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Shrimp and Grits Recipe – this easy shrimp and grits is ready in minutes and is perfect for busy weeknights. Cheesy grits take it over the top, the whole family is going to love it!
My family loves shrimp. They pretty much love all seafood. It can be as easy as Hot Crab Dip for a party and they will go crazy. Or even something as simple as this Baked Cod for a quick dinner.
Shrimp & Grits is a Southern classic that is so easy to make. I added sausage, with you often times find in the Southern version, but isn’t necessarily required. It can seem intimidating to make, but it is so quick, easy and just a handful of ingredients!
Adding cheese to the grits is an absolute must! It takes grits from kind of boring to amazing in no time. Quick cooking grits are ready in about 5 minutes, so you will find yourself making them over and over again.
What You’ll Need
Be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post for the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card.
- Andouille Sausage
- Large Shrimp
- Butter
- Olive Oil
- Cajun Seasoning
- Garlic
- Lemon Juice
- Quick Cooking Grits
- Milk
- Water
- Cheddar Cheese
- Salt
What Are Grits
Grits are really nothing more than corn. It is ground corn kernels that is similar in texture to corn meal or polenta. It is a little finer than polenta, but very similar. Then they are boiled with either water or milk until thick and creamy. I like to use a mixture of water and milk so they get extra creamy and delicious. To make these cheese grits I just added in a little butter and cheese at the end. Super easy and so good.
I buy the quick cooking grits that come in a canister similar to oatmeal. It is usually in the cereal aisle. I follow the directions on the back and just use half milk and half water for the liquid. Once it is hot, I stir in a little butter and cheese to serve. Couldn’t be easier.
How To Make Shrimp & Grits
This recipe comes together in about 20 minutes, with all simple and easy to find ingredients. So have everything prepped and ready before you start cooking.
- Heat Sausage. Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the sliced sausage to the pan, spreading out into a single layer. Brown for 3-4 minutes per side, until hot and turning golden.
- Season Shrimp. Meanwhile season shrimp with cajun seasoning. If you like it spicy and extra flavorful, you can add more than called for in the recipe.
- Cook Shrimp. Remove sausage from the pan. Add olive oil and butter. Once butter is melted add garlic and shrimp. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until the shrimp is fully cooked. Add sausage back into the pan. Mix and drizzle with lemon juice.
- Cook Grits. Meanwhile to make the grits bring water and milk to a boil in a saucepan. Slowly stir in grits. Reduce heat, over and cook for 5-7 minutes or until thickened; stirring occasionally. Once the grits are thick stir in butter and cheese and mix until well combined. Season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
- Serve. Serve the shrimp and sausage immediately over the grits for a comforting and delicious meal.
What Goes With Shrimp & Grits
It is a pretty full meal with meat and the grits, but you can serve some vegetables on the side or even bread are in the mood!
Storage
Grits are great leftover, store in an airtight container and then reheat in the microwave or stovetop. You may need a little milk to thin them out again. The shrimp is best served the day it is made, so it is best to only cook as much as you need. You can reheat it, it just gets a little rubbery and it isn’t ideal.
More Shrimp Dinner Recipes
- Crispy Baked Shrimp
- Shrimp Scampi
- Lemon Garlic Shrimp
- Baja Shrimp Tacos
- Spicy Garlic Shrimp
- Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil
Shrimp and Grits Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 12 oz andouille sausage, sliced
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoon cajun seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
Cheese Grits
- 1 cup quick cooking grits
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 Tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the sliced sausage to the pan, spreading out into a single layer. Brown for 3-4 minutes per side, until hot and turning golden.12 oz andouille sausage
- Meanwhile season shrimp with cajun seasoning.1 pound large shrimp, 2 teaspoon cajun seasoning
- Remove sausage from the pan. Add olive oil and butter. Once butter is melted add garlic and shrimp. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until the shrimp is fully cooked. Add sausage back into the pan. Mix and drizzle with lemon juice.2 Tablespoons butter, 1 Tablespoon olive oil, 2 cloves garlic, 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- Serve immediately over the grits.
To Make Grits
- In a saucepan bring water and milk to a boil. Slowly stir in grits. Reduce heat, over and cook for 5-7 minutes or until thickened; stirring occasionally.1 cup quick cooking grits, 2 cups water, 2 cups milk
- Once the grits are thick stir in butter and cheese and mix until well combined. Season with additional salt and pepper if desired.1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, 1 Tablespoon butter, 1 teaspoon salt
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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What a lovely, classic dish, and one of my favorites for sure! Glad you were inspired by your trip to try this at home! Yum!
This is ultimate comfort food! Looks amazing!
This looks delicious!
Oh yum! I tried grits for the first time earlier this year when I was in Nashville. I LOVED them! I’m going to have to try your recipe, Erin! Thanks!
It looks SO good! Definitely giving this a try!
One of my favorite ways to eat grits! Love it!
This recipe was SO easy! My family went crazy over it! Thanks so much!
you know what will put this recipe over the top….cook a slice of country ham…cut it up in little pieces and make a pan of red eye gravy…add the country ham to the sausage and shrimp and top each bowl with a little red eye gravy….just to die for good!