Shrimp and Grits with Crispy Bacon and Cheddar

Ingredients

Grits
• 1 cup stone-ground grits
• 4 cups water (or half water, half milk for creamier texture)
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp butter
• ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Shrimp
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp cayenne (optional for heat)
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley
• Optional: squeeze of lemon

Instructions

1. Cook grits: Bring water (and milk if using) to a boil with salt. Slowly whisk in grits and simmer, stirring frequently, until thick and creamy (~20 minutes). Stir in butter and cheddar cheese at the end. Keep warm.

2. Cook bacon: In a skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon, leaving some bacon fat in the pan.

3. Cook shrimp: Season shrimp with paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Sauté in the bacon fat for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Add garlic in the last 30 seconds.

4. Assemble: Spoon grits onto plates, top with shrimp, sprinkle crispy bacon, parsley, and a little extra cheddar if desired. Add a squeeze of lemon for brightness.