If you’re craving bold Southern flavor with a comforting twist, New Orleans Style Shrimp and Grits is your answer.
This iconic dish blends creamy, cheesy grits with tender shrimp sautéed in rich Cajun spices. It’s hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make in your own kitchen. Whether you’re feeding your family or impressing guests, this recipe delivers every time.
What Makes This Dish So Special?
New Orleans Style Shrimp and Grits isn’t just food—it’s culture on a plate.
- Bold flavors from Cajun seasoning and smoky bacon.
- Creamy grits made with real cheddar.
- Juicy shrimp cooked to perfection.
- Colorful veggies to brighten your plate.
- Quick and simple, but big on taste.
It’s comfort food that still feels elevated—perfect for Sunday dinners or any night you want to treat yourself.
New Orleans Style Shrimp and Grits
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s your grocery list for the perfect batch of New Orleans Style Shrimp and Grits:
For the grits:
- 2 cups chicken broth (for flavor-packed grits)
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt to taste
For the shrimp topping:
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 4 green onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1–2 tablespoons butter
- Optional: dash of hot sauce or chopped parsley for garnish
Pro tip: Fresh shrimp gives the best flavor, but thawed frozen shrimp works fine too—just pat dry before cooking.
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Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Medium pot (for grits)
- Large skillet (for shrimp and veggies)
- Wooden spoon
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make New Orleans Style Shrimp and Grits
This dish comes together in just a few simple steps.
1. Prep All Your Ingredients First
Before you turn on the heat, chop your veggies, measure out your ingredients, and get everything lined up. It’ll make your cooking faster and smoother.
2. Cook the Grits
- Bring 2 cups of chicken broth to a boil.
- Slowly stir in 1 cup of stone-ground grits.
- Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once thick and creamy, mix in 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Stir until fully melted.
- Season with salt to taste.
Don’t rush this step—low and slow cooking gives you the creamiest texture.
3. Cook the Bacon
- In a large skillet, cook 4 slices of chopped bacon over medium heat.
- Once crispy, remove and drain on a paper towel.
- Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pan for added flavor.
4. Sauté the Veggies
- In the same skillet, add the diced red bell pepper.
- Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds.
5. Cook the Shrimp
- Add the peeled shrimp to the skillet.
- Sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for 3–5 minutes, flipping once, until shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
- Add butter for extra richness.
Watch closely—overcooked shrimp can turn rubbery fast.
6. Assemble the Dish
- Spoon a generous amount of cheesy grits onto each plate or bowl.
- Top with the shrimp and veggie mixture.
- Sprinkle with crispy bacon and chopped green onions.
- Add parsley or a dash of hot sauce if desired.
What to Serve With Shrimp and Grits
This dish is filling, but you can make it a full meal with the right sides:
- Fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Cornbread or crusty bread for dipping
- Sautéed greens like kale or collards
- Cold white wine or light beer to balance the spice
Tips for Success
Want to nail it every time? Keep these tips in mind:
- Use stone-ground grits. Instant grits won’t deliver the same texture or flavor.
- Buy fresh shrimp if possible. The taste is unbeatable.
- Don’t skip the cheese. It gives the grits their signature creaminess.
- Go easy on the salt. Cajun seasoning and bacon already bring salt to the table.
- Add heat carefully. Cajun spice levels vary by brand, so taste as you go.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Got leftovers? Here’s how to keep them fresh:
- Store grits and shrimp separately in airtight containers.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheat grits with a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore creaminess.
- Shrimp can be reheated gently in a skillet.
Do not microwave the shrimp too long—it’ll get tough.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
Make your own: mix paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of thyme.
Are grits gluten-free?
Yes—just check the label to be sure there’s no cross-contamination.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the components ahead, but cook shrimp just before serving for the best texture.
How spicy is this recipe?
Mild to medium, depending on your Cajun seasoning. Add hot sauce if you want more heat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Shrimp and grits might sound like a simple dish, but don’t be fooled.
- It’s packed with flavor.
- It feels fancy but cooks fast.
- It satisfies like a warm Southern hug (without being cheesy about it).
Once you make this dish, it’ll be on your regular rotation. It’s that good.
Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right ingredients and a little bit of patience, you can create something truly special—like New Orleans Style Shrimp and Grits.
Try it tonight. Impress your family. Or just treat yourself to a bowl full of comfort.
Let the bold, spicy, creamy goodness speak for itself.
