Description

Craving a soul-warming, Southern-inspired dish that’s perfect for a cozy Valentine’s Day or any comforting meal? Slow Cooker Shrimp and Grits is your answer! This rich recipe combines creamy, cheesy grits with succulent shrimp, savory bacon, and bold Cajun flavors, all made effortless with a slow cooker.

Ingredients

Shrimp (1 lb, peeled and deveined):
- Why it’s important: Tender, juicy protein that adds a luxurious touch to the creamy grits.
- Substitutions: Crawfish, scallops, or firm white fish like cod (sauté similarly). For vegetarian, use sautéed mushrooms or zucchini.
Quick-Cooking Grits (1 cup):
- Why it’s important: Absorbs broth and cream to create a smooth, creamy base.
- Substitutions: Polenta or stone-ground grits (increase cooking time to 5–6 hours on low and stir more often). Avoid instant grits for best texture.
Chicken Broth (4 cups):
- Why it’s important: Provides savory flavor and cooks the grits to perfection.
- Substitutions: Vegetable broth, seafood stock, or water with a bouillon cube (less flavorful).
Heavy Cream (½ cup):
- Why it’s important: Adds rich, velvety texture to the grits.
- Substitutions: Half-and-half, whole milk, or coconut cream for vegan (may alter flavor slightly).
Cheddar Cheese (½ cup, shredded):
- Why it’s important: Brings sharp, melty flavor to enhance the grits’ creaminess.
- Substitutions: Gouda, Monterey Jack, or nutritional yeast for vegan.
Bacon (4 slices, chopped):
- Why it’s important: Adds smoky, savory depth and crispy texture.
- Substitutions: Pancetta, turkey bacon, or smoked tempeh for vegetarian (sauté separately if using tempeh).
Onion (1, chopped):
- Why it’s important: Provides sweet, savory depth to the grits.
- Substitutions: Shallots, leeks, or 1 tsp onion powder.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced):
- Why it’s important: Infuses the dish with warm, aromatic flavor.
- Substitutions: ¾ tsp garlic powder or 1.5 tsp garlic paste.
Cajun Seasoning (1 tsp):
- Why it’s important: Adds bold, spicy Southern flavor with paprika, cayenne, and herbs.
- Substitutions: Creole seasoning, or a mix of ½ tsp paprika, ¼ tsp cayenne, and ¼ tsp thyme.
Salt and Pepper (to taste):
- Why it’s important: Enhances the flavors of the grits and shrimp.
Green Onions (for garnish):
- Why it’s important: Adds fresh, oniony crunch and vibrant color.
- Substitutions: Chives, parsley, or omit.

Tip: Use fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor, and opt for quick-cooking grits to ensure a creamy texture without excessive cooking time.

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Instructions

Step 1: Combine Grits and Base Ingredients

In the slow cooker, combine 4 cups chicken broth and 1 cup quick-cooking grits, stirring well to prevent lumps.
Add 4 chopped bacon slices, 1 chopped onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp Cajun seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
Tip: Lightly grease the slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Grits

Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours, stirring occasionally (once or twice if possible), until the grits are creamy and tender and have absorbed most of the broth.
Check doneness at the 4-hour mark to avoid overcooking, as slow cookers vary.
Tip: If grits thicken too much, add a splash of broth or water during cooking.

Step 3: Finish the Grits

In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in ½ cup heavy cream and ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and incorporated.
Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning as needed.
Tip: Keep the slow cooker on low or warm after adding cream to prevent curdling.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sauté 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp with a pinch of salt and pepper for 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through (145°F/63°C internally).
Remove from heat and set aside to avoid overcooking.
Tip: Pat shrimp dry before cooking for a better sear, and add a pinch of Cajun seasoning to the shrimp for extra flavor.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Gently stir the cooked shrimp into the creamy grits in the slow cooker, or layer them on top when serving for a polished look.
Spoon the shrimp and grits into bowls, ensuring each serving gets a mix of grits, bacon, and shrimp.
Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh, colorful finish.
Serve hot, ideally with a side of collard greens or a simple salad.
Tip: Serve immediately to enjoy the shrimp at their tender best, and warm bowls slightly to keep the dish hot.