Once again Grilling and Smoking with AB delivers with his Southern Comfort on a Plate: The Ultimate Shrimp and Grits Recipe. Indulge in the Southern flavors of Shrimp and Grits. Creamy, cheesy grits topped with succulent shrimp and savory andouille sausage.
“I’ll show you how to make the ultimate Shrimp and Grits—a Southern classic that’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. We’re talking rich, buttery grits topped with perfectly seasoned shrimp and savory andouille sausage. Whether you’re new to this dish or a seasoned pro, this recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to impress.” – Grilling and Smoking with AB
Comfort on a Plate: The Ultimate Shrimp and Grits Recipe
Ingredients
For the Cheese Grits:
- 3 ½ cups water (plus more as needed)
- 1 cup chicken broth or stock
- Kosher salt, to taste
- 1 cup grits (not instant, we love Marsh Hen Mill!)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ⅓ cup half and half
- ½ – 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
For the Shrimp Gravy:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined (preferably Gulf Coast shrimp)
- 1 tablespoon Creole Cajun seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided (or use bacon drippings)
- 6 ounces andouille sausage, sliced into rounds
- ½ green bell pepper, finely diced
- ½ small yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 stalk celery, finely diced
- 6 cloves garlic, pressed or finely minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ¼ cups chicken broth or stock
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley (plus more for garnish)
1. Prepare the Cheese Grits:
- In a large saucepan, bring the water, chicken broth, and salt to a boil over medium-high heat. Gradually whisk in the grits, adding them slowly to prevent clumping.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the grits simmer, stirring frequently to prevent lumps. Cook until tender, about 30 minutes. Add water as needed to keep the grits thick but not stiff.
- Remove from heat and stir in the butter, half and half, ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and white pepper until thoroughly combined. For extra cheesy grits, add up to ½ cup more cheddar. Keep warm on low heat while preparing the shrimp gravy.
2. Marinate the Shrimp:
- In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with Creole Cajun seasoning and white pepper. Set aside to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Sauté the Shrimp and Andouille:
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and sauté for 1-2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove with a slotted utensil and set aside.
- Add the andouille sausage to the skillet and cook until golden brown and slightly crisp, about 2-3 minutes. Remove and set aside with the shrimp.
2. Marinate the Shrimp:
- In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with Creole Cajun seasoning and white pepper. Set aside to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Sauté the Shrimp and Andouille:
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and sauté for 1-2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove with a slotted utensil and set aside.
- Add the andouille sausage to the skillet and cook until golden brown and slightly crisp, about 2-3 minutes. Remove and set aside with the shrimp.
4. Make the Gravy:
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the bell pepper, onion, and celery. Sauté until tender and golden brown, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Sprinkle in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to cook out the raw taste.
- Gradually add the chicken broth, stirring well to combine. Let it simmer for 1 minute, then add the heavy cream. Cook, stirring, until the gravy is smooth and thick, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Combine and Serve:
- Return the shrimp and sausage to the skillet, along with any accumulated juices. Toss well to coat in the gravy and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Stir in the chopped parsley and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve the shrimp gravy over the warm cheese grits, garnishing with more parsley if desired. Enjoy this comforting Southern classic!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use High-Quality Shrimp: Fresh Gulf Coast shrimp bring the best flavor, but frozen shrimp will work in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking.
- Don’t Rush the Grits: Slow cooking is key to creamy grits. Whisk frequently and add water if needed to reach the perfect consistency.
- Get Creative with Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Smoked gouda, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack can add a unique twist.
- Season Generously: Cajun seasoning brings a lot of flavor, but don’t be afraid to adjust the salt and pepper to your taste.
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