Slow Cooker Grits and Shrimp

side view of a bowl with slow cooker grits topped with shrimp, bacon, and green onions

4.84 from 12 votes

Slow Cooker Grits and Shrimp

Easy Slow Cooker Grits and Shrimp is a Southern-style recipe featuring creamy cheese grits, crispy bacon, and succulent shrimp sauteed with garlic, lemon, and green onions.

Prep Time10

Cook Time2 30

Total Time2 40

Course: Lunch/Dinner

Cuisine: American/Southern

Keyword: shrimp and grits, slow cooker recipes, southern grits

Servings:

Author: Katerina | Diethood

Ingredients

1 cup stone ground grits
6 cups water, divided
2 cups milk
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper, or to taste
4 tablespoons butter, cubed, divided
2 cups sharp shredded cheddar cheese
6 slices bacon, diced
1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
4 green onions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish

Instructions

Place the grits in a bowl and add 4 cups water; let stand for a minute.
In the meantime, line a 3-quart slow cooker, or larger, with a slow cooker liner. Set aside.
Pour the rinsed grits through a mesh strainer and drain. Then, transfer the grits to the slow cooker.
To the insert of the slow cooker add in 2 cups water, milk, salt, pepper, and half of the cubed butter pieces. Stir to combine.
Cover and cook on LOW for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the liquid is all absorbed. Stir the grits about 3 to 4 times during the cooking process.
About 20 minutes before the grits are done, set a large skillet over medium heat.
When the skillet is hot, add the bacon pieces and cook until crispy.
Remove bacon from skillet; do not toss the bacon grease.
To the bacon grease add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2 minutes, or until shrimp turn pink.
Stir in the garlic, lemon juice, onions, and parsley; continue to cook for 2 more minutes.
When the grits are done, remove the cover and stir in the remaining butter and shredded cheese; stir until melted and completely combined.
Taste for salt and pepper; adjust accordingly.
Spoon the cooked grits into a serving bowl.
Top with shrimp and bacon.
Garnish with parsley.
Serve.

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