Creamy Shrimp And Smoked Sausage Grits Recipe For Comfort

Creamy southern grits blend perfectly with succulent shrimp and smoky sausage in this mouthwatering recipe.

Comfort meets coastal cuisine through a delectable combination of flavors.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated these hearty ingredients that sing with robust taste.

Spicy andouille sausage adds a delightful kick to tender shrimp nestled in smooth, cheesy grits.

Each forkful promises a rich, satisfying experience that connects you to traditional southern cooking.

Generous portions mean everyone at the table will savor this classic dish.

Prepare to experience a culinary journey that celebrates simplicity and incredible flavor.

Grits and Shrimp That Make a Bold Match

• Elevate Home Cooking: Transform ordinary ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish that impresses family and friends with minimal culinary expertise.
• Quick Flavor Explosion: Combine smoky sausage, tender shrimp, and creamy grits for a Southern-inspired meal packed with bold, layered tastes in under an hour.
• Versatile Comfort Food: Perfect for casual weeknight dinners, weekend gatherings, or when craving a hearty, satisfying meal that feels both indulgent and homemade.
• One-Pan Convenience: Streamline your cooking process by preparing multiple components in a single skillet, reducing cleanup time and making meal preparation stress-free.

Shrimp & Sausage Grits Pantry Items

• Grits: Stone-ground, creamy base for the dish.
• Shrimp: Tender seafood star of the recipe.
• Smoked Andouille Sausage: Spicy, flavorful protein component.

• Chicken Stock, Whole Milk: Creamy, rich cooking liquid for grits.
• White Wine: Adds depth and helps deglaze the pan.
• Half and Half: Creates a silky, rich sauce.

• Onion, Celery, Garlic: Provide classic flavor foundation.
• Creole Seasoning: Adds signature Southern spice profile.
• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste.

• Aged Cheddar Cheese: Adds sharp, creamy texture to grits.
• Chives: Fresh, mild onion-like garnish for brightness.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables.
• Butter: Adds richness and smooth finish to the sauce.

Shrimp & Sausage Grits Cooking Method

Step 1: Boil Liquid Base

In a large saucepan, combine chicken stock and whole milk. Bring the mixture to a rapid boil. Gradually whisk in stone-ground grits, then reduce heat to low. Cook grits, stirring occasionally, until they become thick and luxuriously creamy, typically taking 20-25 minutes.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Diced onion
• Diced celery

Cook vegetables until they become soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Introduce minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until the kitchen fills with a fragrant aroma.

Step 3: Brown Proteins

Toss smoked Andouille sausage into the skillet and cook until edges turn golden brown. Sprinkle creole seasoning generously over the sausage. Add shrimp and cook until they transform to a vibrant pink and become completely opaque, approximately 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Build Luxurious Sauce

Pour white wine into the skillet, using a wooden spoon to scrape up delicious browned bits from the bottom. Introduce half and half, allowing the mixture to simmer and slightly thicken over 5 minutes. Drop in butter and stir until completely melted and integrated.

Step 5: Finish and Plate

Stir shredded aged cheddar cheese into the completed grits until fully melted. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper according to taste. Generously spoon creamy grits onto plates, topping with the shrimp and sausage mixture. Sprinkle minced chives over the dish for a fresh garnish.

Tricks That Help with Shrimp and Grits

• Slow Whisk Technique: Gradually add grits to boiling liquid to prevent lumps and ensure smooth, creamy texture.
• Seasoning Balance: Use Creole seasoning sparingly to enhance flavors without overpowering the delicate shrimp and sausage.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Add cheddar off the heat to prevent separation and maintain a silky, consistent cheese blend.
• Timing is Key: Cook shrimp just until pink to preserve tender, juicy texture and avoid rubbery consistency.
• Wine Deglazing Magic: Scrape up browned bits when adding white wine to capture deep, rich flavor from the pan.

Shrimp And Sausage Grits: Save And Reheat Like A Chef

• Store leftover shrimp and sausage grits in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled grits and seafood mixture to freezer-safe containers. Wrap securely and freeze for maximum 2 months. Separate grits and protein to maintain better texture.
• Place portions in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of milk or chicken stock to restore creaminess. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm grits in saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly. Add extra liquid as needed. Reheat shrimp and sausage separately in skillet to prevent overcooking and maintain protein's quality.

Shrimp Grits Delicious Complements

• Pair Perfectly with White Wine: Choose a crisp, medium-bodied Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the creamy grits and rich seafood flavors.
• Enhance with Zesty Side Salad: Create a light citrus-dressed mixed green salad with arugula, lemon vinaigrette, and toasted almonds to balance the hearty main dish.
• Match with Crusty Bread: Serve warm, rustic sourdough or French baguette to soak up the delicious sauce and add textural contrast to the creamy grits.
• Elevate with Craft Beer Pairing: Select a hoppy pale ale or wheat beer with citrus notes to cut through the richness and refresh the palate between bites.

Shrimp Grits Topping Variations

• Keto Friendly Version: Replace grits with cauliflower rice, use heavy cream instead of milk, choose full-fat smoked sausage, and maintain high-protein shrimp content for a low-carb alternative.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure Andouille sausage is gluten-free certified, use stone-ground cornmeal grits from dedicated gluten-free facility, and replace creole seasoning with homemade herb blend.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Swap shrimp and sausage with plant-based chorizo or smoked tofu, use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock, and add roasted bell peppers for smoky flavor complexity.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute whole milk with unsweetened almond milk, use coconut cream instead of half and half, replace cheddar cheese with nutritional yeast, and maintain original seasoning profile.

FAQs

• Are stone-ground grits different from regular grits?

Stone-ground grits are less processed and retain more corn flavor and texture compared to instant or quick grits. They take longer to cook but provide a richer, more authentic taste and a coarser texture.

• Can I use a different type of sausage?

Andouille sausage adds a specific Cajun flavor, but you can substitute with other smoked sausages like kielbana or chorizo. Just ensure the replacement has a similar spicy and smoky profile to maintain the dish’s character.

• What makes creole seasoning unique?

Creole seasoning is a blend of herbs and spices like paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne that provides a distinctive Louisiana-style flavor. It adds depth and heat to the shrimp and sausage mixture.

• How do I know when shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque and form a loose “C” shape. Overcooking makes them tough and rubbery, so watch carefully during the 3-4 minute cooking time.

Shrimp And Smoked Sausage Grits Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Southern comfort meets coastal charm in this hearty Shrimp and Smoked Sausage Grits dish, blending spicy sausage, succulent shrimp, and creamy stone-ground grits. Creole seasonings and rich flavors promise a memorable meal that welcomes you to savor each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp (26/30 count), peeled and deveined
• 1 lb smoked Andouille sausage, diced and sliced
• 1 cup stone-ground grits
• 3 cups chicken stock
• 3 cups whole milk

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 cup diced onion
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons creole seasoning
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Dairy and Finishing Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup aged cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup half and half
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Minced chives for serving

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Instructions

1. Initiate the grits preparation by bringing chicken stock and whole milk to a rolling boil in a large saucepan. Gradually whisk in stone-ground grits, reducing heat to low. Stir periodically during the 20-25 minute cooking process until the mixture transforms into a luxuriously thick and creamy consistency.
2. Simultaneously, warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Introduce diced onion and celery, sautéing until they become translucent and tender. Incorporate minced garlic and allow it to release its aromatic essence for an additional minute.
3. Introduce smoked Andouille sausage to the skillet, browning it thoroughly. Dust the ingredients with creole seasoning, then add shrimp. Cook until the seafood turns a vibrant pink and becomes fully opaque, approximately 3-4 minutes.
4. Deglaze the skillet with white wine, carefully scraping accumulated flavor bits from the bottom of the pan. Incorporate half and half, allowing the liquid to simmer and gradually thicken. Finish by melting butter into the sauce, ensuring complete integration.
5. Complete the dish by folding aged cheddar cheese into the finished grits until fully melted. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to personal preference. Transfer creamy grits to serving plates, artfully topping with the succulent shrimp and sausage mixture. Enhance the presentation by sprinkling minced chives as a final flourish.

Notes

• Customize spice levels by adjusting creole seasoning for those who prefer milder or bolder flavors.
• Swap dairy milk with plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk for lactose-intolerant or vegan diners.
• Choose gluten-free chicken stock and verify sausage ingredients to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
• Use smoked turkey sausage as a leaner protein alternative without compromising rich, smoky flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Southern (American)

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 525
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 170 mg