Cajun Shrimp & White Cheddar Cheese Grits
Cajun Shrimp & White Cheddar Cheese Grits made with creamy, cheesy grits smothered in a rich, savory sauce of succulent shrimp, crispy bacon, sweet corn, and velvety cream. This dish combines bold Cajun flavors with the comfort of classic Southern cuisine, creating the ultimate indulgence. Perfect for any meal, it’s a hearty and satisfying treat that will leave you craving more.
Ingredients
For Grits:
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup quick grits see notes below
- 2 tablespoon butter salted or unsalted
- 1-1 ½ cups freshly shredded white cheddar cheese
- 15 oz canned corn drained & divided in half
For Shrimp Topping:
- 6 strips thick-cut bacon
- 3 tablespoon butter salted or unsalted
- 1.5 lb large or jumbo shrimp peeled, de-veined
- 1.5 tablespoon minced garlic 3-4 cloves
- 1.5 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- ¾ cup cream heavy cream, half & half, or whole milk
- kosher salt & pepper to taste
- green onion or chives garnish
Instructions
Make the Grits:
- In a large pot, bring chicken broth and whole milk to a gentle boil.
- Slowly whisk in the quick grits, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Continuously whisk the grits until they are thickened, tender, and lump-free, about 5 minutes.
- Remove the pot from heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter, shredded white cheddar, and half of the drained canned corn. Continue whisking until the butter and cheese are melted. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Cook the Bacon:
- Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the bacon to the pan and cook for about 3-5 minutes per side until crispy. Set the bacon aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
- Drain the grease from the frying pan.
Make the Shrimp Topping:
- In a mixing bowl, toss the raw shrimp with minced garlic and Cajun seasoning.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the frying pan.
- Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1.5-2 minutes per side until pink and cooked through.
- Pour in the heavy cream, the remaining canned corn, and crumbled bacon. Simmer and stir for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly. Remove from heat.
Plate, Top with Garnish, and Serve:
- Serve the grits in bowls and top with the shrimp mixture.
- Garnish with chopped green onions, parsley, or additional cheese if desired.
- Enjoy your Cajun Shrimp & White Cheddar Cheese Grits!
Notes
- Shrimp: Opt for large or jumbo shrimp for the best texture and flavor. Ensure they are peeled and deveined before cooking. Fresh shrimp are ideal, but frozen shrimp can be used if thawed properly.
- Quick Grits: Quick grits are a convenient option, cooking up in just a few minutes. They provide a creamy base that perfectly complements the other flavors. Follow package instructions for best results.
- Quick Grits vs Instant Grits: Quick grits often retain more of the natural nutrients found in corn compared to instant grits. Instant Grits, due to the extensive processing, may lose some nutritional value and sometimes contain added preservatives or flavorings.
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- Are Grits Gluten-free? Yes, grits are naturally gluten-free because they are made from ground corn. However, it's essential to ensure that the grits you purchase are labeled as gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination with gluten-containing grains during processing. Always check the packaging and, if in doubt, contact the manufacturer for more information.
- Nutritional information is an estimate only and may vary based on specific ingredients and quantities used.
Nutrition
Calories: 558kcalCarbohydrates: 26.7gProtein: 41.3gFat: 31.9gSaturated Fat: 17.5gFiber: 1.8gSugar: 4.9g
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