Description
Lowcountry Shrimp and Grits is a classic Southern comfort food dish that combines creamy, cheesy grits with perfectly seasoned shrimp, smoky sausage, and a rich, flavorful gravy. This recipe brings together the best of Southern cuisine for a satisfying, indulgent meal. Easy to make and full of bold flavors, it’s a must-try for seafood lovers and anyone craving a hearty, comforting dish.
Ingredients
For the Cheese Grits:
3 ½ cups water
1 cup chicken broth
Kosher salt, to taste
1 cup stone-ground grits
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
1 tablespoon Creole Cajun seasoning
¼ teaspoon white pepper
4 tablespoons butter, divided
6 ounces andouille sausage, sliced
½ green bell pepper, finely diced
½ small yellow onion, finely diced
1 stalk celery, finely diced
6 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 ¼ cups chicken broth
¼ cup heavy whipping cream
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, bring water, chicken broth, and salt to a boil over medium-high heat. Gradually whisk in the grits, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes until thick and creamy.
- Stir in butter, half and half, cheese, and white pepper. Keep warm.
- Season shrimp with Creole seasoning and white pepper. Let marinate for 30 minutes.
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter and sauté shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
- Cook sausage in the same skillet until browned, then set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and sauté bell pepper, onion, and celery for 4-5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly add chicken broth, stirring to avoid lumps, and let simmer for 1 minute.
- Stir in heavy cream and simmer until thickened (2-3 minutes).
- Return shrimp and sausage to skillet, stir in parsley, and simmer for 1-2 more minutes.
- Serve the shrimp and sausage gravy over the warm cheese grits and garnish with additional parsley.
Notes
For creamier grits, increase the amount of half and half, butter, or cheese.
If you prefer a spicier dish, add extra Creole seasoning, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños.
For leftovers, store the shrimp and grits separately to maintain their textures.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern, Lowcountry
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 450 kcal
