Grits – Family Style

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp works well. For best results, use large or jumbo shrimp for a satisfying bite.
Grits: Quick-cooking or stone-ground grits can be used. The creaminess of the grits is crucial to this dish!
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese adds a rich flavor to the grits. Feel free to mix in other cheeses for a unique taste.
Butter: Unsalted butter enhances the dish’s creaminess and flavor.
Garlic & Onion: Fresh garlic and onion provide depth to the shrimp sauce.
Cajun Seasoning: A flavorful blend that adds a great kick! Adjust to taste.
Stock or Broth: Chicken or vegetable stock helps create a flavorful sauce for the shrimp.

How to Make Shrimp and Grits – Family Style

Start cooking the grits according to package instructions, adding butter and cheese as they cook to create a creamy texture.
In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant.
Add the shrimp to the pan, seasoning with Cajun seasoning. Cook until shrimp is pink and opaque.
Pour in the broth, allowing it to simmer and thicken slightly, creating a delicious sauce.
Once the grits are done, serve them in a large bowl topped with the shrimp and gravy.
Garnish with green onions or fresh herbs if desired and serve warm. Enjoy!

Tips for Making Shrimp and Grits – Family Style

Use Fresh Shrimp: Whenever possible, buy fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture. If using frozen, ensure they are fully thawed before cooking.
Adjust Cajun Spice: You can customize the heat level by increasing or decreasing the amount of Cajun seasoning used, depending on your family’s preference.
Don’t Overcook Grits: Be vigilant not to overcook the grits. They should be creamy but not runny!

Make-Ahead Instructions

You can prepare the grits in advance and reheat them when you’re ready to serve. Add a splash of water or milk to loosen them up as they reheat.
The shrimp can also be pre-cooked and stored in the refrigerator. Just warm them gently before serving.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a little liquid if necessary to keep the grits creamy.

Freezing Shrimp and Grits – Family Style

While it’s not ideal, you can freeze the shrimp separately from the grits. Wrap them well in freezer bags to avoid freezer burn.
Grits can freeze but may lose some creaminess. If freezing, avoid adding cheese until you reheat them.

Reheating Shrimp and Grits – Family Style

To reheat, place the grits in a saucepan over low heat, stirring to prevent sticking. Add a splash of broth or water to return them to the desired consistency.
For shrimp, gently warm in a skillet until heated through, adding a little broth if needed to revive the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

FAQs

Can I use dried grits instead of instant?

Yes, you can use dried grits, but cook them according to package directions which typically take longer than instant.

What type of shrimp should I use?

It’s best to use fresh or frozen large shrimp for this recipe, but any size will work.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, both the grits and the shrimp can be prepared in advance. Reheat separately before serving.

Is it possible to make Shrimp and Grits vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or a veggie protein of your choice, and vegetable broth instead of shrimp stock.

How do I make my grits creamier?

Add more butter or cheese while cooking the grits until you reach desired creaminess.