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Creamy Shrimp and Grits Soup Recipe Easy Homemade Bacon Herb Flavor

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A cozy and flavorful creamy shrimp and grits soup infused with smoky bacon and fresh herbs, perfect for comforting weeknight dinners or special gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup stone-ground grits
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 cup whole milk (or dairy-free milk)
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • Optional garnishes: sliced green onions or a squeeze of lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Cook the chopped bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crisp and browned, about 10 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside on paper towels, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.
  2. Add diced onion to the bacon fat and cook over medium heat until translucent and soft, about 4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, avoiding browning.
  3. Stir the dry grits into the pot with the onions and garlic. Toast gently for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly to coat each grain in bacon fat and aromatics.
  4. Slowly pour in the water, chicken broth, and milk while stirring to prevent lumps. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
  5. Cook uncovered, stirring frequently, until the grits are thick and creamy, about 20-25 minutes. Add a splash of water or milk if the mixture becomes too thick.
  6. Gently stir in the shrimp, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Cook until shrimp turn pink and opaque, about 5 minutes. Avoid overcooking.
  7. Stir in the softened butter, fresh parsley, thyme, and reserved crispy bacon pieces. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  8. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with sliced green onions or a splash of lemon juice if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

Stir frequently during simmering to prevent grits from sticking and ensure creamy texture. Add extra broth or milk if soup becomes too thick. Cook shrimp just until pink to avoid rubbery texture. Bacon fat adds depth of flavor; do not discard. For dairy-free, substitute milk with almond or coconut milk and butter with olive oil or vegan butter. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently with added liquid if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp and grits soup, creamy shrimp soup, bacon herb soup, comfort food, easy dinner, southern recipe, seafood soup

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/creamy-shrimp-and-grits-soup-recipe-easy-homemade-bacon-herb-flavor/