Creamy Southern Shrimp and Grits Recipe: Ina Garten’s Magic Touch

Indulge in a southern classic that promises pure comfort with Ina Garten’s shrimp and grits recipe, a dish that sings with coastal flavors.

Creamy, rich grits form the perfect canvas for succulent shrimp dancing with bold seasonings.

Each bite delivers a symphony of textures that melts seamlessly on your tongue.

The recipe balances delicate seafood with hearty, smooth corn goodness that warms from within.

Garten’s culinary expertise shines through every carefully crafted element of this quintessential southern staple.

Sharp cheddar and smoky bacon add depth and complexity to an already remarkable dish.

Dive into this delectable creation that transforms a simple meal into an extraordinary dining experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 552 kcal

Servings: 4

Gather Ingredients for Ina Garten’s Shrimp and Grits

• Chicken Stock: Adds rich, savory depth to the grits, enhancing overall flavor and creating a luxurious texture.
• Milk: Brings silky smoothness and subtle sweetness to the grits, helping achieve a creamy consistency.
• Butter: Provides rich, velvety richness and helps bind ingredients together.
• Grits: Hearty Southern staple that creates a comforting, thick base for the dish.
• Salt: Balances and amplifies the flavors of all other ingredients.

• Shrimp: Delicate seafood that adds protein and oceanic sweetness to the dish.
• Bacon: Introduces smoky, crispy element that provides textural contrast and intense flavor.
• Green Onions: Adds fresh, sharp brightness and visual appeal as a garnish.

• Shredded Cheese: Melts beautifully into grits, creating extra creaminess and tangy richness.
• Black Pepper: Provides subtle heat and aromatic depth to season shrimp.

Tools That Help Nail Shrimp and Grits Like Ina

• Medium-sized pot: Essential for cooking grits with stock and milk.
• Whisk: Perfect for smoothly incorporating grits into liquid.
• Nonstick or cast iron skillet: Key for cooking bacon and sautéing shrimp.
• Paper towel-lined plate: Helps drain excess bacon grease.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping bacon and green onions.
• Sharp knife: Required for precise cutting of bacon and garnishes.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Useful for stirring grits and mixing ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.

Cooking Method for Ina Garten’s Shrimp & Grits Recipe

Creamy Southern Comfort

• Grits Foundation

Combine rich chicken stock with velvety milk and a touch of butter in a pot. Heat gently, creating a warm base for the classic Southern dish. Sprinkle in a whisper of salt to enhance the flavors.

• Grits Transformation

Slowly incorporate grits into the simmering liquid. Allow them to dance and soften, stirring occasionally. The goal is a luxurious, silky texture that feels like a warm hug.

• Bacon Magic

Crisp up bacon in a skillet, transforming it into crunchy golden bits. Set aside the salty treasures, reserving the flavorful drippings for the next stage of cooking.

• Shrimp Spotlight

Season plump shrimp with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Sauté them quickly in the bacon-infused pan, watching them turn a beautiful pink as they cook.

• Liquid Love

Create a light sauce by adding a splash of chicken stock and a final pat of butter to the shrimp. Let the flavors mingle and warm through.

• Cheese Embrace

Fold rich, melty cheese into the creamy grits, creating a decadent base that’s pure comfort.

• Final Flourish

Nestle the succulent shrimp atop the cheesy grits. Scatter crispy bacon pieces and fresh green onions over the top for a pop of color and crunch.

Ways to Enhance Shrimp and Grits Southern Style

• Swap half the liquid with heavy cream for an ultra-rich, luxurious texture that melts in your mouth.
• Dust shrimp with Cajun seasoning or add red pepper flakes for a zesty Southern kick that elevates the entire dish.
• Experiment with different cheeses like sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, or pepper jack to create unique flavor profiles that complement the shrimp.
• Prepare grits and bacon earlier in the day, then quickly sauté shrimp just before serving to reduce last-minute cooking stress.
• Substitute shrimp with andouille sausage or chicken for a hearty alternative that keeps the classic Southern comfort food spirit alive.

Presentation Tips for a Comforting Shrimp & Grits Plate

• Savor Southern Comfort: Pair the shrimp and grits with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to balance the rich, creamy flavors.
• Create a Balanced Plate: Add a light side salad with mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the dish's richness and provide fresh contrast.
• Breakfast or Dinner Delight: Serve this versatile recipe as a hearty breakfast or elegant dinner, topped with extra crispy bacon bits for added crunch and flavor.
• Elevate with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives over the dish to brighten the presentation and add a burst of herbal freshness.

Keeping Grits Creamy When Storing Leftovers

• Prep Ahead Strategy: Chop bacon and green onions in advance, store separately in sealed containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to streamline cooking process.
• Quick Refrigeration: Store leftover shrimp and grits in airtight containers, keeping components separate to maintain texture. Consume within 2 days for best quality and food safety.
• Smart Freezing Technique: Freeze grits and shrimp individually in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and gently reheat in microwave or stovetop, stirring to restore creamy consistency.
• Reheating Wisdom: Warm refrigerated portions slowly on stovetop with splash of chicken stock, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and maintain original rich, creamy texture.

Dreamy Ina Garten Shrimp And Grits Recipe

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4.5 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s shrimp and grits showcase Southern comfort with creamy, cheesy goodness. Coastal flavors mingle seamlessly, offering you a delectable journey through classic Southern cuisine.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lbs (0.45 kg) jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 strips bacon (or 2–3 thick-cut slices)
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• ¾ cup stone-ground grits
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 ½ cups chicken stock, divided
• 4 tbsps butter, divided
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Thinly sliced green onions, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Liquid Foundation: In a medium pot, combine chicken stock, milk, and butter, bringing to a gentle boil with a pinch of salt. Gradually whisk in grits, reducing heat to low and simmering for 10-15 minutes until achieving a smooth, velvety consistency. Remove from heat and cover.
2. Bacon Preparation: Crisp bacon in a skillet over medium heat until golden, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease, then finely chop. Reserve approximately 30 milliliters of bacon drippings in the skillet.
3. Shrimp Transformation: Rinse shrimp under cold water, pat dry with paper towels, and season generously with salt and black pepper. Sauté in reserved bacon drippings over medium heat for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
4. Flavor Infusion: Add remaining butter and chicken stock to the shrimp skillet, stirring until butter melts and liquid warms. Fold shredded cheese into prepared grits until fully incorporated and creamy.
5. Plating Artistry: Spread creamy grits on plates, top with sautéed shrimp, and drizzle skillet liquid over the dish. Garnish with crispy bacon pieces and thinly sliced green onions before serving immediately.

Notes

• Achieve Creamy Grits: Whisk slowly and stir frequently to prevent lumps and create a smooth, velvety texture that’s restaurant-quality.
• Bacon Drippings Magic: Reserve bacon fat for incredible depth of flavor, transforming an ordinary shrimp and grits into a rich, southern-style masterpiece.
• Shrimp Cooking Precision: Cook shrimp just until pink and opaque to prevent rubbery texture; 2 minutes per side maintains perfect tenderness and juiciness.
• Cheese Integration Technique: Fold cheese into hot grits immediately after removing from heat, ensuring complete melting and creating a luxuriously smooth consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 552
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 1380 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 201 mg