Description
This Creamy Lowcountry Shrimp and Grits recipe combines tender shrimp and smoky andouille sausage in a rich, creamy gravy served over cheesy, slow-cooked grits. With a perfect balance of spices, sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh vegetables, this Southern classic is a comforting and flavorful dish ideal for brunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
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 grits) – we love Marsh Hen Mill!
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ⅓ cup half and half
- ½ – 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
Shrimp Gravy
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled & deveined (preferably Gulf Coast shrimp)
- 1 tablespoon Creole Cajun Seasoning – homemade or store-bought
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided (or 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
Instructions
- Prepare the cheese grits: In a large saucepan, bring the water, chicken broth/stock, and salt to a boil over medium-high heat. Gradually whisk in the grits a little at a time to avoid clumping. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer, stirring frequently to prevent lumps, until tender (about 30 minutes). Add water as needed to maintain a thick but creamy consistency.
- Finish the grits: Remove from heat and stir in butter, half and half, ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese, and white pepper until well combined. Add additional cheese if desired. Adjust salt to taste. Keep warm on the lowest setting while preparing the shrimp gravy.
- Marinate the shrimp: In a large bowl, toss shrimp with Creole Cajun seasoning and white pepper until fully coated. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Sauté the shrimp and sausage: Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook shrimp in batches in a single layer for 1-2 minutes per side until opaque and pink. Transfer cooked shrimp to a plate. Next, add andouille sausage slices to the skillet and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer sausage to the plate with shrimp.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter to the skillet. Once melted, add diced bell pepper, onion, and celery. Cook until tender and golden brown, about 4-5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Make the gravy: Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir well to cook out the raw flavor, about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in chicken broth/stock, stirring constantly to combine. Let simmer for 1 minute until the mixture thickens and flour is incorporated. Stir in heavy cream and cook, stirring, until gravy is smooth and thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine shrimp and sausage with gravy: Return sautéed shrimp and andouille sausage to the skillet, along with any juices. Toss gently to coat in gravy. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to meld flavors. Stir in chopped parsley and adjust seasoning with more Creole Cajun seasoning if desired.
- Serve: Divide warm cheesy grits evenly among bowls. Top with generous portions of creamy shrimp gravy. Garnish with extra chopped parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy your Classic Lowcountry Shrimp and Grits!
Notes
- Use stone-ground grits for best texture; avoid instant grits.
- If grits become too thick or stiff while cooking, add small splashes of water to loosen texture.
- Adjust cheese quantity according to your taste preference for cheesiness.
- Creole Cajun seasoning can be homemade or store-bought; adjust heat level to your preference.
- If you prefer, substitute butter with bacon drippings for an even smokier flavor.
- Make sure to stir grits frequently to prevent lumps and sticking.
- Leftover shrimp gravy and grits can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern, Lowcountry
Keywords: Shrimp and Grits, Lowcountry, Southern Cuisine, Creamy Shrimp, Andouille Sausage, Cajun Seasoning, Cheese Grits
