Cheesy Cajun Shrimp and Grits

Name: Cheesy Cajun Shrimp and Grits
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 8 servings.
Cuisine: Cajun Recipes
Ingredients: 8 cups water; 3/4 teaspoon salt; 2 cups quick-cooking grits; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup butter, cubed; 8 bacon strips, chopped; 2 pounds uncooked shrimp (26-30 per pound), peeled and deveined; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning; 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley or 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes

I was born and raised in the South. A few years ago I moved to Pennsylvania, where good southern comfort food was hard to find. So I created these creamy, smoky cajun shrimp and grits to remind me of home. —Kailey Thompson, Palm Bay, Florida

Ingredients

8 cups water
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups quick-cooking grits
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup butter, cubed
8 bacon strips, chopped
2 pounds uncooked shrimp (26-30 per pound), peeled and deveined
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley or 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes

Directions

In a large saucepan, bring water and salt to a boil. Slowly stir in grits. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook, covered, until thickened, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Stir in cheese and butter until melted; keep warm.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp, stirring occasionally. Remove with a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels. Cook and stir shrimp in bacon drippings until shrimp turn pink, 3-4 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in Cajun seasoning and parsley.
Divide grits among 8 serving bowls; top with shrimp mixture and the bacon.