Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transport you straight to the heart of the South with this mouthwatering Bacon Wrapped Shrimp with Grits recipe. Imagine crispy, perfectly wrapped bacon hugging succulent shrimp, nestled on a bed of creamy, cheesy grits, and accompanied by a fiery dipping sauce that will set your palate ablaze. This isn't just a meal - it's a flavor experience that combines indulgence, comfort, and pure Southern magic in every single bite!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 slices bacon
- 1 cup grits
- 4 cups water
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp hot sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your bacon-wrapped shrimp cook evenly and become crispy.
- Prepare the shrimp by ensuring they are peeled and deveined. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which will help the bacon adhere better.
- Take one slice of bacon and cut it in half. Wrap each half slice around a shrimp, starting from the tail and spiraling to the top. Secure the bacon with a toothpick if necessary. Repeat this process until all shrimp are wrapped.
- Place the wrapped shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Ensure they are spaced apart to allow for even cooking.
- Once the oven is preheated, place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the shrimp for about 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the shrimp are cooked through. Flip them halfway through for even crispiness.
- While the shrimp are baking, prepare the grits. In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add a pinch of salt to the water.
- Once the water is boiling, gradually whisk in 1 cup of grits. Reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring frequently, for about 20-25 minutes or until the grits are thick and creamy.
- During the last few minutes of cooking the grits, stir in 1/2 cup of shredded cheese until melted and well incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- For the spicy dipping sauce, combine 1/4 cup of mayonnaise and 1 tablespoon of hot sauce in a small bowl. Mix well until smooth. Adjust the amount of hot sauce to your preference for spiciness.
- Once the shrimp are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a minute. Discard any toothpicks used to secure the bacon.
- To serve, place a generous scoop of cheesy grits on each plate and top with several bacon-wrapped shrimp. Serve the spicy dipping sauce on the side for drizzling or dipping.
- Enjoy your delicious Bacon Wrapped Shrimp with Grits and Spicy Dipping Sauce, a true Southern delight!
Tips
- Pat your shrimp completely dry before wrapping to ensure the bacon crisps up perfectly
- Use thin-cut bacon for the best wrapping and crispiest results
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet - give each shrimp space to cook evenly
- Use low-sodium bacon if you're watching salt intake
- For extra flavor, try adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika or cajun seasoning to the shrimp before wrapping
- Serve immediately for the best texture and temperature
- If you prefer less spice, adjust the hot sauce in the dipping sauce to your liking
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bacon and check your hot sauce ingredients
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 350mg
