Teresa's Recipes
Southern Shrimp and Grits Mac and Cheese
Experience a delightful fusion of two beloved comfort foods with our Southern Shrimp and Grits Mac and Cheese. This dish is a heartwarming blend of tender shrimp and smoky bacon, nestled within a creamy, cheesy base of grits and macaroni. The sharp cheddar cheese, coupled with the savory garlic, enhances the flavor profile, making every bite a gastronomic treat. Originating from the southern United States, this dish is a testimony to the region's culinary ingenuity and love for comfort food.
Ingredients
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
- 2 cups, uncooked Macaroni
- 2 cups, shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
- 1 cup Grits
- 4 cups Milk
- 2 cloves, minced Garlic
- 4 strips Bacon
- 1 pound, peeled and deveined Shrimp
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 6
- Dish Type: Main Course
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Calories: 530
- Fat: 26g
- Carbs: 45g
- Protein: 26g
- Sodium: 790mg
- Sugar: 5g
Instructions
- Boil a pot of salted water and cook the macaroni until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon, crumble it and set aside. Reserve the bacon fat in the skillet.
- In the same skillet with the reserved bacon fat, cook the shrimp over medium heat until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- In a separate large pot, bring the milk to a boil. Stir in the grits, reduce heat to low and cook, stirring frequently, until the grits are creamy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Gradually add in the shredded cheddar cheese to the grits, stirring until it's melted and smooth.
- Combine the cooked macaroni, shrimp, and crumbled bacon to the cheesy grits. Stir until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve your delicious Southern Shrimp and Grits Mac and Cheese hot, garnished with extra shredded cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley if desired.
Tips
- For a piquant twist, consider adding a dash of paprika or cayenne pepper. You can also substitute the shrimp with crawfish or andouille sausage for a different flavor profile.