21 Shrimp and Grits Recipes You’ll Want to Make Again and Again

Creamy stone-ground grits cooked low and slow, paired with buttery shrimp sautéed in garlic, onion, and a touch of smoked paprika. It’s the ultimate Southern comfort food that works for both Sunday brunch and weeknight dinners. This dish is not just delicious—it’s budget-friendly, family-approved, and incredibly satisfying. If you’re craving authentic Lowcountry flavors, this is where you should start. Serve with collard greens or cornbread for a complete meal that feels like home.

Turn up the heat with this bold Cajun-inspired shrimp and grits recipe. Juicy shrimp are tossed in a smoky Cajun seasoning blend, then seared until golden before being layered over cheesy grits. The kick from cayenne, paprika, and garlic powder makes this one unforgettable. If you love spicy food, this is the perfect dinner idea to impress guests or enjoy as a cozy comfort meal. Pair it with roasted veggies or a fresh salad to balance the heat. This recipe combines classic Southern flavor with Louisiana-style spice, making it one of the best comfort meals you’ll ever try.

Try this quick and easy dinner recipe, Garlic Butter Shrimp and Grits, which is phenomenal. The shrimp are pan-seared in a rich butter-garlic sauce, then spooned over creamy, cheesy grits that are perfect for a restaurant-quality meal at home. The flavors are simple but powerful, and this dish works beautifully for both family meals and special occasions. It's one of those high-protein, low-cost recipes that tastes delicious but comes together in less than 30 minutes. Pair with a glass of white wine, and you've got an elegant yet budget-friendly meal.

This one’s all about indulgence. Creamy, cheesy grits get topped with shrimp cooked in a smoky bacon sauce for the ultimate Southern comfort recipe. The bacon fat adds richness that makes every bite irresistible, while cheddar or gouda takes the grits to a whole new level. This dish is perfect for brunch, dinner parties, or anytime you want to impress with flavor-packed comfort food. It’s hearty, filling, and absolutely satisfying. Add a sprinkle of green onions on top for freshness, and you’ll have a dish that proves why shrimp and grits recipes are such a Southern classic.

If you want to taste the roots of this dish, Charleston-style shrimp and grits is the most authentic version. Traditionally made with stone-ground grits and topped with shrimp in a savory gravy that includes bell peppers, onions, garlic, and bacon or sausage, this version screams Lowcountry flavor. It’s one of the most famous Southern shrimp and grits recipes, often served in historic Charleston restaurants. Making it at home is surprisingly simple, and the results are rich, hearty, and unforgettable.

For a modern twist, try smoked gouda shrimp and grits. The creamy, smoky cheese brings an extra layer of flavor that pairs perfectly with buttery shrimp. This dish feels restaurant-level but is easy enough for a weeknight dinner. If you’re hosting friends or want to elevate your comfort food recipes, this one is a winner. Smoked gouda makes the grits unforgettable, while the shrimp bring freshness and protein. Add crispy pancetta or green onions on top, and you’ve got a gourmet-style dish that still feels cozy. This recipe is perfect for foodies looking for something unique yet comforting.

Want a lighter take on a Southern classic? This healthy shrimp and grits recipe swaps regular grits for creamy mashed cauliflower. You still get all the buttery, garlicky shrimp flavor but with fewer carbs and more nutrients. It’s a great choice for anyone following a low-carb, keto, or Weight Watchers-friendly diet. The dish is high in protein, packed with flavor, and perfect for meal prep. If you’re trying to eat healthier without giving up comfort food, this recipe is the perfect balance. Top it with a squeeze of lemon for a fresh, zesty finish.

For a vibrant twist, shrimp and grits with creamy tomato sauce adds a slightly Italian touch to this Southern classic. Juicy shrimp simmer in a garlic-tomato cream sauce, then get spooned over cheesy grits. The flavor combination is rich, comforting, and a bit tangy from the tomatoes. This dish is perfect if you want something new but still crave the heartiness of grits. It’s a great option for family dinners, especially when you want to serve something colorful and crowd-pleasing. Pair it with roasted asparagus or a side salad for a full comfort meal.

Do you like your meals bold? Jalapeno Shrimp and Grits will be just the thing. The shrimp are sautéed with garlic, lemon juice, and fresh jalapenos, creating a spicy flavor that balances beautifully with the creamy, cheesy grits. This is a perfect brunch idea or weeknight dinner recipe for those who love hot food. You can adjust the spice level depending on how many jalapenos you add, making it customizable for your family. It's a fun way to give traditional shrimp and grits a Tex-Mex twist and keep the Southern comfort food vibe going.

Adding Andouille sausage to shrimp and grits creates a smoky, Cajun-inspired dish that's packed with flavor. The shrimp brings sweetness, the sausage brings spice, and the creamy grits balance everything out. This recipe is perfect for a dinner party, holiday meal, or cozy family night in. It's one of those shrimp and grits recipes that feels both hearty and satisfying. Also, the Andouille sausage adds just enough richness that you don't need much else — although a slice of cornbread never hurts. If you want a meal that's full and packed with Southern flavor, this is it.

The shrimp are cooked in a silky white wine and garlic sauce, which adds a restaurant-quality touch. Pair that with creamy, buttery grits and you’ve got a dish that feels like fine dining without the high cost. It’s the perfect recipe for a date night dinner at home, yet simple enough for weeknights. The acidity from the wine balances the richness of the grits beautifully, creating one of the most flavorful southern shrimp and grits recipes you’ll ever make.

Want a nutritious spin? Adding spinach and garlic not only boosts the flavor but also makes the shrimp and grits even healthier. The sautéed greens add freshness and nutrition, while the garlic deepens the flavor of the shrimp. This recipe works great as a healthy comfort food dinner or a filling brunch option. It's a guilt-free twist on the classic Southern shrimp and grits recipe - rich, delicious, and nutritious all at the same time.

For smoky-sweet flavor, try BBQ shrimp and grits. Juicy shrimp are tossed in a tangy barbecue sauce, then placed on top of buttery grits for a Southern-style dish with a backyard twist. It’s an amazing summer dinner recipe that works equally well for weeknight meals or weekend gatherings. Pair it with coleslaw, grilled corn, or roasted veggies for a complete feast. The sweetness of the BBQ sauce combined with the creaminess of the grits is absolutely addictive. If you want a new way to enjoy shrimp and grits, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

The shrimp are coated in a flavorful mix of paprika, cayenne, thyme, and garlic powder, then pan-seared until slightly charred and smoky. When paired with creamy cheese grits, every bite is packed with Southern flair. This recipe is a fantastic high-protein, low-cost dinner idea that tastes like something you’d order at a New Orleans restaurant. Quick, easy, and full of flavor—this is one of the best shrimp and grits recipes if you want a spicy kick without being overwhelming.

For meal prep or feeding a crowd, a shrimp and grits casserole is a game-changer. Creamy grits are layered with shrimp, cheese, and spices, then baked until bubbly and golden. This recipe is ideal for potlucks, holidays, or Sunday brunch when you don’t want to cook everything at the last minute. It’s also one of the easiest make-ahead comfort food recipes you’ll find. The casserole holds up well for leftovers too, making it perfect for busy families. If you love shrimp and grits but want something oven-baked and hands-off, this recipe is a must-try.

Light, fresh, and zesty, this shrimp and grits recipe is elevated by a simple lemon butter sauce. The bright citrus cuts through the richness of the creamy grits, making the dish refreshing yet indulgent. This is a fantastic choice for warm-weather meals, brunch gatherings, or when you want shrimp and grits without the heaviness of cheese or gravy. The lemon also enhances the shrimp’s natural sweetness, making this dish both elegant and delicious. If you want a shrimp and grits recipe that feels a little lighter but still comforting, this one hits the spot.

This dish is bursting with color and flavor. Cajun-spiced shrimp are cooked with red and green bell peppers, onions, and garlic, then served over rich and creamy grits. It’s basically a comfort food bowl that combines Southern tradition with Louisiana flair. The peppers add crunch and freshness, while the Cajun seasoning brings heat and depth. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this recipe is also beautiful enough to serve at parties. It’s hearty, spicy, and absolutely satisfying—one of those shrimp and grits recipes you’ll find yourself making over and over again.

Upgrade your shrimp and grits with a touch of Italian flavor by adding crunchy pancetta. The salty crunch pairs beautifully with the tender shrimp and creamy grits, creating a dish that is both rustic and elegant. The pancetta adds a depth that bacon simply can’t match, giving the entire dish a savory flavor. Perfect for brunch, date night, or when you want to impress your guests, this recipe combines Southern comfort food with European charm. If you’re tired of the same old flavors, try this version for a new but comforting spin on shrimp and grits.

For a fusion twist, drizzle homemade or store-bought pesto over your shrimp and grits. The herby, garlicky flavor of the pesto adds freshness and complexity to the creamy grits and buttery shrimp. It’s unexpected, delicious, and a fun way to elevate a classic Southern shrimp and grits recipe. This version is ideal for summer dinners or casual entertaining when you want to surprise guests with something unique. Pair with a glass of chilled white wine, and you’ll have a restaurant-worthy dish that still feels comforting and down-to-earth.

For a wholesome, balanced meal, try shrimp and grits with roasted veggies. Bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes add color, nutrients, and texture to the dish. The shrimp provide lean protein, while the grits deliver comfort in every bite. This version is perfect for families looking for a healthy dinner recipe that still feels indulgent. It’s versatile too—you can swap in your favorite seasonal vegetables. If you want a shrimp and grits recipe that’s hearty, flavorful, and loaded with veggies, this one is a fantastic option for weeknights or meal prep.

If you're a fan of rich flavors, this recipe for shrimp and grits with mushroom sauce will impress you. Soft shrimp are sautéed in garlic and olive oil, then tossed in a creamy mushroom sauce made with Parmesan, cream, and fresh herbs. Pour it over buttery grits, and you'll have a meal that's comforting yet comforting. The mushrooms add umami depth, making this recipe perfect for mushroom lovers. It's a great option for a cozy weeknight dinner, a fall gathering, or even a holiday brunch. This dish proves that shrimp and grits can be infinitely versatile and always delicious.