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Home » Shrimp and Cheese Grits

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Shrimp and Cheese Grits

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Shrimp & Cheese Grits

I reckon my love for Cajun cooking started with two things: watching Justin Wilson's thick Louisiana drawl on PBS and sneaking bites of my sister’s take-home dinners from The Crazy Cajun.

That little mom-and-pop joint was the kind of place where the napkins were thin, but the flavors were rich. When my sister worked there in high school, she’d bring home tubs of gumbo and étouffée, and let me tell you—those meals were a revelation.

Growing up in Clear Lake, just outside of Houston, meant seafood was always fresh, but it wasn’t until later that I truly fell for the bold, unapologetic flavors of Cajun cuisine. That came when I worked in a Cajun-inspired jazz restaurant and bar on the Strand in Galveston. They served everything from seafood and steaks to gumbo and lobster bisque, but my favorite? Scorpion Tails—shrimp and cheese-stuffed jalapeños, breaded and deep-fried until golden and crispy. Oh my heavens, those were addictive.

Working alongside the kitchen staff, I deepened my appreciation for building bold flavors, one layer at a time. I learned the beauty of the holy trinity—onions, celery, and bell peppers—how a little bacon fat can transform a dish, and why a good roux takes patience.

Shrimp and Cheese Grits

And shrimp and grits? Well, that’s about as comforting as it gets. This dish speaks to my soul and is my take on a Southern classic—creamy, cheesy grits topped with plump, juicy shrimp and smoky andouille sausage, all wrapped up in a rich, Cajun-spiced sauce. One bite, and you’ll see why it’s a staple in my kitchen.

So pull up a chair, grab a spoon, and let’s get cooking—because good food is meant to be shared, just like the best stories.


Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Creamy, cheesy shrimp grits that melt in your mouth with every bite.
  • Tender shrimp seasoned with just the right amount of Cajun spice.
  • Andouille sausage for an extra punch of smoky bacon flavor.
  • A decadent sauce made with shrimp stock, white wine, and a touch of lemon juice.
  • Perfect for brunch, dinner, or anytime you need comfort food.

Shrimp & Cheese Grits

The Story & Culture Behind Shrimp & Grits

Shrimp and grits have deep roots in Southern cuisine, originally a simple breakfast dish enjoyed by fishermen along the coastal Carolinas and Georgia. It wasn’t until the dish made its way to New Orleans and further west that it transformed into the creamy, spicy, and indulgent meal we know today. 

Louisiana cooks added their signature bold seasonings, and smoky Andouille sausage, and soon shrimp and grits became a dish with as many regional variations as there are cooks.

Today, you’ll find shrimp and grits on brunch menus in big cities and small-town diners alike. Some folks swear by quick cooking grits (bless their hearts), while others will only use stone-ground yellow cornmeal grits cooked low and slow. However you make it, one thing is certain—when done right, shrimp and cheese grits are the kind of dish that brings people together, one spoonful at a time.

Equipment You’ll Need

  • Large saucepan – Essential for cooking creamy grits without scorching.
  • Heavy-bottomed skillet (preferably cast iron) – Ideal for searing shrimp and sausage.
  • Slotted spoon – Helps remove sausage and shrimp from the pan without excess grease.
  • Wooden spoon – Perfect for stirring without breaking up ingredients.
  • Whisk – Ensures smooth, lump-free grits.
  • Fine-mesh strainer – Needed to strain the shrimp stock for the richest sauce.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cheese Grits:

  • Whole milk and chicken broth for creaminess
  • Old-fashioned stone ground grits (white grits or yellow cornmeal grits preferred)
  • Sharp cheddar cheese for a rich, cheesy flavor – grate your own!
  • Smoked paprika and cayenne for depth
  • Heavy cream for an ultra-luxurious texture
  • Black pepper for just the right kick

For the Cajun Shrimp & Andouille:

  • Colossal Gulf shrimp, deveined shrimp, and seasoned
  • Andouille sausage for a smoky bacon kick
  • Onion, celery, and green bell pepper (the holy trinity of Cajun cooking)
  • Dry white wine, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce for depth of flavor
  • Shrimp stock or chicken stock, homemade for the best taste
  • Cajun seasoning for that perfect Southern spice
  • Green onions for garnish

Step-By-Step Instructions

Making the Cheese Grits

  • In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium-high heat.
  • Add diced onion and sauté until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
  • Pour in milk, chicken broth, salt, smoked paprika, and cayenne. Bring to a gentle boil.
Milk, butter and herbs simmering in a pot.
Milk mixture coming to a boil.
  • Slowly whisk in grits, stirring to prevent lumps. Reduce heat to medium-low.
Pouring grits into milk mixture.
Whisking the grits and milk
  • Cover and simmer for 12-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and creamy.
  • Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese and heavy cream until smooth.
Stirring in the seasonings.
Adding sharp cheddar cheese a little at a time to the grits.
Whisking in the cheese until melted and smooth.
Adding cream.
Whisking heavy cream into the cheese grits to finish.
  • If too thick, add a splash of milk or chicken stock until desired consistency is reached.
  • Making the Shrimp & Andouille Sauce

Making the Cheese Grits

  • In a medium saucepan, olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add shrimp shells, onion, celery, red bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté until fragrant.
Melting butter in a saucepan
Sauteing the holy trinity
Adding shrimp shells
Sauteing shrimp shells with the holy trinity to build the shrimp stock base
Stirring in the garlic to the shrimp shell mixture.
  • Pour in white wine to deglaze, then add shrimp stock or chicken stock.
Deglazing with white wine.
Deglazing the pan.
Covering the shrimp shell mixture with water.
Seasoning the shrimp stock mixture.
  • Simmer until reduced by half, then strain the stock and discard solids.
The reduced shrimp stock.
Strained shrimp stock.
  • In a large skillet, heat oil and cook andouille sausage until browned. Remove and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, cook seasoned shrimp over high heat for 1-2 minutes per side. Remove.
Heating olive oil in a saute pan.
Browning the Andouille sausage.
Seasoning the shrimp.
Quickly browning the shrimp on both sides.
  • Return skillet to medium heat and melt butter. Add onion, celery, and bell pepper; sauté until softened.
Stirring in the holy trinity.
Stirring in the garlic and thyme.
  • Deglaze with brandy, then stir in strained shrimp stock and tomato paste. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Deglazing the pan with brandy.
Deglazed pan.
Adding the shrimp stock.
Bringing mixture to a boil.
Adding the demi glace.
  • Stir in heavy cream, then return shrimp and sausage to the pan. Heat through.
Stirring in the cream.
Combining the cream into the sauce.
Reducing the sauce to coat the back of the wooden spoon.
Stirring in the Andouille sausage and seared shrimp.
Cooking to heat the meat briefly and incorporate the sauce.
Shrimp & Cheese Grits

Plating the Dish

  • Spoon warm cheese grits into a large bowl.
  • Ladle shrimp mixture, sausage, and sauce over the top.
  • Garnish with green onions.
  • Serve immediately.

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Chef Secrets & Tips

  • Use stone-ground grits for the best flavor and texture.
  • Toast your spices before adding them to enhance their aroma.
  • Don’t overcook the shrimp—they cook quickly and turn rubbery if left too long.
  • Deglaze the pan properly—brandy adds depth but be careful when adding it to a hot skillet!
  • Make the grits ahead of time and reheat with a little extra milk for easy prep.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with a side of Southern Collard Greens for a traditional Southern meal.
  • A warm slice of Cornbread complements the creamy grits perfectly.
  • A glass of crisp white wine balances out the richness of the dish.

Commonly Asked Questions

Can I use quick grits?

​Yes, but the texture won’t be as creamy and rich.

What’s the best way to reheat grits?

​Stir in a splash of milk and warm them gently on the stovetop over low heat.

Can I make this dish spicier?

​Absolutely! Add extra Cajun seasoning or a dash of hot sauce.


Storage & Reheating Tips

  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
  • Reheat grits with a splash of milk over low heat.
  • Reheat shrimp separately to prevent overcooking.

Shrimp and cheese grits may have started as a humble dish, but today, they’re a Southern delicacy that never goes out of style. Whether you’re making this for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special brunch gathering, one thing is certain—this dish will leave everyone asking for seconds, I garontee!

More Cajun Favorites

If you’re craving more Cajun comfort, there’s no shortage of bold, flavorful dishes to bring a taste of Louisiana to your kitchen.

Cajun Red Beans and Rice on Jennifer Cooks

Cajun Red Beans and Rice – A slow-simmered, smoky classic with tender red beans, spicy andouille sausage, and a rich, seasoned broth, served over fluffy white rice.

Creamy Crawfish Étouffée | JenniferCooks.com

Creamy Crawfish Étouffée – A buttery, velvety sauce infused with the holy trinity of Cajun cooking, loaded with plump crawfish tails and served over steamed rice for the perfect bite.

Grillades and Grits

Grillades and Grits – Fork-tender beef or pork medallions simmered in a deep, flavorful Creole gravy, ladled over creamy grits for a dish that defines Southern soul food.

Seafood Gumbo with rice

Seafood Gumbo – A deep, dark roux forms the base of this rich stew, brimming with shrimp, crab, oysters, and andouille sausage, finished with a kick of Creole seasoning and served over rice.

Crawfish Hand Pies – Golden, flaky pastries stuffed with a spicy, creamy crawfish filling, these handheld delights are a Louisiana favorite that disappear fast!

Cajun Fried Catfish | Jennifer Cooks

Cajun Fried Catfish – Crispy, cornmeal-crusted fillets fried to golden perfection and served with tartar sauce, hush puppies, and a squeeze of fresh lemon.

Hearty Cajun Smothered Oxtails: Tender braised meat infused with rich spices, served in a flavorful Cajun sauce. A soulful Southern comfort dish.

Cajun Smothered Oxtails – Fall-off-the-bone tender oxtails braised in a thick, flavorful gravy with onions, bell peppers, and Cajun spices, perfect over rice or mashed potatoes.

Cajun Style Shrimp and Sausage Gumbo | JenniferCooks

Cajun Style Shrimp and Sausage Gumbo – A hearty, smoky gumbo with a deep roux, juicy shrimp, and spicy andouille sausage, slow-simmered with classic Louisiana seasonings for a true taste of the bayou.


Before You Get Started! If you whip up this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a review and rating to let me know how it turned out. Your feedback helps keep the kitchen running and allows me to keep sharing free recipes with y’all!


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Shrimp & Cheese Grits

Shrimp and Cheese Grits

Creamy, cheesy, and packed with Cajun spice, this Southern Shrimp & Grits is pure comfort in a bowl! Easy to make and loaded with bold flavors, it’s perfect for brunch, dinner, or a cozy gathering.
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Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Cajun / Creole
Keyword: Brunch Recipe, Cajun Cuisine, Comfort Food, cozy dinner, Fall recipes, Southern Cuisine
Prep Time: 25 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes
Total Time: 1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 1128kcal
Author: Jennifer Locklin

Equipment

  • Large Saucepan
  • Large Skillet
  • Slotted Spoon
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Whisk
  • Chef Knife
  • Cutting Board

Ingredients

For the Cheese Grits:

  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 ¼ cups old-fashioned corn grits coarse white cornmeal
  • 2 teaspoons Kosher salt
  • ½ onion finely diced
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves minced
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 stick salted butter
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese grated

For the Shrimp and Sausage Sauce:

  • 2 pounds Colossal Gulf Brown Shrimp shelled & deveined (reserve heads and shells)
  • 1 pound andouille sausage diced
  • 1 large sweet onion finely diced
  • 1 cup celery finely diced
  • 1 cup green bell pepper finely diced
  • 6 cloves garlic minced (divided)
  • ½ stick salted butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 1 cup dry white wine
  • ¼ cup brandy
  • 1 (4.5 ounce) package Demi Glacé such as Le Sauce Gourmet Finishing Sauce – Classic Demi-Glacé
  • 2 cubes Knorr Shrimp Bouillon
  • ½ cup green onions sliced, for garnish
  • Slap Ya Mama Cajun Seasoning to taste
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley minced
Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

For the Cheese Grits:

    Prepare the Base:

    • In a large 6-quart saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat.
    • Add the diced onion and sauté until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

    Cook the Grits:

    • Pour in the milk, water, salt, thyme, cayenne pepper, and smoked paprika. Bring to a gentle boil.
    • Slowly whisk in the grits, ensuring there are no clumps. Reduce the heat to medium-low.
    • Cover and let simmer for 12-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and creamy.

    Finish & Serve:

    • Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted.
    • Pour in the heavy cream and stir until smooth.
    • Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
    • If the grits are too thick, stir in ¼ – ¾ cup additional milk or water until the desired consistency is reached.

    For the Shrimp and Sausage Sauce:

      Make the Shrimp Stock:

      • In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat.
      • Add ¼ cup onion, ¼ cup bell peppers, 1 tablespoon celery, and 1 teaspoon minced thyme. Sauté until softened.
      • Toss in the reserved shrimp shells and heads, cooking for about 1 minute.
      • Stir in 1 clove minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds.
      • Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.
      • Add enough water to just cover the shrimp shells, then add the bouillon cubes. Bring to a boil, then lower to a simmer and reduce by half.

      Season & Sear the Shrimp:

      • While the stock reduces, season the shrimp generously with Cajun seasoning and set aside.
      • Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron preferred) over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil.
      • Sauté the andouille sausage until lightly browned. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
      • Keep the skillet on high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 1 minute.
      • Flip and cook for another minute, then immediately remove from the pan and set aside.

      Prepare the Sauce:

      • Return the skillet to medium heat and add the remaining butter.
      • Stir in the remaining onion, celery, and bell peppers. Sauté until softened, adding another tablespoon of olive oil if needed.
      • Add the remaining minced garlic and thyme, sautéing for about 30 seconds.
      • Remove the pan from heat, pour in the brandy, and carefully deglaze the pan.
      • Strain the reduced shrimp stock into the skillet, discarding the solids.
      • Whisk in the demi-glace and bring to a boil. Let simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
      • Stir in the heavy cream and reduce until the sauce coats the back of a spoon.

      Finish & Serve:

      • Return the cooked shrimp, andouille sausage, and any accumulated juices to the pan. Stir well and let heat through for 1 minute.
      • Remove from heat, taste, and adjust seasoning as needed.
      • Stir in the fresh parsley.

      Plating:

      • Spoon a generous portion of cheese grits onto a plate or shallow bowl.
      • Ladle the shrimp, sausage, and sauce over the grits.
      • Garnish with fresh chives or scallions. Serve immediately.

      Notes

      Ingredient Substitutions:
      • Cheese: Try Smoked Gouda, Pepper Jack, Parmesan, or even mild goat cheese for a unique twist.
      • Shrimp: Large or extra-large shrimp can be substituted, but adjust cook time to prevent overcooking.
      • Andouille Sausage: Swap with chorizo for extra spice, or use smoked sausage for a milder flavor.
      • Demi-Glacé: If unavailable, use 1 cup beef broth thickened with 1 tablespoon cornstarch.
      • Brandy: Substitute with bourbon or omit altogether.
      Make-Ahead & Reheating:
      • Grits: Can be made ahead and refrigerated. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk or water to loosen.
      • Shrimp & Sauce: Best served fresh, but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently over low heat.

      Nutrition

      Serving: 1 Hearty Serving | Calories: 1128kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 61g | Fat: 74g | Saturated Fat: 37g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 24g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 447mg | Sodium: 2389mg | Potassium: 1202mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 2182IU | Vitamin C: 29mg | Calcium: 527mg | Iron: 3mg

      *Nutrition information is automatically calculated based on ingredient data and should be considered an estimate. When multiple ingredient options are provided, the first listed is used for calculation. Optional ingredients and garnishes are not included in the nutrition analysis.

      Did you make this recipe? Tag @jennifercooks123 on Instagram and hashtag it #jennifercooks so we can see all the deliciousness!

      Filed Under: Breakfast & Brunch, Fish & Shellfish, Main Dish Tagged With: Comfort Food, Dinner, seafood

      About Jennifer

      I’m Jennifer Locklin, author and owner of Jennifer Cooks. I am a trained chef and passionate about good food, cooking for family and friends, and creating recipes that form lasting memories from one generation to the next. I hope you find inspiration for cooking and creating here!

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      Hello! I'm Jennifer Locklin, the creator of Jennifer Cooks. Cooking is a cherished tradition passed down in my family, deeply rooted in love and shared experiences.

      My blog showcases tried-and-true recipes that promise to turn your cooking into memorable moments.

      More about me →


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