The Ultimate Easy Shrimp and Grits Recipe: A Southern Comfort Food Staple for Weeknights

Indulge in the heartwarming flavors of the South with this incredibly easy Shrimp and Grits recipe. Ready in minutes, this dish combines perfectly cooked, seasoned shrimp and smoky sausage with creamy, cheesy grits, making it an ideal choice for a delicious and hassle-free weeknight dinner. Your whole family will love this flavorful classic!

My family has a deep appreciation for seafood, a love that spans from sophisticated party appetizers like a rich Hot Crab Dip to simple, healthy weeknight meals such as this quick Baked Cod. Among all the delicious possibilities, one dish stands out as a true Southern gem that brings everyone to the table with anticipation: Shrimp and Grits.

Shrimp and Grits is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary experience that captures the essence of Southern hospitality and comfort. While it might sound like a dish reserved for special occasions or restaurant menus, this recipe proves just how simple it is to bring this iconic flavor profile into your own kitchen. I’ve enhanced this classic by adding savory andouille sausage, a common and welcome addition in many Southern variations, though entirely optional if you prefer a simpler, shrimp-focused dish. The beauty of this recipe lies in its speed and a handful of readily available ingredients, making it an intimidating-sounding dish that’s surprisingly quick and easy to execute.

The star of the show, beyond the succulent shrimp, is undeniably the grits. And when it comes to grits, adding cheese is an absolute game-changer! What might otherwise be a humble corn dish transforms into a rich, creamy, and utterly satisfying base that elevates the entire meal. By using quick-cooking grits, you can have this essential component ready in about 5-7 minutes, making them a go-to side that you’ll want to make again and again.

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Shrimp and Grits

Crafting the perfect Shrimp and Grits requires a balance of fresh, flavorful ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather to create this delightful Southern staple. For precise measurements, please refer to the detailed recipe card at the bottom of this post.

• Andouille Sausage: This spicy, smoked sausage is a staple in Cajun and Creole cuisine, adding a deep, smoky flavor and a hint of heat. Look for it in the refrigerated meat section of your grocery store. If you can’t find andouille, any good quality smoked sausage or even chorizo can be a tasty substitute.
• Large Shrimp: Fresh or frozen (and thawed) large shrimp work best. Ensure they are peeled and deveined for ease of preparation. The size matters for a good bite and visual appeal.
• Butter: Essential for sautéing and for enriching the grits, adding a luxurious creaminess.
• Olive Oil: Used in conjunction with butter for cooking, it helps prevent butter from burning and adds a subtle fruity note.
• Cajun Seasoning: This spice blend is key to the dish’s vibrant, spicy flavor. You can use store-bought or make your own for a custom blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, and thyme.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides an aromatic foundation for the shrimp.
• Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors and adds a touch of acidity that cuts through the richness of the dish.
• Quick Cooking Grits: These are processed to cook much faster than traditional stone-ground grits, perfect for a speedy meal. You’ll typically find them in the breakfast aisle near oatmeal or cornmeal.
• Milk: Using milk (I prefer 2% or whole) contributes to incredibly creamy grits.
• Water: A combination of milk and water helps achieve the perfect consistency for the grits without making them overly rich.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp or medium cheddar, freshly shredded, is crucial for making truly cheesy grits. It melts beautifully and adds a tangy depth.
• Salt & Pepper: To season the grits and the shrimp mixture to taste.

Unpacking Grits: A Southern Staple

For those unfamiliar, grits are fundamentally a dish made from ground corn kernels. They are similar in texture and origin to cornmeal or Italian polenta, though typically finer than polenta, offering a smoother, creamier consistency when cooked. The process involves boiling these ground kernels with liquid—either water, milk, or a combination of both—until they thicken into a hearty, porridge-like dish. My preference for a mixture of water and milk ensures the grits achieve an extra creamy and wonderfully delicious texture, balancing richness with a lighter mouthfeel.

To transform basic grits into the indulgent cheese grits featured in this recipe, it’s remarkably simple: a mere addition of butter and a generous amount of cheese stirred in at the end. This final touch elevates them from a humble side dish to a star component of the meal. I always opt for the quick-cooking grits, usually found in a canister in the cereal or breakfast aisle, alongside oatmeal. They cook rapidly, generally in about 5-7 minutes, following the package directions. When preparing them, I use a 50/50 ratio of milk and water for the liquid. Once they’re hot and thick, I simply stir in a knob of butter and the shredded cheese until everything is melted and perfectly combined. It couldn’t be easier or more satisfying.

Step-by-Step Guide: How To Make Flavorful Shrimp & Grits

This recipe is designed for efficiency, coming together in approximately 20-25 minutes from start to finish. The key to its speed is having all your ingredients prepped and ready before you begin cooking. This “mise en place” approach ensures a smooth and enjoyable cooking process.

1. Prep and Heat Sausage: Begin by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add your sliced andouille sausage, spreading it out into a single layer. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, allowing it to brown nicely and become hot and golden. This step renders some fat and develops a deep, smoky flavor. Once cooked, remove the sausage from the pan and set it aside, leaving any rendered fat in the skillet.
2. Season the Shrimp: While the sausage cooks, take your peeled and deveined large shrimp and toss them generously with the Cajun seasoning. If you appreciate a spicier kick or more intense flavor, feel free to add a bit more seasoning than initially suggested in the recipe.
3. Cook Shrimp to Perfection: Return to your skillet. Add olive oil and a tablespoon of butter. Once the butter is melted and shimmering, add the minced garlic, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Immediately add the seasoned shrimp to the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp turns pink and is fully cooked through. Be careful not to overcook, as shrimp can become rubbery quickly. Once cooked, reintroduce the browned sausage back into the pan with the shrimp. Toss to combine and drizzle with fresh lemon juice for a bright finish.
4. Prepare the Creamy Grits: In a separate medium saucepan, bring the water and milk to a rolling boil. Gradually and slowly stir in the quick-cooking grits to prevent lumps. Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the grits have thickened to your desired creamy consistency, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Once thick, remove from heat and stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter and the shredded cheddar cheese until both are completely melted and well combined. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper as needed.
5. Serve Immediately: Ladle a generous portion of the warm, cheesy grits into serving bowls. Top with the flavorful shrimp and sausage mixture. Serve immediately for a comforting, delicious, and truly satisfying meal.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Shrimp and Grits

Achieving restaurant-quality shrimp and grits at home is easier than you think with a few expert tips:

• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks very quickly. As soon as it turns pink and opaque, it’s done. Overcooked shrimp becomes tough and rubbery, detracting from the dish’s appeal.
• Freshly Shredded Cheese is Key: Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting. For the creamiest, dreamiest cheesy grits, always shred your own cheddar cheese from a block.
• Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Cajun seasoning blends vary in heat and salt content. Start with the recommended amount and then taste and adjust the seasoning for both the shrimp and the grits before serving.
• Serve Hot: Grits can stiffen as they cool. For the best experience, serve your shrimp and grits immediately after preparation while everything is warm and creamy.
• Consider Homemade Cajun Seasoning: While store-bought blends are convenient, making your own Cajun seasoning allows you to control the spice level and flavor profile precisely.

Customizing Your Shrimp and Grits

One of the joys of cooking is making a recipe truly your own. Shrimp and Grits is wonderfully versatile:

• Spice It Up: If you love heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to your shrimp, or serve with a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
• Cheese Varieties: While cheddar is classic, experiment with other cheeses like smoked gouda for a deeper flavor, Monterey Jack for extra meltiness, or even a touch of Parmesan for an umami boost.
• Add More Veggies: Sauté finely diced bell peppers (the “holy trinity” of green bell pepper, onion, and celery) with the sausage for added flavor and nutrition. Corn kernels or diced tomatoes can also be lovely additions.
• Different Proteins: Not a fan of sausage? You can omit it, or swap it for crispy bacon, diced ham, or even grilled chicken for a different take on the dish.

What To Serve With Your Flavorful Shrimp & Grits

Shrimp and Grits is a substantial and satisfying meal on its own, offering a perfect balance of protein, carbs, and flavor. However, pairing it with a simple side can complete the dining experience. Consider light, fresh vegetables to cut through the richness, or some crusty bread to soak up every last bit of that delicious sauce.

• Roasted Asparagus: A crisp, green vegetable is a perfect counterpoint to the creamy grits.
• Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts: Crispy and slightly bitter, these add a wonderful texture and flavor contrast.
• Cheesy Garlic Bread: Ideal for mopping up any leftover sauce and adding a comforting crunch.
• Green Beans with Bacon: A classic Southern vegetable side that complements the main dish beautifully.
• A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette would also be a refreshing choice.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you find yourself with leftovers, storing them properly will allow you to enjoy this delicious meal again. Grits generally store very well. Place leftover grits in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you’ll likely notice they have thickened significantly. Simply reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring in a splash of milk or water to thin them back to their original creamy consistency.

The shrimp and sausage mixture is best enjoyed the day it’s made. While you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat it, cooked shrimp tends to become a bit rubbery when reheated. For the absolute best texture, it’s ideal to cook only as much shrimp as you anticipate eating in one sitting.

More Delightful Shrimp Dinner Recipes

If your family loves shrimp as much as mine does, you’re always looking for new ways to prepare this versatile seafood. Here are some more fantastic shrimp dinner recipes to inspire your next meal:

• Crispy Baked Shrimp
• Shrimp Scampi
• Lemon Garlic Shrimp
• Baja Shrimp Tacos
• Spicy Garlic Shrimp
• Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil

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** This post is sponsored by Princess Cruises. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.