Best Brunch-Shrimp and Cheese Grits

When all my kids are in town or they have friends in town with them, I turn to Shrimp and Cheese Grits for a one-dish breakfast.  Everyone loves the recipe whether they are from the south or not.  I like to make it because this recipe I can double and it serves a crowd.  I also add sliced mushrooms and saute with the shrimp, adding that earthy flavor.  I have also made the Shrimp and Cheese Grits ahead of time and frozen.  So, with everyone in town this holiday, you can be sure one morning I have already planned this dish.  My fondest memory is one my daughter was a debutante and had 30 kids staying at my house….I think I used 5-7 pounds of shrimp to feed everyone…and it was all gone.  Sometimes, I freeze the extra for me and pull out dinner as Shrimp and Cheese Grits is one of my all time favorite recipes. 

Shrimp and Cheese Grits from trim&TERRIFIC Freezer Friendly Recipes
Easy to prepare shrimp with cheesy seasoned grits and ham is an easy fulfilling breakfast. The shrimp may be omitted.

Makes 4-6 servings

1 cup quick grits
3 cups water
1/2 cup skim milk
1 1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat sharp Cheddar cheese, divided
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Dash cayenne pepper
1/3 cup diced Canadian bacon
1 pound medium shrimp, peeled
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup chopped green onions 

1.Cook grits in water and milk according to package instructions.   When grits are ready, stir in 1 cup Cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, paprika, and cayenne and stir until cheese is melted.
2.Coat large nonstick skillet with nonstick cooking spray.   Add Canadian bacon and sauté until it begins to brown. Add shrimp and garlic and cook, stirring, until shrimp are fully pink and almost done, 3-5 minutes. Add lemon juice.
3.Remove from heat and stir in grits mixture. Season to taste.  Add green onions.
4.Coat 2-quart casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. Transfer grits and shrimp mixture to prepared dish. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup Cheddar cheese.

To Prepare and Eat Now: Serve immediately or preheat the oven to 350°F. and bake for 10 minutes or until cheese is melted.
To Freeze: Cool to room temperature, wrap, label, and freeze.
To Prepare After Freezing: Remove from freezer to defrost. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake for 30 minutes, covered, or until heated through.

Nutritional information per serving, Calories 268, Protein (g) 26, Carbohydrate (g) 23, Fat (g) 7, Calories from Fat (%) 25, Saturated Fat (g) 4, Dietary Fiber (g) 1, Cholesterol (mg) 134, Sodium (mg) 470, Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1.5 starch