Nothing says comfort like a plate of creamy cheese grits topped with tender shrimp kissed by a spicy Cajun butter sauce. This dish is a warm hug on a plate, perfect for any night you crave rich, soulful flavors.

I remember the first time I made shrimp and grits—it filled my kitchen with the scent of garlic and spices, and the first bite was pure magic. The creamy grits paired with the slightly crispy shrimp made every forkful feel like a celebration of Southern home cooking.

Why You’ll Love It:

Creamy, cheesy stone-ground grits that melt in your mouth
Tender shrimp sautéed to just the right crispness with a buttery, spicy Cajun kick
Fresh green onions and a squeeze of lemon brighten every bite
A rustic, comforting presentation that feels like home
Quick to make but impressive enough for guests

Simple ingredients come together fast for a cozy, satisfying meal. You’ll feel like a Southern chef in no time.

Shrimp and Grits

Close-up of creamy cheddar cheese grits topped with tender sautéed shrimp coated in Cajun butter sauce, garnished with chopped green onions and a lemon wedge on a rustic plate

Print Recipe

A classic Southern dish featuring creamy cheese grits topped with tender sautéed shrimp in a spicy Cajun butter sauce, garnished with green onions and lemon.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup stone-ground grits
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
4 tablespoons butter, divided
1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
2 green onions, chopped
1 tablespoon lemon juice

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Instructions

Bring chicken broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Slowly whisk in the stone-ground grits.
Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened and creamy, about 15 minutes.
Stir in cheddar cheese and 2 tablespoons butter until melted and smooth. Keep warm.
In a large skillet, melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat.
Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add shrimp and Cajun seasoning, cooking until shrimp are pink and slightly crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice.
Spread grits on plates as a base. Arrange shrimp on top.
Garnish with chopped green onions and serve with a lemon wedge.

FAQ

Is this dish difficult to prepare?

Not at all. The shrimp cook quickly with simple sautéing, and the grits come together easily with chicken broth and cheese for a creamy texture.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the grits.

Save this recipe, print it out, or get cooking now to enjoy a true taste of Southern comfort.