Ingredients

The following ingredients have 4 Servings
  • 6 slices bacon, chopped
  • 5 cups water
  • 1 cup grits (NOT instant or quick cook)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 3/4 cup shredded extra sharp white cheddar cheese
  • 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 (8-ounce) package fresh sliced mushrooms
  • 1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning (more or less, to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (more or less, to taste)
  • 1 pound medium or large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tablespoon freshly minced garlic
  • 2 green onions, sliced

Instruction

  • Begin boiling water in a large saucepan over medium high heat.
  • While water is coming to a boil, fry bacon over medium heat in a large skillet until crispy.  Place on a plate lined with paper towels to drain.  Drain off fat from skillet, leaving about 2 tablespoons.  Set skillet aside.
  • Once water comes to a boil, slowly add grits, salt and cayenne pepper.  Stir to combine.
  • Reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer, cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until thickened, stirring occasionally.
  • Season shrimp with Old Bay Seasoning and black pepper.
  • While grits are cooking, heat the 2 tablespoons of bacon grease over medium heat.  Add mushrooms and cook until just tender, about 3 minutes, stirring frequently.  Add shrimp and cook an additional 3 minutes (or until shrimp have just turned pink), stirring frequently.  Add garlic and cook until fragrant while stirring (about 30 seconds).  Remove from heat.
  • Once grits are thickened, add shredded cheese and stir until smooth and cheese has melted.
  • Spoon shrimp mixture over grits and top with bacon and green onions.