In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add the salt, then slowly whisk in the grits to prevent clumping. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened and tender, approximately 4–5 minutes.
Remove the grits from the heat and stir in the butter, black pepper, and grated cheddar cheese until smooth and fully incorporated. Cover and set aside to keep warm.
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. In a bowl, season the shrimp evenly with paprika, garlic powder, thyme, oregano, Old Bay seasoning, and cayenne pepper.
Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for approximately 3 minutes per side, or until opaque and fully cooked.
To serve, spoon the prepared grits into bowls and top with the cooked shrimp. Garnish with parsley, Parmesan cheese, green onions, and chopped bacon as desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
This New Orleans Style Shrimp and Grits recipe is naturally gluten free when prepared with certified gluten-free grits and seasonings. Always verify that Old Bay seasoning, bacon, and cheese are labeled gluten free, as formulations may vary by brand.