If you adore Southern comfort food with a twist, you’re going to absolutely fall in love with Shrimp & Goat Cheese Grits with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce Recipe. This dish brings the creamy, tangy warmth of goat cheese grits together with the succulent pop of perfectly cooked shrimp, all gently coated in a vibrant sauce made from roasted red peppers and Creole spices. It’s a celebration of flavors and textures that feels both indulgent and homey, perfect for any day you want to feel like you’re dining at a cozy Low Country kitchen table. Trust me, once you try these Shrimp & Goat Cheese Grits with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce Recipe, they will soon become a staple you crave again and again.

Shrimp & Goat Cheese Grits with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce Recipe
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Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting this recipe just right is all about simple, quality ingredients that build layers of flavor, color, and texture. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and fresh notes.

Olive oil: Use 2 tablespoons plus 1.5 teaspoons to cook shrimp and create a silky sauce base.
Large shrimp: One pound, peeled and deveined for juicy bites that soak up spice beautifully.
Minced garlic: One tablespoon adds fragrant warmth that elevates the entire dish.
Roasted red bell pepper: Half a cup, thinly sliced for a sweet, smoky sauce component.
Creole spice: Two tablespoons bring the signature Southern kick you want in every bite.
Dry white wine: A quarter cup to deglaze the pan and build a nuanced flavor layer.
Unsalted cold butter: Three tablespoons for richness and that glossy finish on the sauce.
Goat cheese grits: Creamy and tangy, the base that makes these eese Grits with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce unforgettable.
Creole Spice blend: Made from sugar, sea salt, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, black and white pepper—this mix is the soul of the shrimp seasoning.

How to Make Shrimp & Goat Cheese Grits with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Shrimp and Garlic

Begin by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. When the oil shimmers, toss in your shrimp with the minced garlic. Cook this mixture for around four minutes until the shrimp start to blush pink and become fragrant. This step builds the foundation of your dish, allowing the garlic to infuse deeply into the shrimp.

Step 2: Add Roasted Red Peppers and Creole Spice

Next, stir in your thinly sliced roasted red bell peppers and sprinkle the Creole spice blend over the shrimp. Let them all mingle and warm for about two minutes, which gets the peppers tender and the spices to fully awaken. This is where the sauce really starts to take shape, bringing that signature Southern flair to life.

Step 3: Deglaze with White Wine

Pour in your dry white wine and cook for just one to two minutes as the shrimp turns fully pink. The wine will lift all those tasty browned bits from your pan, creating a beautifully complex base for the sauce. It’s a simple technique that adds depth and a subtle acidity to brighten the dish.

Step 4: Finish with Butter and Serve

Remove the skillet from heat and add in the cold butter. Swirl the pan gently until the butter melts and emulsifies with the wine and spices, creating a rich, silky sauce. Plate your shrimp atop the luscious goat cheese grits and spoon the warm roasted red pepper sauce generously over the top. Get ready for a mouthwatering experience with every bite of these eese Grits with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce.

How to Serve Shrimp & Goat Cheese Grits with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbal note that contrasts perfectly with the creamy and spicy components. A light dusting of smoked paprika can also amp up the smoky warmth and make your presentation pop.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with crisp, roasted vegetables like asparagus or charred broccoli for a full meal that balances richness with freshness. A simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette can also cut through the creamy, buttery elements.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, serve the shrimp and grits in shallow bowls, letting the sauce pool invitingly. You can also try topping with a poached egg for a breakfast twist or slide the shrimp and sauce onto toasted crusty bread for a fun, shareable appetizer version of these Shrimp & Goat Cheese Grits with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce Recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your cooked shrimp and roasted red pepper sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Store the goat cheese grits separately to maintain their perfect creamy texture—reheating everything together will yield the best results.

Freezing

While the shrimp is best fresh, you can freeze leftover goat cheese grits in a sealed container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Reheating

To reheat the shrimp and sauce, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent overcooking. For grits, add a little milk or broth as you reheat to loosen them and keep that signature creamy texture intact.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese in the grits?

Absolutely! While goat cheese gives these Shrimp & Goat Cheese Grits with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce Recipe their unique tang, cream cheese or sharp cheddar can be delicious alternatives if you want a different flavor profile.

Is the Creole spice blend very spicy?

The spice mix has a gentle kick from cayenne pepper, balanced by smoky paprika and sweetness from sugar. You can easily adjust the amount to suit your tolerance, making the dish as mild or bold as you like.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes, this dish is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure your Creole spice and any broth or wine used are gluten-free. It’s a fantastic option for those with dietary restrictions!

What should I look for in shrimp when buying?

Choose large, fresh shrimp that are peeled and deveined for ease and best texture. Wild-caught shrimp often have more flavor, but farmed can work well too—just look for firm, translucent flesh without a strong fishy odor.

How can I make the sauce creamier?

For a richer sauce, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream at the end of cooking. This will add silkiness without overpowering the bright roasted pepper flavor in these Shrimp & Goat Cheese Grits with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce Recipe.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about crafting a dish that brings joy with every bite, and these Shrimp & Goat Cheese Grits with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce Recipe do exactly that. From the tender shrimp to the creamy goat cheese grits and that zesty, smoky pepper sauce, it’s a recipe meant to be savored and shared. So go ahead—treat yourself and your loved ones to this Southern-inspired treasure. Your taste buds will thank you, I promise!