Cheese Options For Your Shrimp And Grits

Shrimp and grits is a classic Southern dish. It originated in the Lowcountry of the South Carolina coast, during the season when shrimp were plentiful. It’s traditionally a breakfast dish, but it's also enjoyed as a quick dinner.

There are many ways to make shrimp and grits, but the basic ingredients are: grits, shrimp, cheese, and bacon. For the grits, you can use stone-ground grits, quick-cooking grits, or instant grits. For the cheese, you can use cheddar, Gruyère, or Parmesan. For the shrimp, you can use medium or large shrimp, and for the bacon, thick-cut bacon is best.

To make the dish, you'll first want to cook the grits with milk, butter, and chicken broth, and then stir in the cheese. Next, cook the bacon in a skillet until crisp, and then set it aside. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for a couple of minutes on each side. Finally, add the shrimp and bacon to the grits, and enjoy!

How to make the grits creamy

How to Make Creamy Grits for Shrimp and Grits

Ingredients

You will need:

• Water or chicken broth/stock
• Salt
• Grits (not instant grits)
• Butter
• Half and half or milk
• Cheese (cheddar, cream cheese, parmesan, or goat cheese)
• White pepper (optional)

Method

• Bring your water or chicken broth/stock to a boil in a large saucepan.
• Gradually whisk in the grits, stirring well to prevent lumps.
• Reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan.
• Let the grits slowly cook and simmer, stirring often to prevent lumps, until tender. This should take around 30 minutes.
• Remove the grits from the heat and stir in the butter, half and half or milk, cheese, and white pepper (if using).
• Keep the grits warm on the lowest setting while you prepare the rest of your dish. You may need to add a splash of water to the grits if they become too stiff while waiting.

Tips for Creamy Grits

• For extra creamy grits, cook them low and slow.
• Use a combination of water and milk or chicken broth/stock for extra flavour.
• Cheese, butter, and half and half or milk will provide richness and creaminess to your grits.
• Be generous with the butter and cheese!
• If your grits become stiff, simply add a splash of water to help loosen them. You're aiming for a thick yet creamy texture.

The best cheese to use

When it comes to making shrimp and grits, the best cheese to use is a matter of personal preference, but some popular options include sharp cheddar, cream cheese, Gruyère, and Parmesan. Here's a more detailed look at each of these cheeses:

Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Sharp cheddar cheese is a popular choice for shrimp and grits as it has a strong, sharp flavour that can stand up to the other ingredients in the dish. It also melts well and adds a creamy texture to the grits.

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese is another option that can add a creamy texture and a tangy flavour to the grits. It blends well with the other ingredients and creates a rich, indulgent dish.

Gruyère Cheese

Gruyère cheese is a Swiss cheese that has a slightly earthy and nutty flavour. It melts beautifully into the grits, adding a subtle taste that pairs perfectly with mushrooms, which are another common ingredient in shrimp and grits.

Parmesan Cheese

Parmesan cheese is a hard, aged cheese that has a strong, salty flavour. It can be grated or shredded and added to the grits to enhance their flavour. Parmesan cheese is often used in combination with other cheeses, such as cheddar, to create a complex and savoury taste.

Ultimately, the best cheese to use in shrimp and grits depends on your personal preference and the specific ingredients in your dish. You can experiment with different types of cheese and adjust the quantities to find the perfect combination for your taste buds!

How to cook the shrimp

The first step to cooking the shrimp is to prepare the shrimp by removing the shell and deveining them. Then, in a bowl, toss the shrimp in a spice mix. The spices used can vary but often include Cajun seasoning, paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.

Next, heat some olive oil or bacon grease in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp to the pan and cook for 3 minutes on each side or until the shrimp are pink and tender. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp.

Once the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the pan and set them aside, covering them to keep them warm. You can now use the same pan to cook the vegetables for the sauce.

If you are making a gravy, you can also use the shrimp drippings in the pan to make a roux. Add some flour to the pan and cook until the desired colour is reached before adding the stock and cream.

How to make it extra saucy

How to Make Shrimp and Grits Extra Saucy

There are a few ways to make shrimp and grits extra saucy. Firstly, you can make a thicker sauce by creating a simple gravy. To do this, you can remove the shrimp from the skillet and sprinkle in two tablespoons of flour and a tablespoon of melted butter to make a roux. Then, add some chicken stock and whisk together, continuing to cook until heated.

Another way to make the dish saucier is to add more liquid to the grits. This can be done by increasing the ratio of liquid to grits. For example, a ratio of five parts liquid to one part grits will result in creamier and smoother grits. You can also add extra butter, cream, or cheese to the grits to make them extra creamy and saucy.

Additionally, you can make a simple buttery sauce to serve with the shrimp and grits. To do this, cook the shrimp in bacon grease, then add some butter and chicken stock to the shrimp. This will create a flavorful sauce that can be spooned over the grits.

Finally, you can also add more vegetables to the dish, such as peppers and onions, which will release liquid as they cook and add to the sauce.

How to spice it up

Shrimp and grits is a classic Southern dish, and there are many ways to spice it up! Here are some ideas to add some extra flavour and heat to your shrimp and grits:

Spices and Seasonings:

• Old Bay Seasoning: This spice blend adds a unique flavour to the shrimp and is a popular choice for seafood dishes.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs such as basil, oregano, and thyme can enhance the dish's savoury notes.
• Garlic Powder: Garlic adds a savoury kick to the shrimp, and using it in powder form ensures an even distribution of flavour.
• Smoked Paprika: A pinch of smoked paprika will lend a subtle smoky flavour to the dish.
• Cayenne Pepper: A dash of cayenne will add a mild heat that blends seamlessly with the other flavours.
• Hot Sauce: A few dashes of your favourite hot sauce will spice things up.
• Cajun Seasoning: A sprinkle of Cajun seasoning will give your shrimp a spicy kick.
• Blackening Seasoning: Using a blackening seasoning blend can add a spicy, charred flavour to the shrimp.
• Chili Powder: Adding chili powder to the shrimp or grits will give the dish a spicy kick.

Cheese:

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese adds a bold, tangy flavour to the grits. Shredding a block of cheddar yourself will result in the best texture.
• Cream Cheese: Cream cheese adds a rich, creamy texture and a tangy flavour to the grits.
• Gruyère Cheese: This Swiss cheese melts beautifully into the grits, adding a subtle earthy flavour that pairs well with mushrooms or other ingredients.
• Gouda Cheese: Gouda has a mild, nutty flavour that can enhance the creaminess of the grits.

Other Add-Ins:

• Bacon: Cooking the shrimp in bacon grease adds a savoury depth of flavour, and crumbled bacon makes a delicious garnish.
• Green Onions/Scallions: Chopped green onions or scallions provide a fresh, mild onion flavour and a pop of colour.
• Lemon Juice: A squeeze of lemon juice adds a bright, acidic note to the dish.
• Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms contribute a savoury, earthy flavour and a meaty texture.
• Bell Peppers: Adding bell peppers will provide a touch of sweetness and a pop of colour.
• Jalapeños: Including jalapeños will add a spicy kick to the dish.
• Sausage: Andouille sausage or chorizo can be used in place of or alongside bacon for an extra savoury punch.
• Vegetables: Sautéed vegetables like onions, garlic, and collard greens can enhance the dish's overall flavour and add nutritional value.

Feel free to experiment with different combinations of these spices, cheeses, and add-ins to find your perfect spicy shrimp and grits!

Frequently asked questions