Creamy Southern Cajun Shrimp and Grits

Get creative with this easy shrimp and grits in creole cream sauce recipe and how-to video! Add a twist to traditional buttery shrimp and grits with crispy bacon, cajun shrimp, fresh herbs in a cream sauce. In just twenty minutes, have a delicious meal that can be enjoyed at any time of day!

If you enjoy shrimp and grits or other breakfast and brunch recipes, try Easy Dirty Jerk Shrimp and Grits, Cajun Shrimp Toast with Hollandaise Sauce or Cajun Fish and Grits.

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WHERE DO SHRIMP AND GRITS ORIGINATE FROM?

Classic shrimp and grits, derive from the deep south, specifically around the Carolinas and are considered a true delicacy. During the era of the widely known Atlantic Slave Trade birthed some of the most popular dishes that are alive and well today!

To explain further, traditional shrimp and grits are prepared starting with creamy grits, shrimp are then sauteed in a lemon-butter sauce and topped with fresh herbs.

In fact, if you haven't tried traditional southern shrimp and grits, you should!

WHAT DIFFERENTIATES THIS RECIPE FROM TRADITIONAL SHRIMP AND GRITS?

The added cajun flare! In detail, there's added cajun seasoning, peppers, onions and hot sauce. Not to mention the additional toppings that make this dish just down right cajun style. This recipe holds a strong cajun flair and holds true to dishes similarly served in New Orleans.

Moreover, the flavors in this spicy and flavorful bowl work so well together. The creamy cheese grits cuts some of the spice from the cajun seasoning and add greats texture to the plumpy shrimp and crispy bacon.

WHAT INGREDIENTS ARE IN SHRIMP AND GRITS IN A CREOLE CREAM SAUCE?

This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare. I used instant grits to cut time and added household ingredients that really enhanced the flavor and texture of this bowl.

FOR THE GRITS

• Quick Instant Grits
• Chicken Stock
• Butter
• Garlic
• Mozzarella Cheese
• Smoked Gouda Cheese

FOR THE CAJUN CREAM SAUCE

• Bacon
• Shallot
• Green Pepper
• Garlic
• Chicken Stock
• Heavy Whipping Cream
• Flour
• Cajun Seasoning
• Hot Sauce
• Green Onion

FOR THE CAJUN SHRIMP

• Shrimp
• Cajun Seasoning

ADDITIONAL TOPPINGS

• Cherry Tomatoes
• Bacon
• Green Onion
• Parsley
• Crispy Fried Peppers

HOW TO MAKE EASY SHRIMP AND GRITS IN CREOLE CREAM SAUCE

PREPARING THE CHEESE GRITS

First, let's prepare the grits. Start with chicken broth or bouillon and add water to your pot based on recipe instructions. I've learned over the years that grits pick up a lot of flavor by adding flavor to your water.

Then, once the water comes to a boil, gently whisk in the grits, turn heat down to low and add in cheese. The grits will remain on warm until ready to serve.

PREPARING THE CREOLE CREAM SAUCE

First, prepare the bacon by pan searing until crispy. Set aside and reserve bacon fat for later use.

Next, in the same pan, add shallot, green onion and garlic and stir until translucent. Add chicken broth and stir.

Then, whisk in heavy cream, add cajun seasoning, hot sauce and stir.

Third, add in flour and stir until flour smell cooks out and sauce begins to thicken. Lastly, add green onion, cooked and crumbled bacon and set sauce aside.

PREPARING THE CAJUN SHRIMP

First, season shrimp with Cajun Seasoning and in a separate pan on medium/high heat, add butter and shrimp sautéing until shrimp are cooked through.

NOW IT'S TIME TO PLATE THE SHRIMP AND GRITS IN CREOLE CREAM SAUCE!

Now let's plate! At this instant, plate the bowl with the cheese grits. Then top with the cajun cream sauce.

Third, top with cajun shrimp, crumbled-crispy bacon, tomato, green onion, parsley and fried green peppers.

Serve and enjoy!

RECIPE VIDEO-SHRIMP AND GRITS IN CREOLE CREAM SAUCE!