Creating the perfect Shrimp and Grits involves several steps. Follow this simple process to make the dish a breeze:

1. Cook the Grits: In a medium saucepan, bring water or chicken broth to a boil. Add grits, stir, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened.

1. Add Cream and Cheese: Once the grits are cooked, stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until creamy and season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm.

1. Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan and set aside, leaving the drippings.

1. Sauté the Shrimp: In the same skillet, add olive oil to the bacon drippings. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add shrimp, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.

1. Cook Shrimp: Cook shrimp for about 3-5 minutes or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them!

1. Combine: Return the cooked bacon to the skillet with the shrimp, stirring to combine all the flavors together.

1. Serve: To plate, scoop the creamy grits into bowls and top with the shrimp and bacon mixture. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.

By following these steps, you’ll create a dish that not only tastes incredible but also delights everyone at your table.