Sweet & Spicy Hot Honey Shrimp over Cheddar Jalapeño Grits
If you want to upgrade your classic Southern comfort food game, this Hot Honey Shrimp over Cheddar Jalapeño Grits is the absolute ultimate combination. This recipe takes traditional shrimp and grits to new heights by pairing sweet, sticky, and fiery blackened hot honey shrimp with a velvety, rich bed of sharp cheddar grits kicked up with fresh jalapeños.
Perfect for a show-stopping weekend brunch or a quick, restaurant-quality weeknight dinner, this fusion dish perfectly balances smoky, spicy, and sweet flavors in every spoonful. Follow our structured, step-by-step cooking guide to master the creamiest grits and get the perfect sear on your shrimp!
⏱️ Prep Time, Cook Time, & Yield
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yields: 4 generous servings
🛒 Ingredients Shopping List
1. The Creamy Cheddar Jalapeño Grits
▸ 1 cup quick-cooking stone-ground grits (do not use instant grits)
▸ 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (for a savory flavor base)
▸ 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for premium creaminess)
▸ 4 tbsp unsalted butter
▸ 1 large jalapeño pepper, seeded and very finely minced
▸ 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
▸ Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
2. The Blackened Hot Honey Shrimp
▸ 1½ lbs jumbo shrimp, peeled, deveined, and patted dry
▸ 1 tbsp olive oil
▸ 1 tbsp Cajun or blackened seasoning
▸ 1 tsp garlic powder
▸ 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for pan-searing)
3. The Sweet & Spicy Hot Honey Drizzle
▸ ⅓ cup pure honey
▸ 1 tbsp hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot or Louisiana style)
▸ ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to preference)
▸ 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
4. Garnish
▸ ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Simmer the Cheddar Jalapeño Grits
Boil the Liquid Base: In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth, whole milk, butter, and minced jalapeño to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
Whisk in the Grits: Reduce the heat to low. Slowly pour in the stone-ground grits while whisking constantly to prevent any lumps from forming.
Simmer and Cook: Cover the saucepan with a tight lid. Let the grits simmer gently on low heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring every few minutes to ensure the bottom doesn’t burn, until they are thick and velvety.
Cheese Melt: Remove from the heat. Stir in the freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese until completely melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then cover to keep hot.
Step 2: Whisk the Quick Hot Honey Sauce
Combine: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, and fresh lemon juice until smooth and fully uniform. Set aside for drizzling.
Step 3: Season and Sear the Shrimp
Dredge: In a medium bowl, toss the dry jumbo shrimp with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, and garlic powder until every shrimp is evenly coated in the spices.
High-Heat Sear: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet or heavy cast-iron pan over medium-high heat.
Sauté: Add the shrimp in a single, even layer. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side just until they turn pink, opaque, and develop a beautiful, dark blackened crust. Take care not to overcook them so they stay tender and juicy.
🍽️ How to Serve
Spoon a deep, generous bed of the steaming Cheddar Jalapeño Grits into a wide rimmed serving bowl.
Arrange the glistening, seasoned blackened shrimp beautifully in a circular pattern right over the center of the grits.
Drizzle the warm, sweet hot honey sauce heavily over the shrimp, letting it cascade down and pool around the cheesy grits.
Top the dish with a scatter of fresh, finely chopped parsley for color and freshness. Serve immediately!
💡 Expert Pro-Tips for Success
Say No to Pre-Shredded Cheese: Always grate your sharp cheddar from a block. Store-bought bagged cheese is coated in cellulose powders that prevent clumping, which will make your grits grainy instead of ultra-smooth and glossy.
Keep Grits Creamy: If your grits thicken up too much while you are finishing up the shrimp, simply whisk in an extra splash of warm milk or water right before serving to restore their perfect, velvety texture.
🍽️ Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~580 kcal
- Protein: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this recipe less spicy?
Absolutely! To lower the heat level, completely scrape out the inner white ribs and seeds of the jalapeño before mincing it into the grits. You can also reduce or omit the cayenne pepper in the hot honey sauce, relying just on the honey and a mild hot sauce for flavor.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, frozen shrimp works perfectly! Just make sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator and pat them completely dry with paper towels before tossing them in the oil and spices. If the shrimp are wet, they will steam in the pan instead of getting that gorgeous, crisp blackened sear.