If you’re craving comfort food with a luxurious twist, look no further than this Shrimp & Cheesy Grits with Mushrooms and Bacon Recipe. It’s an absolute showstopper that brings together creamy, cheesy grits topped with perfectly cooked shrimp, savory bacon, and earthy mushrooms – a combination that simply sings with Southern charm and indulgence!

Why You Should Make This Recipe

Incredibly Flavorful: The marriage of sharp cheddar, Parmesan, smoky bacon, and tender shrimp creates vibrant layers of flavor that will have your taste buds dancing.
Rich, Creamy Texture: The cheesy grits are smooth and luscious, providing the perfect base for the savory toppings.
Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: Using pantry staples and fresh produce, you can whip up this impressive meal in under an hour.
Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or an indulgent weekend brunch, this dish always hits the spot.

The image shows four white bowls filled with creamy yellow grits. Each bowl is topped with a layer of cooked shrimp that are light pink with some slight browning, mixed with small pieces of brown mushrooms and bits of bacon. There are bright green chopped scallions scattered on top of the shrimp and mushrooms as a final garnish. The bowls are arranged on a white marbled surface, with a gray striped cloth on the lower left side and a round white container with a dark wooden lid on the right. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Shrimp & Cheesy Grits with Mushrooms and Bacon, shrimp cheesy grits, cheesy grits with shrimp and bacon, creamy shrimp and cheese grits, savory mushroom bacon grits

Ingredients & Substitutions

The beauty of this Shrimp & Cheesy Grits with Mushrooms and Bacon Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients – each one chosen to create harmony in taste, texture, and color. From the creamy cheeses to the earthy mushrooms and crispy bacon, every element adds something special to the dish.

Flat lay of peeled pink shrimp, crispy chopped bacon, sharp cheddar cheese shredded, grated Parmesan cheese, sliced white mushrooms, a clove of fresh garlic, chopped green onions, and a fresh lemon wedge, all beautifully arranged on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Shrimp & Cheesy Grits with Mushrooms and Bacon, shrimp cheesy grits, cheesy grits with shrimp and bacon, creamy shrimp and cheese grits, savory mushroom bacon grits

Chicken Broth & Milk: Using a combination of broth and milk for your grits enriches their flavor and creates a velvety, creamy texture.
White Stone Ground Grits: Opt for stone ground (not instant) for that perfect hearty yet smooth consistency.
Cheddar & Parmesan Cheese: Sharp cheddar brings robust flavor, while Parmesan adds a subtle nutty note.

Bacon: Provides smoky, salty depth; feel free to use turkey bacon for a lighter version.
Shrimp: Fresh or thawed frozen shrimp work beautifully – just make sure they’re peeled and deveined.
Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms add earthiness and a meaty counterpoint to the shrimp and bacon.

Tabasco Sauce: Adds just the right amount of kick and balances the richness perfectly.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Shrimp & Cheesy Grits with Mushrooms and Bacon Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Creamy Cheesy Grits

Start by bringing chicken broth and whole milk to a boil in a medium saucepan. Whisk in your stone ground grits along with kosher salt, then reduce the heat to low. Let them simmer gently, stirring occasionally for 35-40 minutes until they thicken beautifully. Once they’re perfect and creamy, stir in the sharp cheddar, Parmesan, butter, freshly ground black pepper, and a touch of Tabasco sauce to give your grits that memorable, cheesy kick.

Step 2: Prepare the Bacon & Shrimp

In a large skillet over medium-low heat, cook your chopped bacon until it’s irresistibly crispy. Once done, remove the bacon, leaving behind about 1 ½ tablespoons of those flavorful drippings. If there isn’t enough, add a splash of peanut oil. Next, lightly coat the shrimp in all-purpose flour, shaking off the excess. Toss the shrimp into the hot bacon grease and cook just until they turn pink, about a minute – don’t overcook or they’ll lose that tender bite!

Step 3: Sauté Mushrooms and Finish the Toppings

After the shrimp, add your sliced mushrooms and the crispy bacon back into the skillet. Sauté for a minute until the mushrooms start to soften. Then, toss in minced garlic, lemon juice, Tabasco sauce, and half of the chopped green onions. Cook for just a moment to blend those flavors together perfectly – this topping is going to bring the whole dish to life!

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Spoon about a cup of the luscious cheesy grits onto each plate or shallow bowl. Top generously with the shrimp, mushroom, and bacon mixture. Sprinkle the remaining green onions over the top for a fresh crunch and vibrant pop of color. Now, sit back and enjoy the magic of this unforgettable Shrimp & Cheesy Grits with Mushrooms and Bacon Recipe.

How to Serve Shrimp & Cheesy Grits with Mushrooms and Bacon Recipe

A white bowl holds a creamy yellow base layer of corn or cheese soup with a smooth texture. On top, there is a second layer made of shrimp with orange-pink tones and small pieces of mushrooms in light brown shades mixed with bits of green onions that bring a fresh pop of green. The ingredients are arranged in the middle of the bowl, creating a colorful contrast with the creamy soup underneath. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a gray and white striped cloth nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Shrimp & Cheesy Grits with Mushrooms and Bacon, shrimp cheesy grits, cheesy grits with shrimp and bacon, creamy shrimp and cheese grits, savory mushroom bacon grits

Garnishes

Fresh chopped green onions or parsley are perfect garnishes here – they add a lovely brightness and contrast to the rich, creamy grits. Don’t shy away from a squeeze of fresh lemon juice on top if you want to enhance that subtle zing even more!

Side Dishes

Since this recipe is quite hearty on its own, light and refreshing sides work best. Think along the lines of a simple mixed green salad with a citrus vinaigrette, roasted asparagus, or sweet corn pudding to keep the Southern comfort theme alive.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the grits in wide shallow bowls or rustic cast iron skillets for a cozy, family-style feel. Layering the shrimp and mushroom topping right in the bowl, then sprinkling on the green onions last, adds great texture. For a brunch twist, add a poached egg on top for that luscious yolk to mingle with the rich grits.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the shrimp mixture and cheesy grits separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Shrimp remains fresh and tasty for up to three days, while the grits are best enjoyed within two days to preserve their creamy texture.

Freezing

The shrimp, mushrooms, and bacon freeze really well for up to two months, making it easy to enjoy this dish later. However, grits tend to become grainy and lose their creamy quality after freezing, so it’s best to prepare fresh grits when you’re ready to serve.

Reheating

Warm the shrimp topping gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock if it looks dry. Reheat the cheesy grits slowly in a saucepan with a bit of whole milk, stirring often until they return to their silky, creamy glory.

FAQs

Can I use instant grits for this recipe?

While you can technically use instant grits, they won’t develop the same creamy, hearty texture as stone ground grits. For the best flavor and consistency in this Shrimp & Cheesy Grits with Mushrooms and Bacon Recipe, stick to white stone ground grits.
What can I substitute if I don’t have Tabasco sauce?

You can substitute Tabasco with any hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to achieve the subtle heat. The small amount is there to balance flavors, so don’t worry about making it too spicy.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply replace the all-purpose flour used to coat the shrimp with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch, and ensure your bacon and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
How do I make the grits extra cheesy?

Feel free to increase the total cheese amount up to 2 cups, mixing in extra sharp cheddar or even gouda for a richer, more decadent flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Shrimp & Cheesy Grits with Mushrooms and Bacon Recipe is truly a celebration of flavors and textures that’s both comforting and elegant. Once you try it, it’ll undoubtedly become one of your go-to dishes to impress family and friends or enjoy as a special treat to yourself. Warm, cheesy, smoky, and oh-so-satisfying — what’s not to love? Dive in and savor every delicious bite!

Shrimp & Cheesy Grits with Mushrooms and Bacon Recipe