8 Quirky And Unique Mississippi Shrimp and Grits Dishes You Just Gotta Try
By Daniella DiRienzo|Published July 19, 2018
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Daniella DiRienzo
Author
Though Daniella was born in New York and has lived in a couple of other states, Mississippi has been her home for more than 30 years. After graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi, Daniella began to hone her writing skills through various internships. In the years since, she’s had the privilege of having her articles appear in several publications, such as the Mississippi-based Parents & Kids Magazine. She’s also had the honor of interviewing actress Sela Ward for The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience.
Shrimp and grits has got to be one of the best food combos ever. The dish is a classic in Mississippi, and it’s easy to see why. Not only is it delicious but you can eat it any time of the day – breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, or supper. As if the dish wasn’t already tasty enough, several restaurants around the Magnolia State serve up their own versions of the tasty classic. So, the next time you get a craving for shrimp and grits (with a bit of a twist, of course) check out one of the restaurants below.
At this small town favorite, the shrimp and grits are sure to please. The grits are made with heavy cream, butter, and a blend of gouda, cheddar, and jalapeno Monterey jack cheeses. The thick and creamy mixture is then spread in a sheet pan, cut into squares, pan-fried, topped with shrimp (along with a few crawfish) and cooked in a secret sauce. Visit Dempsey’s at 6208 Kiln Delisle Rd., Kiln, MS 39556.
Whether or not you’re a guest of this charming B&B, you can dine in its restaurant. Stop by for Sunday brunch, which is served from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., and you can choose from a bevy of southern favorites, including shrimp and grits. The inn’s version of the classic dish includes the addition of pimento cheese and a hint of jalapeno. Try it for yourself with a visit to Anchuca at 2513, 1010 1st E St., Vicksburg, MS 39183.
Putting a flavorful twist on the classic dish, the shrimp and grits at this Grenada eatery comes in the form of BBQ shrimp paired with grit cakes. Finish off your meal with another southern classic and restaurant specialty – the homemade cobbler. Visit Orleans Bistro at 149 S Main St., Grenada, MS 38901.
Look over the menu at this college town pub, and you’ll find a slew of tasty options. The shrimp and grits, which is one of the featured entrees, is described as "a country classic with a bayou twist." Living up to its description, the tasty creation includes a mix of large gulf shrimp, Cajun sausage, and stone ground grits – all of which is topped with a creamy garlic sauce. Keg and Barrell is located at 1315 Hardy St., Hattiesburg, MS 39401.
There’s a lot to love about this coastal eatery, and the shrimp and grits dish is definitely one of them. The tasty dish, which is officially named Swamp Island Shrimp and Grits, includes shrimp, alligator sausage, and a fresh herb cream sauce served with a bacon and pepper Jack grit cake. Visit The Reef at 1749 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, MS 39531.
Located on Natchez’s notorious Silver Street, this waterfront grill serves up great views and an even better fare. In addition to the traditional version of shrimp and grits, the menu includes another version with a unique twist. The latter is made by pairing grilled shrimp with cubes of fried grits and topping it all with a tasty sauce. Visit Magnolia Grill at 49 Silver St., Natchez, MS 39120.
Putting a fancier twist on the classic dish, the shrimp and grits at Nola Restaurant are a must-try. A house specialty, the flavorful dish is made by piling grilled shrimp, Cajun sausage, bacon, and mushrooms on top of rice grits or cheese grits and drenching it all in a signature sauce. Nola Restaurant is located at 112 Court Ave., Indianola, MS 38751.
This Hattiesburg eatery is known for its made-from-scratch southern cuisine, so it should come as no surprise that shrimp and grits is on the menu. However, it’s far from your typical version of the classic. Loaded with flavor, the mouthwatering dish includes boursin cheese grits, gulf shrimp, pork belly, okra, and crushed tomato stew. Cotton Blues is located at 6116 U.S. 98 E, Hattiesburg, MS 39402.
So have you tried any of the unique versions of shrimp and grits listed above? Know of another eatery that puts its own twist on the classic dish? Tell us in the comments section.
