The Best Authentic Southern Shrimp and Grits Recipe For A Hearty Meal

Are you a fan of Shrimp and Grits? This Southern shrimp and grits best recipe is a classic Southern dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is hearty, flavorful, and easy to make. This recipe is the best of the best, with cheesy grits, grilled shrimp, and country ham with a secret sauce of red-eye gravy for a flavorful blend of southern perfection.

The key to making great shrimp and grits is to use high-quality ingredients. Use stone-ground grits for the best flavor and texture. Use quality fresh shrimp that are peeled and deveined.

(Posts on The Ponds Farmhouse may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See the full disclosure details here.)

Are Shrimp and Grits A Southern Recipe?

The origin of Shrimp and Grits is credited to Charleston, SC when it first appeared as a breakfast recipe in 1950.

The popularity of this delicious recipe prompted South Carolina to declare Shrimp and Grits as its official state food in 1976.

Grits have long been a popular dish in southern states from Virginia To Texas. In fact, the region from southern Virginia to south Texas has become known as the “Grit Belt.”

However, South Carolina still reigns king of grits because St. George, SC, is designated the Grit capital of the world. They receive this designation due to the consumption of grits per capita.

Key Ingredients For Southern Shrimp and Grits Best Recipe

Did you know that all grits are not created equally? It’s true, and using a good quality stone ground grit will make all the difference in the texture and taste of your shrimp and grits.

• Palmetto Farms Stone Ground Grits
• Large Jumbo Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• Cured Country Ham
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• Chopped Green Onions
• Brewed Coffee
• Old Bay Seasoning
• Olive Oil
• Pepper
• Salt

How To Cook Shrimp

Begin by preparing the shrimp by placing them on skewers.

Then brush with Olive Oil on both sides of the shrimp.

Next, sprinkle the shrimp with Old Bay Seasoning and Ground Peppercorn Peppers. Flip the shrimp and sprinkle again on both spices.

Finally, add the shrimp skewers to a hot grill, turning them occasionally until they are cooked. Remove immediately not to overcook.

Cover and set aside to keep warm.

How To Cook Grits

Next, you are ready to cook your grits. I recommend using the package directions, as instructions can vary.

While water is coming to a boil, this is a good time to chop the green onions and prepare to cook the country ham.

First, bring water to a rapid boil and add grits. Cook while stirring occasionally based on package instructions.

Once grits are cooked, add the shredded cheese and stir until melted and smooth.

How To Cook Country Ham and Make The Secret Sauce – Red Eye Gravy

In the meantime, you can add the country ham to a skillet and fry on low.

You will want to reserve any drippings and fat in the skillet to make the secret sauce.

After removing the sliced ham, add hot brewed black coffee to the hot skillet immediately. Stir and scrap any drippings until the gravy is bubbling. If you don’t have many drippings, add small pieces of the ham back to flavor the gravy. Stir the gravy continuously for 3-5 minutes, and the gravy will stay thin.

Finally, use a sharp knife and chopping board, to chop the ham into small pieces.

Prepare Southern Shrimp and Grits Best Recipe

First, add the cheesy grits to a bowl and sprinkle the top with chopped ham.

Next, add the grilled shrimp to the center of the grits.

Then, drizzle the top of shrimp with the red eye gravy.

Finally, add the green onions to the top of the shrimp and serve immediately.

Authentic Southern Recipe

You can serve this shrimp and grits recipe in individual bowls or create a build-your-own-bowl buffet.

To create a buffet, have all the ingredients in individual bowls and aligned in the order of use.

Provide each guest with a bowl so that they can customize their portion.

You can also provide smaller portions and use wine glasses or martini glasses to serve them.

Southern Style Shrimp and Grits is a hearty meal that can easily be a meal in one dish when served in larger portions.

Pin It To Remember It

Did you find some great ideas you’d like to save for future reference? Hover over the images you’d like to save and pin to your favorite Pinterest Boards when you see the PIN button.