Charleston Shrimp and Grits

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Charleston Shrimp and Grits is the ultimate comfort food that embodies Southern charm in every bite. Featuring creamy, stone-ground grits infused with buttery cheddar goodness, this dish is topped with succulent shrimp, smoky sausage, and a rich, savory sauce made with onion, bell pepper, garlic, and a splash of heavy cream. A hint of paprika and optional cayenne pepper adds depth and subtle heat, while scallions provide the perfect finishing touch. This one-pan masterpiece is a delightful blend of textures and flavors, ideal for a hearty breakfast, brunch, or dinner. Easy to make yet impressively elegant, this classic Southern recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. Perfect for lovers of Southern cuisine, shrimp recipes, and comfort food classics!

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 min
• Cook Time: 35 min
• Total Time: 50 min
• Servings: 4 servings
• Difficulty: Medium

🥘 Ingredients

16 items

• 1 cup stone-ground grits
• 4 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 ounces smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 medium bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 2 stalks scallions, sliced (for garnish)

📝 Instructions

12 steps

1. In a medium-sized pot, bring the water and salt to a boil.

2. Gradually whisk in the grits to avoid clumps. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Once the grits are tender, remove from heat and stir in butter and shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and smooth. Set aside and keep warm.

4. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.

5. Add the smoked sausage slices and cook until browned on both sides, about 3-4 minutes. Remove sausage from the skillet and set aside.

6. In the same skillet, add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside with the sausage.

7. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened.

8. Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.

9. Add the heavy cream, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well and simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.

10. Return the cooked sausage and shrimp to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.

11. To serve, spoon the cheese grits onto a plate or shallow bowl. Top with the shrimp, sausage, and sauce mixture.

12. Garnish with sliced scallions and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

1 serving (691.6g)

Calories		792
% Daily Value*
Total Fat		58.8 g	75%
	Saturated Fat	30.4 g	152%
	Polyunsaturated Fat	0.0 g
Cholesterol		360 mg	120%
Sodium		1304 mg	57%
Total Carbohydrate		20.1 g	7%
	Dietary Fiber	2.8 g	10%
	Total Sugars	4.1 g
Protein		41.5 g	83%
Vitamin D		0.3 mcg	2%
Calcium		342 mg	26%
Iron		1.4 mg	8%
Potassium		624 mg	13%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 2123 cal (68.3%%)

Protein: 667 cal (21.5%%)

Carbs: 316 cal (10.2%%)