Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of the South with the easiest, most flavorful Crockpot Shrimp and Grits recipe you’ll ever encounter. This beloved Southern comfort food, traditionally known for its rich, creamy texture and succulent shrimp, is transformed into a hassle-free, slow-cooker masterpiece. Imagine coming home to the tantalizing aroma of perfectly cooked grits infused with savory cheese and butter, ready to be topped with tender, seasoned shrimp. Our method ensures a delicious meal with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights, effortless entertaining, or simply indulging in a taste of Southern hospitality.
The Ultimate Crockpot Shrimp and Grits: A Southern Classic Made Effortless
Shrimp and Grits is more than just a dish; it’s a culinary emblem of the American South, a comforting staple that brings people together. While often perceived as a dish requiring meticulous attention, our slow cooker rendition proves that exceptional flavor doesn’t have to come with a complex process. This recipe takes the foundational elements of classic shrimp and grits – creamy grits, savory cheese, and perfectly cooked shrimp – and simplifies them using the magic of your crockpot.
The beauty of the slow cooker lies in its ability to gently meld flavors over time, creating a depth and richness that’s hard to achieve with quicker methods. For the grits, this means an incredibly smooth, lump-free consistency, absorbing all the delicious seasonings without constant stirring. It’s truly a game-changer for anyone who loves the idea of homemade comfort food but lacks the time for traditional cooking.
In fact, this very recipe earned a feature in All You Magazine, a testament to its deliciousness and ease. It was an exciting moment to see our passion for simple, flavorful cooking recognized on a national scale. Being featured in such a respected publication, complete with a picture and the full recipe, underscored just how impactful a well-executed, accessible dish can be. It reinforced our belief that extraordinary meals don’t require extraordinary effort.
This dish is not only easy to prepare but also stunningly presented, making it a fantastic choice for entertaining. Imagine serving a warm, inviting bowl of cheesy grits crowned with vibrant shrimp, garnished with fresh chives, to your guests. It’s a meal that speaks of warmth, flavor, and Southern charm, all without you having to be chained to the kitchen.
Essential Ingredients for Unforgettable Shrimp and Grits
Creating truly delicious Crockpot Shrimp and Grits begins with selecting quality ingredients. While the slow cooker does most of the heavy lifting, the foundation of your dish rests on these key components:
- Grits: For the creamiest results in a slow cooker, we recommend quick-cooking or regular grits. Stone-ground grits can also be used but may require a longer cooking time and potentially more liquid. Avoid instant grits, as their texture can become gummy in the slow cooker. You can find quality grits here.
- Salt and Pepper: These humble seasonings are crucial for bringing out the best in your grits and shrimp. Seasoning to taste is key, so don’t be afraid to adjust as you go.
- Heavy Cream: This is where the grits get their signature richness and velvety texture. It adds a luxurious mouthfeel that complements the savory shrimp beautifully.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar is a classic choice, offering a tangy bite that cuts through the richness of the cream and butter. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or even a smoked gouda for a unique twist.
- Unsalted Butter: Butter adds another layer of richness and flavor, making the grits incredibly decadent. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish.
- Hot Sauce: A dash of hot sauce introduces a subtle kick and complexity, balancing the creamy elements. Choose your favorite brand, from a milder Louisiana-style hot sauce to something with more heat like Tabasco or a cayenne-based sauce.
- Cooked, Peeled, Deveined Shrimp: Using pre-cooked shrimp significantly cuts down on prep time. If you prefer raw shrimp, you can add it to the slow cooker about 30 minutes before serving, ensuring it cooks through without becoming rubbery. Large or extra-large shrimp work best for a satisfying bite.
- Chopped Chives: Fresh chives provide a delicate oniony flavor and a vibrant green garnish, adding both taste and visual appeal to the finished dish.
The Right Equipment: Your Slow Cooker is Key
The star of this recipe is undoubtedly your slow cooker. For optimal results and ultimate convenience, we highly recommend using a crockpot equipped with a digital timer. This feature allows you to set the cooking duration, after which the slow cooker automatically switches to a “warm” setting. This prevents overcooking and gives you peace of mind, knowing your meal will be perfectly cooked and ready whenever you are. A 6-quart slow cooker is generally ideal for this recipe’s yield, ensuring enough space for all ingredients to cook evenly. You can explore a variety of reliable slow cookers on Amazon.
Tips for Perfect Crockpot Shrimp and Grits Every Time
- Whisk Thoroughly: When combining the grits and water, make sure to whisk them well to prevent any lumps from forming. A smooth start leads to smooth, creamy grits.
- Don’t Peek Too Often: Resist the urge to lift the lid frequently. Each time you do, you release heat and moisture, extending the cooking time and potentially affecting the consistency.
- Adjust Consistency: If your grits appear too thick after cooking, you can stir in a little extra warm water or milk until you reach your desired consistency. If they’re too thin, continue to cook on low with the lid slightly ajar to allow some moisture to evaporate.
- Shrimp Timing is Crucial: Since you’re likely using pre-cooked shrimp, you only need to warm them through. Adding them too early will result in tough, rubbery shrimp. Follow the recipe’s timing for tender, succulent results.
- Taste and Adjust: Before serving, always taste your grits and adjust the seasoning (salt, pepper, and hot sauce) as needed. Preferences vary, and a little extra seasoning can make a big difference.
Elevate Your Meal: Serving Suggestions and Variations
While Crockpot Shrimp and Grits is a complete meal in itself, pairing it with complementary side dishes can elevate the dining experience. Consider these delightful additions:
- Southern Classics: Cornbread, 7-up biscuits, or cheddar bay biscuits are perfect for soaking up every last bit of creamy goodness. Southern collard greens or fried okra offer a taste of traditional Southern fare.
- Freshness and Crunch: A crisp garden salad, a vibrant tomato salad, or a refreshing corn salad can provide a wonderful contrast to the richness of the grits.
- Unexpected Pairings: For a unique twist, try sour cream muffins, sauteed spinach, Southern succotash, or even baked apples for a touch of sweetness. Air fryer Brussels sprouts add a delightful crispness.
- Dessert: Finish your meal with a classic Southern pecan pie or a light fruit cobbler.
Feeling adventurous? Here are a few ways to customize your Crockpot Shrimp and Grits:
- Add Protein: Cooked sausage (Andouille sausage is fantastic!), crumbled bacon, or even pan-seared scallops can be added along with the shrimp for extra flavor and substance.
- Vegetable Boost: Sautéed bell peppers, onions, celery (the “holy trinity” of Cajun/Creole cooking), or even diced tomatoes can be added to the grits during the last hour of cooking for more texture and flavor.
- Spice It Up: Increase the amount of hot sauce, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or a blend of Cajun seasoning for a spicier kick.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a fresh finish.
- Cheese Swaps: As mentioned before, explore different cheese varieties beyond cheddar to find your favorite flavor profile.
More Slow Cooker Delights
If you’ve fallen in love with the convenience and delicious results of slow cooker cooking, be sure to explore more of our easy crockpot recipes:
Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
Crockpot Apple Butter
Crockpot Candied Sweet Potatoes
Crockpot Salisbury Steak
Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
Discover a wide array of delicious meal ideas across our site, including our popular copycat recipes, irresistible dessert recipes, and an entire collection dedicated to Crock Pot Recipes.
We genuinely hope you enjoy this Crockpot Shrimp and Grits recipe as much as we do. It stands as a testament to how effortlessly delicious Southern comfort food can be when prepared in your slow cooker!
Crockpot Shrimp and Grits Recipe
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Ingredients
- 2 cups grits
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup Heavy Whipping Cream
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 2 Tablespoon Butter unsalted
- 2 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 pound shrimp cooked, peeled, deveined
- 1 Tablespoon Chives Chopped
Instructions
- Combine grits, 8 cups of water, 1 ½ teaspoon salt in slow cooker and whisk together.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, until liquid is absorbed.
- Add in cream, cheese, butter, and hot sauce. Stir until cheese melts.
- Season with salt and pepper to desired taste.
- Place shrimp on top, cover and cook until shrimp are warmed through, approximately 5 minutes.
- Serve with chives on top.
Kitchen Tools
- Slow cooker
Nutrition
Calories from Fat 117
Recipe originally shared on June 8, 2015. Updated on May 4, 2020.