Introduction

Southern Shrimp and Grits with Garlic Butter Sauce is one of the most iconic comfort foods of the American South. Born from humble roots in the coastal Carolinas, this dish combines two simple staples shrimp and corn grits into a luxurious, soul-satisfying meal. The creamy, cheesy grits serve as the perfect base for plump, juicy shrimp tossed in a rich, garlicky butter sauce with a touch of spice. Every bite brings together creamy, savory, and slightly smoky flavors that feel both rustic and elegant.

This dish has long been a Sunday brunch favorite, but it also makes a hearty weeknight dinner or a show-stopping centerpiece for entertaining.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s the kind of dish that feels like a hug in a bowl. The creamy, cheesy grits are rich and comforting, while the shrimp bring freshness and just the right bite of protein. What ties it all together is the garlicky butter sauce—it’s bold, aromatic, and coats the shrimp beautifully, making every forkful decadent yet balanced.

This recipe is also incredibly versatile—you can make it mild and buttery for a cozy family dinner, or add a spicy Cajun twist for an impressive weekend brunch. It’s hearty enough to satisfy comfort food cravings, but elegant enough to serve to guests. For me, it’s the perfect example of how Southern cooking celebrates simple, humble ingredients and turns them into something extraordinary.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it embodies the heart and soul of Southern cooking—warm, comforting, and full of flavor. The creamy grits serve as the perfect canvas, while the shrimp bring freshness and a delicate sweetness that pairs beautifully with the richness of the garlic butter sauce.

It’s a well-balanced meal that’s both comforting and gourmet, giving you the best of both worlds. The smooth texture of the grits contrasts with the juicy shrimp, and the garlic butter adds a luxurious depth that ties everything together.

You’ll want to try this dish because:

• It’s versatile – ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.
• Big flavor, simple ingredients – no need for complicated steps, just bold Southern flavors.
• Restaurant quality at home – impress your family or guests with something that feels fancy but is approachable.
• Comfort food at its best – one bite feels like a warm Southern hug.

Whether you’re new to Southern cuisine or already love it, this recipe is a true taste of tradition and indulgence.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~520 kcal per serving
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Southern American

Ingredients

For the Grits:

• 1 cup stone-ground grits (or quick grits if short on time)
• 4 cups chicken broth (or water)
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Shrimp & Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
• ½ tsp Old Bay seasoning (optional, for Southern flavor)
• ½ cup chicken broth or white wine
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt & pepper to taste

Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Cook the Grits

1. In a medium saucepan, bring chicken broth and milk to a gentle boil.
2. Slowly whisk in the grits to prevent clumping.
3. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook (stirring occasionally) until thick and creamy (about 20–25 minutes for stone-ground grits, or 5–7 minutes for quick grits).
4. Stir in butter, cheese, salt, and pepper. Keep warm.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

1. Pat shrimp dry and season lightly with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
3. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
4. Add shrimp and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
5. Stir in cayenne, Old Bay, broth (or wine), and lemon juice.
6. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until sauce reduces slightly.
7. Stir in fresh parsley.

Step 3: Assemble the Dish

1. Spoon a generous portion of cheesy grits into a shallow bowl.
2. Top with garlic butter shrimp and drizzle extra sauce over the top.
3. Garnish with additional parsley or shredded cheese.

How to Serve

• Serve hot in individual bowls with shrimp nestled on top of creamy grits.
• Pair with a side of collard greens, cornbread, or a light garden salad.
• Perfect with iced tea, lemonade, or a crisp white wine.

Recipe Tips

• Use stone-ground grits for the most authentic texture and flavor.
• Don’t overcook shrimp—they cook very quickly!
• Add extra cheese to the grits for an even creamier finish.
• For a smoky touch, add a bit of crumbled bacon on top.

Variations

• Spicy Cajun Shrimp and Grits: Add Cajun seasoning and andouille sausage.
• Creamy Tomato Shrimp and Grits: Add a splash of tomato cream sauce to the shrimp.
• Seafood Mix: Swap some shrimp for scallops or crawfish.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Grits don’t freeze well (they become grainy), but shrimp and sauce can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat grits with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess. Reheat shrimp gently in a skillet to avoid overcooking.

Special Equipment Needed

• Medium saucepan (for grits)
• Large skillet (for shrimp and sauce)
• Whisk (for creamy grits)

FAQ

Q1: Can I use instant grits?
Yes, but stone-ground or quick grits have much better flavor and texture.

Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
Grits thicken as they sit, so make them fresh, but you can prep shrimp and sauce ahead and reheat gently.

Q3: What shrimp size is best?
Large or jumbo shrimp (16–20 count per pound) work best for this recipe.

Q4: Can I make it less spicy?
Yes—just omit cayenne and Old Bay. The garlic butter alone is delicious.

Conclusion

Southern Shrimp and Grits with Garlic Butter Sauce is the definition of Southern comfort—creamy, flavorful, and satisfying in every bite. It’s a dish that transforms simple ingredients into something elegant and soul-soothing. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe will impress with its rich flavors and beautiful presentation. Once you try it, it will become one of your go-to favorites!