Why You’ll Love these Creamy Cajun Shrimp Grits
If you’ve ever craved a dish that warms your soul and delights your taste buds at the same time, these Creamy Cajun Shrimp Grits are about to become your new obsession.
The combination of spicy, tender shrimp over creamy, cheesy grits creates a magical Southern comfort food experience that’s impossible to resist.
I’m talking about perfectly seasoned wild Georgia shrimp, sitting atop velvety grits enriched with sharp cheddar and cream, all crowned with a savory roux sauce.
Can anything sound more indulgent? The blend of Cajun spices with that touch of country ham? Simply divine.
What Ingredients are in Creamy Cajun Shrimp Grits?
Creamy Cajun Shrimp Grits are the epitome of Southern comfort food, combining spicy, well-seasoned shrimp with rich, cheesy grits that’ll make your taste buds dance. This recipe brings together the perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and savory goodness that makes this classic dish so beloved across the South. When you’re gathering ingredients for this soul-satisfying meal, you’ll want to make sure you have everything on hand to achieve that authentic Cajun flavor that makes this dish so special.
- 1½ pounds wild Georgia shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (Tone’s Louisiana Cajun recommended)
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
- Fresh ground black pepper to taste
- 2 cups water
- 2 chicken bouillon cubes (Knorr recommended)
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 cup quick-cooking grits (Quaker recommended)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1¼ cups heavy whipping cream, divided
- 3½ ounces extra-sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon hot sauce (Texas Pete recommended)
- 1 slice sugar-cured country ham
When shopping for these ingredients, the quality of your shrimp really matters. If you can’t find wild Georgia shrimp, any large wild-caught shrimp will work beautifully. And don’t skimp on the dairy components – the butter, cream, and sharp cheddar are what give this dish its luxurious texture and depth of flavor. You might be tempted to use lower-fat alternatives, but trust me, this is one recipe where embracing the richness pays off in the final dish. The country ham adds that perfect salty finish that brings everything together, but if you can’t find it, bacon or pancetta can be substituted in a pinch.
How to Make these Creamy Cajun Shrimp Grits
Let’s start with preparing those gorgeous shrimp. Take your 1½ pounds of wild Georgia shrimp and peel and devein them—a little tedious, I know, but so worth it. In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, 1 tablespoon paprika, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, and some fresh ground black pepper. Sprinkle this flavorful mixture all over your shrimp until they’re well-coated, then set them aside while you work on those creamy grits. Using premium salmon tools can make preparation easier and more efficient, especially when handling delicate seafood.
For the grits, bring 2 cups of water, 2 chicken bouillon cubes, and 2 tablespoons of butter to a boil in a medium saucepan. Slowly add 1 cup of quick-cooking grits, whisking constantly (your arm might get tired, consider this your workout for the day). Keep whisking for about 5 minutes, then add 1 tablespoon tomato paste, ¾ cup heavy whipping cream, and 3½ ounces of extra-sharp cheddar cheese. Continue whisking for another 2-3 minutes until everything becomes beautifully creamy.
Remember, this isn’t the time to cut calories—those butter and cream components are what make Southern grits truly magical.
Now for the shrimp and that incredible sauce. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large sauté pan and add 1 tablespoon minced garlic, stirring for just 30 seconds until fragrant. Add your spice-coated shrimp and cook just until they turn pink and tender—overcooking will make them tough, and nobody wants that.
Remove the shrimp to a bowl, but leave all those flavorful drippings in the pan. This is where the magic happens: add 3 tablespoons flour to the pan drippings, stirring to create a roux. Cook for 10-15 minutes until it reaches a medium-tan color, then slowly whisk in 1 cup of chicken stock and ½ cup heavy cream. Using a cast iron dutch oven provides excellent heat retention and distribution, making it perfect for creating this rich sauce.
After cooking for about 2 minutes, whisk in 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce and ½ teaspoon hot sauce. For the finishing touch, cook 1 slice of country ham and cut it into cubes.
To serve, spoon those cheesy grits onto a plate, arrange several shrimp on top, drizzle with the velvety sauce, and sprinkle with country ham cubes. Each bite offers the perfect combination of creamy, spicy, and savory flavors.
Creamy Cajun Shrimp Grits Substitutions and Variations
While this recipe produces the most authentic Southern experience, cooking should always suit your taste preferences and what’s in your pantry.
Can’t find wild Georgia shrimp? Any large shrimp will work beautifully.
Vegetarians might swap the shrimp for roasted mushrooms and use vegetable stock throughout. No quick-cooking grits? Regular grits work too—just allow for longer cooking time.
The heavy cream can be replaced with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter option, though you’ll sacrifice some creaminess.
Not a fan of spice? Dial back the Cajun seasoning and hot sauce.
The country ham adds wonderful flavor, but bacon makes a perfect substitute.
What to Serve with Creamy Cajun Shrimp Grits
Serving the perfect companions alongside your Cajun shrimp and grits transforms this Southern classic from a fantastic dish into a memorable meal.
I like to add a simple side salad with vinaigrette dressing to cut through the richness, or some roasted asparagus for a pop of green. Warm, buttery cornbread makes an excellent accompaniment, perfect for sopping up that delicious roux sauce.
For brunch, consider adding poached eggs on top.
And don’t forget a cold sweet tea or, if you’re feeling festive, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc—the acidity balances the creamy grits beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Cajun Shrimp Grits recipe has become one of my absolute favorites to share with friends and family. The combination of creamy, cheesy grits with perfectly seasoned shrimp creates a harmony of flavors that’s simply irresistible.
Who can resist that rich roux drizzled over everything?
I love how this dish brings together simple ingredients to create something truly spectacular. The balance of spicy Cajun seasoning with the comfort of creamy grits makes this perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to impressive entertaining.
For an authentic Southern twist, consider starting with a dark brown roux made from vegetable oil and flour as the base for your sauce.
For an elegant presentation similar to classic Italian dishes, try garnishing your shrimp grits with fresh parsley and lemon wedges on the side.
Trust me, once you’ve mastered this Southern classic, it’ll become your go-to recipe too.
