Shrimp and cheesy bacon on grits with creamy gouda cheese are made my way, black girl style, with melted butter and some mouthwatering cheesy sauce!!!
Shrimp and cheesy bacon on grits are sent from heaven. I mean, come on. Sign me up for the creamy, velvety texture mixed with the jumbo shrimp and gravy with fried bacon bits. This southern classic comes together in less than 30 minutes. It’s perfect for those quiet summer mornings. It’s a protein on top of protein, my friends. Oh, and I forgot to mention my favorite. It’s budget-friendly, and picky eaters will, nine times out of ten, love it!
Why Create This Shrimp and Cheesy Grits?
Grocery Store List
Grits—there are so many types of grits, including stone, hominy, yellow, and quicken, which is what I decided to go with.
Jumbo Shrimp: Choose fresh shrimp from Publix Deli. If you can’t use frozen shrimp, they must be thawed.
Bacon– Be sure to complete this part. The bacon takes the flavor to a whole different level.
How To Make Gouda Grits with Shrimp and Gravy?
To a medium-high skillet, cook your bacon bites until golden brown and remove them from the stove.
Add butter to the same pot and allow it to melt. Toss in your seasoned shrimp.
Remove and add butter along with flour, stirring. Next, stir in chicken broth and seasoning. Bring to a simmer.
Add shrimp back in and bring to a simmer (medium-low).
Add water and salt to a pot and bring to a boil. Slowly add grits while whisking, which will help prevent lumping.
Continue whisking; add butter and smoked Gouda cheese along with milk.
Bring to a simmer and serve Gouda grits with bacon, shrimp, and brown gravy.
Substitutions For Shrimp and Cheesy Bacon Grits?
You can use cream or half and half if you don’t have milk. This will ensure you still get all the protein from my vitamin D.
Variations For Gouda Grits
If you don’t want the shrimp and bacon, skip this step and go with Gouda grits and brown gravy!
Add more spice to things with Cajun seasoning. It will for sure elevate your tastebuds with a bit of spiciness.
Go for garnishments like fresh chopped parsley and even chopped green onions.
Add more aromatics to the mix. Chop onions and sauté them to create more comfort food flavors.
Expert Tips
Shrimp and bacon grits
Ingredients
- 2 Lb Jumbo shrimp deveined
- 6 Slices Thick bacon chopped
- 1 Cup Grits
- 2 Cups Water
- 1 Tbsp Butter
- 1 Tsp Salt to your liking
- 1 Tsp Black Pepper to your liking
- 1/2 Cup Gouda cheese grated
- 1/2 Cup Sharp cheese grated
- 1 Tbsp Minced garlic to your liking
- 1 Tbsp Onion chopped
- 1/2 Tbsp Creole seasoning to your liking
- 1 Tbsp Garlic Powder
- 1 Cup Heavy cream
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan and set aside.6 Slices Thick bacon
- In the same pan, add seasoned shrimp and cook until done.2 Lb Jumbo shrimp, 1/2 Tbsp Creole seasoning, 1 Tbsp Garlic Powder
- Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- In a separate saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add the grits and cook according to package instructions.2 Cups Water, 1 Cup Grits
- In the pan used to cook the bacon and shrimp, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, and sauté until fragrant.1 Tbsp Butter, 1 Tbsp Minced garlic, 1 Tbsp Onion
- Add the grated Gouda cheese, sharp cheese, and heavy cream to the pan. Stir until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.1/2 Cup Gouda cheese, 1 Cup Heavy cream, 1/2 Cup Sharp cheese
- Season the cheese sauce with salt, pepper, and Creole seasoning to your liking.1 Tsp Salt, 1 Tsp Black Pepper, 1/2 Tbsp Creole seasoning
- Add the cooked shrimp, cheese sauce, and chopped bacon to the grits mixture. Stir until everything is evenly distributed.
Original Published Date June 4, 2021
