Slow Cooker Shrimp and Grits Recipe in Slow Cooker Easy

Slow Cooker Shrimp and Grits is the perfect Southern-inspired dish that combines creamy grits, succulent shrimp, and crispy bacon—all cooked effortlessly in a slow cooker. With minimal prep and a few simple ingredients, this dish delivers rich flavors and comforting textures. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or enjoying a weeknight meal, this easy recipe brings the heart of Southern cooking right to your table.

What Are Grits?

Before diving into the recipe, it’s important to understand what grits are. Grits are ground corn, typically made from dent corn, which is starchier and less sweet than the corn you eat on the cob. This gives grits their signature creamy, smooth texture when cooked.

For Slow Cooker Shrimp and Grits, the best choice is stone-ground grits. These grits are coarser than instant or quick grits, providing a heartier texture and richer flavor. Unlike quick grits, which cook in minutes, stone-ground grits take a little longer but yield a much more satisfying and creamy result.

Grits are naturally quite neutral in flavor, which makes them an excellent base for all sorts of savory toppings, such as shrimp, bacon, cheese, and garlic. When prepared well, grits are rich and smooth, with each grain still maintaining a soft, yet hearty, texture.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Shrimp and Grits

The beauty of Slow Cooker Shrimp and Grits lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish bursting with flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Stone Ground Grits: The foundation of this dish. Stone-ground grits are key for a creamy yet hearty texture.

• Water and Milk: These liquids help create a rich, creamy consistency in the grits. A mix of both works best for achieving the ideal texture.

• Butter and Cheese: Real butter and sharp cheddar cheese add a delicious richness to the grits. Butter smooths out the texture, while cheese gives a sharp flavor.

• Shrimp: Medium or large shrimp, peeled and deveined, are ideal. Their delicate texture contrasts beautifully with the grits.

• Bacon: Crispy bacon provides a salty, crunchy contrast to the creamy grits.

• Garlic, Lemon, Green Onions, and Parsley: These ingredients add depth to the shrimp’s flavor, cutting through the richness with freshness and brightness.

How to Make Slow Cooker Shrimp and Grits

Follow this easy, step-by-step guide to make Slow Cooker Shrimp and Grits. With just a bit of prep and your slow cooker doing the hard work, you’ll have a flavorful meal ready to serve in a few hours.

1. Prepare the Grits

• Rinse the stone-ground grits to remove excess starch. Place the grits in a bowl, pour 4 cups of water over them, and let them sit for a minute.

• Line your slow cooker with a liner (optional but helps with cleanup). Add the rinsed grits into the slow cooker.

• Pour in 2 cups of water, milk, salt, pepper, and half of the cubed butter. Stir to combine, ensuring the grits are submerged in liquid.

• Set your slow cooker to LOW and cook for 2-1/2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally. Make sure the grits are soft and creamy.

2. Cook the Bacon and Shrimp

• In a skillet, cook diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, but leave the bacon grease in the skillet.

• Add shrimp to the bacon grease. Season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 2 minutes until the shrimp turns pink.

• Add minced garlic, lemon juice, green onions, and parsley to the shrimp. Continue cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Finish the Grits

• Once the grits are cooked to a creamy texture, stir in the remaining butter and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until smooth and well-combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

4. Assemble the Dish

• Spoon the creamy grits into a serving bowl.

• Top with the cooked shrimp and crispy bacon.

• Garnish with extra parsley for a fresh touch and serve immediately.

Variations for Slow Cooker Shrimp and Grits

While the classic Slow Cooker Shrimp and Grits recipe is delicious on its own, there are plenty of ways to customize it to your preferences. Whether you want to add more heat, switch up the cheese, or add a different protein, here are a few variations to make this dish your own:

1. Spicy Cajun Shrimp and Grits

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add Cajun seasoning to both the shrimp and the grits. The bold flavors of Cajun seasoning bring a smoky, spicy kick to the dish. You can also add a dash of hot sauce to the shrimp while cooking for an extra layer of heat.

2. Cheese Variations

While sharp cheddar cheese is the traditional choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses:

• Parmesan: Adds a nutty, salty flavor that complements the creamy grits.

• Gouda: For a smoky, rich flavor, swap in gouda cheese.

• Cream Cheese: For extra creaminess, add a couple of tablespoons of cream cheese along with the shredded cheese.

3. Add Vegetables

To make your Slow Cooker Shrimp and Grits a more well-rounded meal, add vegetables like:

• Bell peppers: Diced and sautéed along with the shrimp for added sweetness and crunch.

• Spinach: Stir in fresh spinach during the last 30 minutes of the grits’ cooking time for a pop of color and nutrition.

• Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes can add a slight tang to balance the richness of the dish.

4. Make It Vegetarian

If you prefer a vegetarian version of Slow Cooker Shrimp and Grits, simply replace the shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or tofu for a satisfying, plant-based alternative. You can still add the crispy bacon for that smoky flavor or opt for a vegetarian-friendly bacon substitute.

5. Protein Alternatives

For a heartier dish, you can swap out the shrimp for other proteins like:

• Chicken: Use boneless skinless chicken thighs, diced and sautéed, in place of shrimp. The chicken will absorb the flavors of the bacon grease, garlic, and lemon.

• Sausage: Andouille sausage, which is often used in Cajun and Creole dishes, works wonderfully with the grits. Slice it up and sauté it with the shrimp or in place of the shrimp for a flavorful twist.

Tips for Success

To ensure your Slow Cooker Shrimp and Grits turns out perfect every time, keep these tips in mind:

1. Stir the Grits

Grits tend to absorb liquid as they cook, so make sure to stir the mixture every 30 minutes while cooking. This helps prevent any clumping and ensures that the grits cook evenly.

2. Cook the Shrimp Separately

Shrimp cook very quickly, so it’s best to sauté them separately rather than slow-cooking them in the slow cooker. This ensures the shrimp stays tender and juicy without overcooking. The garlic and lemon sauce from the shrimp can be added to the grits just before serving for an extra burst of flavor.

3. Use a Slow Cooker Liner

Using a slow cooker liner makes clean-up much easier, especially when making a dish like grits, which can stick to the sides of the pot. It’s optional, but highly recommended.

4. Adjust Consistency

If you find that your grits are too thick for your liking, simply add a bit more milk or water during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Stir until you reach your desired consistency.

Serving Suggestions

Slow Cooker Shrimp and Grits is a hearty, filling dish on its own, but you can pair it with various sides to make it even more satisfying:

1. Light and Fresh Salad

Pair your Shrimp and Grits with a light, fresh side salad to balance the richness of the dish. A simple Cilantro Vinaigrette Coleslaw adds a crisp, tangy contrast.

2. Roasted Vegetables

Serve the dish with a side of crispy roasted vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus. These provide a slightly caramelized flavor that complements the richness of the grits.

3. Cornbread

A piece of warm cornbread on the side is a perfect accompaniment to Shrimp and Grits. The sweet, moist bread soaks up the creamy grits and shrimp juices, making each bite even better.

4. Fried Green Tomatoes

For a truly Southern experience, pair your Slow Cooker Shrimp and Grits with some fried green tomatoes. The tangy tomatoes fried to golden perfection will give a crispy, flavorful contrast to the creamy, savory dish.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

If you have leftovers, don’t worry—they store well and can easily be reheated.

1. Storing Leftovers

Store the grits and shrimp separately to preserve the texture. Place the grits in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Store the shrimp in another container for up to 3 days.

2. Reheating

To reheat the grits, place them in a skillet over low heat. Add a little milk or water and stir frequently to prevent the grits from clumping. For the shrimp, reheat in a pan over low heat for a few minutes until warmed through. Avoid overcooking the shrimp, as they will become tough.

How to Make Slow Cooker Shrimp and Grits Ahead of Time

One of the best features of Slow Cooker Shrimp and Grits is how easy it is to make ahead of time. This is perfect for busy days or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Here’s how you can prepare the dish ahead of time:

1. Prepare the Grits

You can cook the grits the night before and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Simply reheat them on the stove with a bit of extra milk or water to restore their creamy texture. If you’re in a rush, you can also reheat them in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds to ensure even heating.

2. Cook the Shrimp and Bacon

Cook the shrimp and bacon as instructed in the recipe, then store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply reheat the shrimp in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until warm, and do the same with the bacon.

3. Assemble Just Before Serving

Once the grits are ready and the shrimp and bacon are reheated, you can assemble the dish by topping the grits with the shrimp and bacon, then garnishing with parsley. This way, you’ll have a fresh and delicious meal in just minutes!

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Shrimp and Grits

If you’re on the fence about trying this recipe, here are a few reasons why Slow Cooker Shrimp and Grits is a must-try:

• Convenience: The slow cooker takes care of the hard work, letting you focus on other parts of your meal or simply relax.

• Comforting: This dish offers that satisfying, hearty feel that’s perfect for any meal, especially when you’re craving something creamy and flavorful.

• Versatile: Whether you want to make it spicier, add extra veggies, or switch up the protein, this dish is incredibly adaptable.

• Impress Guests: The combination of creamy grits, savory shrimp, and crispy bacon is sure to wow your guests and leave them asking for the recipe!