The rich and creamy texture of cheesy cauliflower grits pairs beautifully with the buttery, garlic-infused shrimp and crispy bacon in this low-carb twist on a Southern classic. Every bite is packed with bold flavors, making it the perfect comfort food without the guilt. This dish is a fantastic option for those following a keto lifestyle or simply looking for a delicious and satisfying meal that’s both easy to prepare and full of nourishing ingredients. Whether you’re a fan of Southern cuisine or just love a hearty shrimp dish, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 (12-ounce) bags frozen cauliflower, cooked
- 3 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
- 4 slices bacon
- 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- Kosher salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Pulse the cooked cauliflower in a food processor until it reaches a grits-like consistency.
- Transfer the cauliflower to a saucepan and add butter, heavy cream, and cheddar cheese.
- Stir over medium heat until the cheese and butter are fully melted, creating a creamy texture. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and place on paper towels to drain, then crumble.
- Using the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the shrimp and garlic.
- Sauté the shrimp on both sides until pink and opaque, about 2–3 minutes per side.
- Stir in the chopped parsley and remove from heat.
- To serve, spoon the cheesy grits into bowls and top with shrimp and crumbled bacon.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 390 kcal | Servings: 4
What Makes This Recipe Keto-Friendly?
The key to making shrimp and grits keto-compliant is replacing the traditional corn-based grits with a low-carb alternative. In this recipe, cauliflower serves as a perfect substitute. When blended with butter, heavy cream, and cheddar cheese, cauliflower transforms into a creamy, flavorful base that mimics the texture of traditional grits.
Shrimp is already a keto-friendly protein, rich in nutrients and low in carbs, making it an excellent choice for this dish. To enhance the flavor, the shrimp is sautéed in the same pan used for cooking bacon, which adds a smoky, savory depth. The final touch is a sprinkle of fresh parsley for brightness and a pop of color.
The Health Benefits of This Dish
Beyond being a delicious meal, Keto Shrimp and Cheesy Grits offers several health benefits:
- Low in Carbs – Traditional grits are high in carbohydrates, but using cauliflower instead drastically reduces the carb count, making this dish ideal for those on a ketogenic diet.
- High in Healthy Fats – The inclusion of butter, heavy cream, and cheese helps increase the healthy fat content, which is essential for maintaining ketosis.
- Packed with Protein – Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein, helping to keep you full and support muscle growth.
- Nutrient-Dense – Cauliflower is loaded with vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants, which support overall health. Meanwhile, shrimp provides omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health.
- Gluten-Free – Since this dish contains no grains, it’s a fantastic option for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is how simple and quick it is to prepare. In just about 30 minutes, you can have a satisfying meal that tastes like it took hours to make. The combination of buttery, cheesy cauliflower grits with tender, garlicky shrimp and crispy bacon is both indulgent and comforting, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even a special weekend brunch.
Additionally, this dish is incredibly versatile. You can adjust the level of spice by adding Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the shrimp. If you prefer a bit more heat, a few dashes of hot sauce or red pepper flakes can take the flavor to the next level. You can also swap out the cheddar cheese for another variety like Gouda, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan for a different twist on the creamy cauliflower grits.
Tips for Perfect Keto Shrimp and Cheesy Grits
To ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Use Frozen Riced Cauliflower for Convenience – While fresh cauliflower works great, using frozen riced cauliflower saves time and effort. Simply steam it according to the package directions before blending it into a creamy texture.
- Cook the Bacon First – Cooking the bacon first and then using the rendered fat to sauté the shrimp adds extra richness and depth of flavor to the dish.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp – Shrimp cooks quickly, usually in about 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooking can make them rubbery, so be sure to remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
- Season to Taste – While this recipe keeps seasonings simple with salt, pepper, and garlic, you can customize it to your preference by adding Old Bay, Cajun spices, or lemon juice for added brightness.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is delicious on its own, but you can elevate the meal even further with some keto-friendly side options:
- A Light Side Salad – A simple arugula or spinach salad with olive oil and lemon dressing adds freshness to balance the rich flavors.
- Roasted Vegetables – Roasted Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or zucchini make excellent low-carb sides.
- Keto Garlic Bread – A slice of low-carb garlic bread or a keto biscuit can make this dish feel even more indulgent.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers, you’ll be happy to know that this dish stores well. Keep the shrimp and cheesy grits in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm the cauliflower grits in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of heavy cream or butter to restore their creamy consistency. The shrimp can be gently reheated in a skillet over medium-low heat for a few minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving shrimp for too long, as it can become rubbery.
Conclusion:
Keto Shrimp and Cheesy Grits is proof that you don’t have to give up your favorite comfort foods to maintain a low-carb lifestyle. With simple substitutions and flavorful ingredients, this dish delivers all the richness and satisfaction of the traditional Southern classic while staying within keto-friendly macros. Whether you’re following a ketogenic diet or just looking for a delicious, gluten-free meal, this recipe is a must-try.