A LITTLE INSPIRATION FOR EVERY MEAL Have a recipe? Share it →
Home / Recipes / Main Course
THE RECIPE COLLECTION · Main Course

Shrimp and Grits with a Southwestern Twist

This dish brings together creamy, comforting grits with succulent shrimp, all flavored with bold Southwestern spices for a deliciously satisfying meal. Perfect for a cozy dinner that’s both easy and full of vibrant flavors.

Start cooking ↓
TIME30 min
SERVINGS4
RATING4.9 / 5
Shrimp and Grits with a Southwestern Twist COOKBOOK / 3081
01 / WHAT YOU NEED

Ingredients

Adjust servings4
02 / HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

01

Cook and Stir Grits

Start by combining the evaporated milk, grits, chicken broth, and butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring everything to a boil, then cook while stirring constantly until the grits thicken up a bit, about 5 to 7 minutes. Once they’re nice and creamy, stir in the Cheddar cheese until it’s melted and smooth. Take the pot off the heat and set it aside for now.

Shrimp and Grits with a Southwestern Twist step 1
02

Cook and Crisp Bacon

Next, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Turn it every few minutes until it’s crispy and browned, which should take around 6 minutes total. Once done, transfer the bacon to some paper towels to drain, then chop it up once it’s cool enough.

Shrimp and Grits with a Southwestern Twist step 2
03

Cook Shrimp and Peppers

In the same skillet with the bacon grease, toss in the bell peppers. Add the shrimp and sprinkle the taco seasoning over everything. Cook and stir for about 3 to 5 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the shrimp turn a bright pink and feel firm to the touch. Stir in the chopped bacon to mix all those flavors together.

Shrimp and Grits with a Southwestern Twist step 3
04

Serve Shrimp and Grits

To serve, spoon a good helping of the cheesy grits into each bowl, then pile on the shrimp and pepper mixture. If you like a little extra kick, drizzle some hot sauce over the top and enjoy!

03 / EXTRA DETAILS

Good to know.

Cook's tip

- Use stone-ground grits for the best texture and flavor.
- Cook the shrimp just until pink to keep them tender and juicy.
- Add spices gradually and taste as you go to balance heat and flavor.

Why you’ll love it

This dish brings together creamy, comforting grits with bold southwestern flavors and tender shrimp. It’s a wonderful mix of textures and spices that feels both homey and exciting. Perfect for a cozy dinner or impressing guests with something a little different.

Serving ideas

Serve with a fresh side salad or roasted vegetables to add some crunch and color. A squeeze of lime or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top can brighten the dish even more. It pairs well with a chilled white wine or a light beer.

Storage & leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the grits creamy. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the grits may change.

KEEP EXPLORING

More to make.

All recipes ↗