Next, in a large skillet, I cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it gets crispy. The sound of sizzling bacon is incredibly satisfying! Once it’s done, I remove the bacon from the skillet, leaving the drippings – they’re packed with flavor. I toss in the minced garlic and sauté it briefly, being careful not to let it burn, as a little goes a long way. I then add in the shrimp, seasoning them with cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Cooking them until they turn pink and opaque takes just a few minutes.
Now, I make it extra indulgent by pouring in heavy cream. That creamy texture combined with the shrimp and the delicious bacon drippings creates a rich sauce. After letting it simmer gently, I return the crispy bacon to the skillet. It’s a heavenly combination, and you’ll want to try not to eat it straight from the pan! While this simmers, I stir in the cheese into the grits, which adds that wonderful gooeyness, and serve them hot in a bowl.
Finally, I assemble this mouthwatering dish by ladling the creamy grits into bowls and topping them generously with the shrimp mixture. Don’t forget to finish with fresh green onions for a pop of color and a bit of crunch! I can already hear your tummy rumbling just thinking about it.
Pro Tips for Best Results
One thing I learned was the importance of using stone-ground grits rather than instant ones. I tried making it with instant grits once, and while it was quick, the texture of stone-ground grits is just so much creamier and more flavorful. It’s worth the extra time, I promise!
For my next tip, always pay attention to the shrimp while they cook. They can go from perfectly cooked to rubbery in the blink of an eye. I find that cooking them until just opaque and slightly firm gives the best bite, so keep an eye on them and take them off the heat promptly.
Finally, don’t be shy with the cheese! I experimented with cheddar and found that the extra cheesy grits really elevate the dish. You might even want to sprinkle a bit more on top just before serving for that melty goodness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I’ve definitely made my fair share of mistakes while perfecting this recipe! One that stands out is not stirring the grits enough while they were cooking. I learned the hard way that they can form clumps very quickly, which detracts from the silkiness you want. So, make sure to keep an eye on them and give them a frequent stir. (See the next page below to continue…)
Another slip-up could be under-seasoning the shrimp. It’s easy to overlook seasoning when you’re focused on the grits, but trust me, you don’t want bland shrimp in this dish. I always recommend tasting the shrimp as you cook them to ensure they’re seasoned just right.
Lastly, avoid cooking everything too fast. If you crank up the heat, you might end up with overcooked shrimp or lumpy grits. Low and slow often gives the best results, so be patient!