Introduction

Ever wondered how to bring the soulful comfort of Southern cuisine to your table without spending hours in the kitchen? Slow Cooker Shrimp and Grits is your answer! This classic dish combines creamy, cheesy grits with succulent shrimp, smoky bacon, and bold Cajun flavors, all made effortlessly in your slow cooker. Perfect for cozy dinners, brunch gatherings, or a taste of the South any day of the week, this recipe delivers rich, comforting flavors with minimal fuss. Ready to discover how easy it is to create this crowd-pleasing masterpiece? Let’s get cooking!

Overview

Slow Cooker Shrimp and Grits is a Southern staple that blends velvety grits with tender shrimp and savory bacon in a flavorful, Cajun-spiced broth. The slow cooker makes the grits creamy and hands-off, while a quick shrimp sauté adds a fresh finish.

Time Requirement: 15 minutes prep, 4–5 hours on low, plus 5 minutes for shrimp.
Difficulty Level: Easy! Great for beginners, with simple steps and minimal active cooking.
Why It’s Special: This recipe is hearty, budget-friendly, and packed with bold Southern flavors. The slow cooker ensures perfectly creamy grits, while the shrimp and bacon add protein and smokiness. It’s a versatile dish that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, and it’s easily customizable for spice lovers or mild palates.

Whether you’re channeling Southern hospitality or craving a comforting meal, these Shrimp and Grits are sure to impress. Let’s dive in!

Essential Ingredients

The beauty of Slow Cooker Shrimp and Grits lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients. Each one adds flavor, texture, or creaminess to create a well-rounded dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

Shrimp (1 lb, peeled and deveined):
- Why it’s important: Adds tender, juicy protein that pairs perfectly with creamy grits.
- Substitutions: Crawfish, scallops, or diced chicken for a different protein. For vegetarian, try sautéed mushrooms or zucchini.
Quick-Cooking Grits (1 cup):
- Why it’s important: Creates the creamy, comforting base of the dish.
- Substitutions: Polenta or stone-ground grits (adjust cooking time for stone-ground, as they take longer). Avoid instant grits for best texture.
Chicken Broth (4 cups):
- Why it’s important: Infuses the grits with savory flavor and ensures a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Substitutions: Vegetable broth, water with a bouillon cube, or a mix of water and milk for extra richness.
Heavy Cream (½ cup):
- Why it’s important: Adds a velvety, luxurious texture to the grits.
- Substitutions: Half-and-half, whole milk, or a plant-based cream for a lighter or dairy-free option.
Cheddar Cheese (½ cup, shredded):
- Why it’s important: Brings sharp, cheesy flavor that enhances the grits.
- Substitutions: Gouda, Monterey Jack, or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative.
Bacon (4 slices, chopped):
- Why it’s important: Adds smoky, savory depth and a bit of crunch.
- Substitutions: Turkey bacon, pancetta, or omit for vegetarian (add a dash of smoked paprika for smokiness).
Onion (1, chopped):
- Why it’s important: Provides a sweet, savory base that complements the Cajun seasoning.
- Substitutions: Shallots or leeks for a milder flavor.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced):
- Why it’s important: Infuses the dish with warm, aromatic depth.
- Substitutions: 1 tsp garlic powder if fresh isn’t available.
Cajun Seasoning (1 tsp):
- Why it’s important: Adds bold, spicy, and earthy flavors typical of Southern cuisine.
- Substitutions: Creole seasoning, a mix of paprika, cayenne, and thyme, or Old Bay for a similar vibe.
Salt and Pepper (to taste):
- Why it’s important: Enhances the flavors of the grits, shrimp, and seasonings.
Green Onions (for garnish):
- Why it’s important: Adds a fresh, mildly oniony crunch and vibrant color.
- Substitutions: Chives, parsley, or skip for simplicity.

Tip: Use fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor, and opt for sharp cheddar for a bold cheesy kick.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Slow Cooker Shrimp and Grits is straightforward and low-effort! Follow these steps for a creamy, flavorful meal.

Step 1: Prep the Grits Base

In the slow cooker, combine 4 cups chicken broth and 1 cup quick-cooking grits. Stir 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 distribute the 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 (every 1–2 hours if possible) to ensure creamy, lump-free grits.
Check at 4 hours to avoid overcooking, as slow cookers vary.
Tip: If the grits thicken too much, add a splash of broth or water and stir.

Step 3: Add Cream and Cheese

In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in ½ cup heavy cream and ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese.
Mix until the cheese melts and the grits are velvety smooth.
Tip: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning for perfect flavor.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

While the grits finish cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Sauté the shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove from heat.
Tip: Add a dash of Cajun seasoning or a squeeze of lemon to the shrimp for extra flavor.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Gently stir the cooked shrimp into the grits, or serve the shrimp on top for a prettier presentation.
Spoon the shrimp and grits into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions.
Tip: Serve immediately for the creamiest grits and freshest shrimp texture.

Assembly

Assembling Slow Cooker Shrimp and Grits is all about creating a warm, comforting dish. Here’s how to put it together:

Serve the Grits: Spoon a generous portion of creamy grits into shallow bowls, creating a smooth base.
Add the Shrimp: Either stir the shrimp into the grits or arrange them on top for a more elegant look, ensuring each serving gets a few shrimp.
Garnish: Sprinkle chopped green onions over the top for a pop of color and crunch.
Presentation Tips:
- Use wide, shallow bowls to showcase the creamy grits and vibrant shrimp.
- Arrange shrimp in a slight fan or cluster for a restaurant-style presentation.
- Pair with a side of collard greens, cornbread, or a simple green salad for a complete Southern meal.

Tip: For a fun brunch twist, serve in small ramekins with a fried egg on top for extra richness.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Keep your Slow Cooker Shrimp and Grits fresh and ready to enjoy with these tips:

Storing Leftovers:
- Store cooled grits and shrimp separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Grits will thicken when chilled.
- Reheating: Reheat grits in the microwave (1–2 minutes, stirring halfway) or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess. Reheat shrimp gently in a skillet or microwave to avoid overcooking.
Make-Ahead Tips:
- Grits Base: Prep bacon, onion, garlic, and seasonings up to 1 day in advance and store in the fridge. Combine with broth and grits in the slow cooker when ready to cook.
- Shrimp: Peel and devein shrimp up to 1 day ahead and store in the fridge. Cook just before serving for the best texture.
- Assembly: Cook grits in the slow cooker and refrigerate (without cream and cheese) for up to 1 day. Reheat on low, then add cream, cheese, and shrimp.
Freezing: Grits don’t freeze well, as they become grainy. Freeze cooked shrimp (without grits) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat gently. Make fresh grits for serving.

Tip: Leftover grits can be spread in a baking dish, chilled, cut into squares, and pan-fried for crispy grit cakes!

Recipe Variations

Slow Cooker Shrimp and Grits is a versatile dish that’s easy to customize. Try these creative twists:

Spicy Kick: Increase Cajun seasoning to 2 tsp or add a diced jalapeño or hot sauce for extra heat.
Creamy Tomato Twist: Stir in ½ cup diced tomatoes or a splash of tomato sauce for a Lowcountry-inspired flavor.
Veggie Boost: Add sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the grits for extra nutrition and color.
Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in ¼ cup cream cheese or swap cheddar for smoked gouda for a richer, smokier flavor.
Andouille Sausage: Replace bacon with diced andouille sausage for a spicier, more traditional Cajun vibe.

Tip: Adjust spice levels to suit your taste, but keep the creamy-cheesy balance for authentic shrimp and grits.

Conclusion

You’re now ready to make Slow Cooker Shrimp and Grits—a dish that’s as comforting as it is flavorful! With its creamy, cheesy grits, tender shrimp, and smoky bacon, this recipe brings Southern warmth to your table with minimal effort. It’s perfect for cozy dinners, brunch gatherings, or exploring classic Southern cuisine. Play with spices, veggies, or garnishes to make it your own, and enjoy the process as much as the meal. Grab your slow cooker, whip up this soulful masterpiece, and savor every delicious bite. Happy cooking!

Slow Cooker Shrimp and Grits

Author: Jessica

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Description

Ingredients

Shrimp (1 lb, peeled and deveined):
- Why it’s important: Adds tender, juicy protein that pairs perfectly with creamy grits.
- Substitutions: Crawfish, scallops, or diced chicken for a different protein. For vegetarian, try sautéed mushrooms or zucchini.
Quick-Cooking Grits (1 cup):
- Why it’s important: Creates the creamy, comforting base of the dish.
- Substitutions: Polenta or stone-ground grits (adjust cooking time for stone-ground, as they take longer). Avoid instant grits for best texture.
Chicken Broth (4 cups):
- Why it’s important: Infuses the grits with savory flavor and ensures a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Substitutions: Vegetable broth, water with a bouillon cube, or a mix of water and milk for extra richness.
Heavy Cream (½ cup):
- Why it’s important: Adds a velvety, luxurious texture to the grits.
- Substitutions: Half-and-half, whole milk, or a plant-based cream for a lighter or dairy-free option.
Cheddar Cheese (½ cup, shredded):
- Why it’s important: Brings sharp, cheesy flavor that enhances the grits.
- Substitutions: Gouda, Monterey Jack, or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative.
Bacon (4 slices, chopped):
- Why it’s important: Adds smoky, savory depth and a bit of crunch.
- Substitutions: Turkey bacon, pancetta, or omit for vegetarian (add a dash of smoked paprika for smokiness).
Onion (1, chopped):
- Why it’s important: Provides a sweet, savory base that complements the Cajun seasoning.
- Substitutions: Shallots or leeks for a milder flavor.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced):
- Why it’s important: Infuses the dish with warm, aromatic depth.
- Substitutions: 1 tsp garlic powder if fresh isn’t available.
Cajun Seasoning (1 tsp):
- Why it’s important: Adds bold, spicy, and earthy flavors typical of Southern cuisine.
- Substitutions: Creole seasoning, a mix of paprika, cayenne, and thyme, or Old Bay for a similar vibe.
Salt and Pepper (to taste):
- Why it’s important: Enhances the flavors of the grits, shrimp, and seasonings.
Green Onions (for garnish):
- Why it’s important: Adds a fresh, mildly oniony crunch and vibrant color.
- Substitutions: Chives, parsley, or skip for simplicity.