Cajun Shrimp and Grits are so easy yet taste as good or better than any fancy restaurant. Creamy and cheesy grits are perfect with the flavorful shrimp!
What is Shrimp and Grits?
Shrimp and grits is believed to have originated in Charleston, SC, and the Low Country in the early 1900s. "Breakfast Shrimp" as it was originally called, was a breakfast dish for coastal fishermen and their families, though many now consider it more of a lunch or dinner dish.
Today there are many versions of shrimp and grits but at its essence this classic Southern dish is served with smooth, creamy, cheesy grits and a seasoned shrimp mixture cooked in bacon or andouille sausage.
How to Make Cajun Shrimp and Grits
(Scroll down to the bottom for the printable recipe card with exact measurements and recipe instructions.)
Creamy Cajun shrimp and grits with Andouille sausage is incredibly simple and takes just 30 minutes from start to finish. Here are the basic steps for making them at home (see the recipe for detailed instructions):
- Cook the shrimp, sausage, and onion briefly in a hot skillet, Add the bell peppers and cook it all together for a few minutes, then add the tomatoes and parsley.
- Add some white wine, bring it to a boil for a couple of minutes until it's reduced by half. Add some cold butter and stir it until it's melted and incorporated into the sauce. Taste and add a bit more salt, if necessary.
- Heat some milk in a saucepan, add the grits and simmer, whisking frequently, for about 5 minutes. Add cheese and butter and cook for another minute, whisking constantly to make sure it's smooth and creamy. Season with the salt and pepper.
Buy store bought or make your own homemade Andouille sausage with this easy recipe.
Tips for making Cajun Shrimp and Grits
- Make sure that all of your ingredients are prepped before you begin. This is true for most, if not all, recipes, but shrimp and grits comes together quickly as soon as you start, so it helps tremendously if your ingredients are ready to go.
- Make sure your shrimp are completely patted dry before adding them to the pan. Oil and water don't mix.
- Use high-quality ingredients. There aren't many main ingredients in Cajun Shrimp and Grits, so you really want to make sure they're all top-notch. If you can't find fresh-off-the-boat shrimp, buy them frozen then thaw overnight in the refrigerator or place them in a colander and run cold water over them, tossing them occasionally, until they're completely thawed.
- Elevate this breakfast dish and serve it with sunny side up or poached eggs, it's fantastic.
- Cajun New Orleans shrimp and grits is traditionally made with bacon, Andouille sausage or both. Ham can also be substituted or added.
Are grits better made with milk or water?
Although this is up for debate, I suggest never making grits with water. I almost always make my grits with whole milk since I prefer them to be creamy. If you're going for a more straight-forward version, use chicken or vegetable stock instead of water. It will add a lot of flavor without adding fat and calories.
How do you keep grits from getting hard?
Make the grits just before you're going to serve them. Grits can harden very quickly, so if this does happen to you, whisk in a small amount of warmed milk until they've loosened to your liking. Don't panic if they're too thin as they tend to thicken as they cool. You can always cook them for another 30 seconds to 1 minute if they're quite thin.
Can you reheat Shrimp and Grits?
Any leftovers from this Cajun Shrimp and Grits recipe can be easily reheated. Store any leftovers separately as grits can be finicky to reheat.
To reheat the grits, put them in a saucepan over medium-low heat and add about ¼ of whole milk. Gently stir in the milk. Heat the grits, stirring occasionally, until they're heated through, adding more milk (if necessary) as you go. (Note: You can also use that same method in the microwave, heating in 30-second increments and stirring between each cycle.)
Alternatively, you can spread any leftover grits into a pan until they're about 1-inch thick. Cover and refrigerate. When you're ready to cook the grits again, cut them into squares and fry them until they're golden brown (add a little oil to the pan first) on both sides. This is my favorite way to serve my leftover grits!
Leftover shrimp and grits also make a great breakfast with a fried or poached egg on top. regardless of the method you choose to reheat them.
Reheat the shrimp mixture over medium-low heat in a saucepan until it's hot, stirring occasionally. To reheat in the microwave - which I don't recommend since it tends to make the shrimp rubbery - heat in 30 second intervals just until it's hot, stirring between each cycle.
How long can you store Shrimp and Grits in the refrigerator?
They'll last for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Store the shrimp mixture separately from the grits and see above for instructions on how to reheat.
Can you freeze Cajun Shrimp and Grits?
Shrimp and Grits holds up well in the freezer. Freeze the shrimp mixture and grits in separate airtight freezer containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then follow the instructions above for reheating.
What goes well with Cajun Shrimp and Grits?
You really don't need any sides since there's a starch, protein, and vegetables in this recipe. A simple green salad would be a nice addition, however, and you could add a loaf of crusty ciabatta bread, too. If you're going to serve bread, you might as well make it a buttery stuffed garlic bread.
Cajun Shrimp and Grits
These Cajun Shrimp and Grits look as good as any fancy restaurant and taste even better! This easy recipe is perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner, or even a Mardi Gras gathering.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 lb jumbo shrimp (21-25 count), peeled and deveined
- ½ teaspoon coarse salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 4 oz andouille sausage, diced (about 1 cup)
- ¼ large red onion, sliced
- ½ red bell pepper, sliced
- ½ yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, cut in half (optional but recommended)
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- ½ cup dry white wine
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, cut into 8 cubes (cold; cut just before adding)
Grits
- 1 ¼ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup quick-cooking grits
- ½ cup grated Gouda cheese
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon coarse salt (more or less to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Make the Shrimp:
- Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel, then sprinkle with the salt and pepper.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil and, when it's shimmering, add the shrimp, sausage, and onion. Cook for about a minute, then add the red and yellow bell pepper. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until they're just starting to soften. Add the tomatoes and parsley and stir to combine.
- Add the white wine and bring it to a boil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the wine is reduced by half, about 2 minutes. Add the butter and stir until it's melted and incorporated into the sauce. Taste and add seasoning if necessary. Remove from the heat and lightly tent to keep warm while you make the grits.
Make the Grits:
- Heat the milk in a large saucepan over medium-high heat until it's simmering. Add the grits and continue simmering, whisking frequently, for about 5 minutes. Add the Gouda cheese and butter and cook for another minute, whisking constantly to make sure it's smooth and creamy. Season with the salt and pepper.
How to serve:
- Divide the grits between four bowls and top with the Cajun Shrimp mixture. Serve immediately.
Notes
Make sure you prep the vegetables before you begin cooking as it comes together quickly once you start.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 457Total Fat: 36gSaturated Fat: 18gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 149mgSodium: 1296mgCarbohydrates: 12gNet Carbohydrates: 18gFiber: 1gSugar: 7gProtein: 17g
This data was provided and calculated by Nutritionix.
Here's one of the photos from when this Cajun Shrimp and Grits recipe was originally posted. Sometimes I skip the peppers and tomatoes if I don't have any on hand, and it's still delicious (but better with them if you can manage it)!
Try the delicious shrimp recipes next!
- 4-minute Spicy Garlic Shrimp
- Blackened Shrimp & Crispy Chilled Cucumbers
- Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
- Grilled Shrimp with Garlic & Beer
- Parmesan Shrimp
- Stuffed Poblanos with Potatoes and Shrimp
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- The Best Smoked Baked Beans with Bacon & Chipotle - July 9, 2025
Rob says
Don’t use instant grits. Stone ground is the best, but Quaker old fashioned only take 20 minutes and if you make them with chicken stock instead of water, congrats, extra flavor. Use the following advice, “no self-respecting southerner uses instant grits”
JB says
I'm 75 years old and grew up in South Carolina. I have cooked and eaten tons of shrimp in my lifetime. My version of shrimp and grits is quite different than this. Putting the shrimp in from the beginning and sautéing the veggies and then further cooking would make the shrimp very overcooked. Grits should never be cooked in milk. Most people don't cook until soft and thick. Season with salt, pepper and butter. Cheese is optional Peppers and onions are sautéed in bacon grease then add flour to make the rouix. Add chicken stock and simmer to thicken to gravy consistency, add shrimp for 3 minutes till opaque.
Serve hot with very cold beer.
Bryan says
I'm trying this weekend probably without cheese.
April says
I made this last night and it was SOOOO good!!! The only thing I did different was to add a bit of cajun seasoning onto the shrimp before cooking them. The grits were super creamy and delicious. (And I did grow up in the South.) I will for sure make my grits with milk from now on. The first time my husband tried shrimp and grits, it was as an appetizer at a really high end restaurant we go to on special occasions. He told me last night that mine (this recipe) were way better. Huge compliment! Definitely will be making this again!
Lyn T says
My husband and I had friends over for dinner and served this recipe last weekend. We all loved it. I didn’t have Gouda cheese, so I used 1 cup of grated cheddar instead and I doubled the grits (1/2 cup.) I cooked the grits in 1 cup of water and 1 cup of milk. They were creamy and delicious, and the shrimp and vegetables were perfect. Next time I will try with Gouda cheese. I don’t understand all the comments here from people who didn’t even make the recipe.
(Corrected comment)
Lyn T says
My husband and I had friends over for dinner and served this recipe last weekend. We all loved it. I didn’t have Gouda cheese, so I used cheddar and I doubled the grits (1/2 cup.) I cooked the grits in 1 and 1/2 cups of water and 1 and 1/2 cups of milk. They were creamy and delicious, and the shrimp and vegetables were perfect. Next time I will try with Gouda cheese. I don’t understand all the comments here from people who didn’t even make the recipe.
vianney says
Love,love grits and so glad you posted a great recipe. My mom has been requesting a huge plate of grits!! yay!
Can't wait to give them a try!
the wicked noodle says
Thanks vianney!
Christina @ Sweet Pea's Kitchen says
Shrimp and grits are one of my favorite meals! This looks incredible! 🙂
the wicked noodle says
Thanks, Christina!
Carlene RD @ Carlene's Figments says
Stop it. You had me at grits!!! I recently had some great cheesy grits at Wine Kitchen in Leesburg, but I would love to bring this recipe into my home.
the wicked noodle says
It's so funny that you always talk about the places that I hang out, too, yet we've never met in person. I didn't know the Wine Kitchen had cheesy grits, can't wait to try!
kitchenriffs says
I like grits, but I've had more than my share of flavorless ones. And I've had other shrimp and grits recipes, but none look as nice as this. Love the inclusion of the gouda - I'll bet it just melts into the grits. Good post - thanks.
the wicked noodle says
Thanks, KR 🙂
Rachel Cooks says
What a beautiful dish! Looks good!
the wicked noodle says
Thanks Rach!
Jenny @ BAKE says
I can't imagine having savoury porridge for dinner! You make it look delicious though!
the wicked noodle says
Thanks Jenny!
Lynna says
I've never had grits before, but my friends who have said it doesn't taste very good--so i've never tried it. but, wow, you've seriously convinced me to give this a go!
the wicked noodle says
I hope you do, Lynna!!
Jen @ Savory Simple says
This looks so incredible! I loooove shrimp and grits. I've never been to Chef Geoff's but I have no excuse since it's so close to home. Let me know if you ever feel like making a return trip!
the wicked noodle says
That would be awesome, Jen! I'd love to. Let's definitely plan a trip!
Jenn and Seth (@HomeSkilletCook) says
oh my god that sounds like a delicious meal! i need to try this!
the wicked noodle says
It really is!!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
I've never tried grits but always imagined they'd be as you first experienced - bland and rubbery. However, I'm all for anything cheesy and creamy so I'd definitely give this dish a try :). Your fresh produce is gorgeous!
the wicked noodle says
Thank you, Laura!
Bryan says
@Laura (Tutti Dolci),
A boss put butter and jam in his Grits too.
His wife scolded us because.
She had southern sausage gravy 4 breakfast.
Amy says
Your experience with grits is like mine with scones. Never had anything other than a dry, crumbly, tasteless scone until last year when my sister made them. Warm, soft, delicate, and flavorful. I need to try and make them myself. And this dish!
the wicked noodle says
Amy, I can't believe you just posted this comment. I literally had scones in the oven! And they're literally already almost gone! I agree - so many times they're dry and tasteless.
Bryan says
@Amy, Blueberry in Kalamazoo, if you're lucky, but don't mind the glue noses.
MotherWouldKnow says
I do love Chef Geoff's, but I'm not a fan of grits -even shrimp with grits. (I think it's the texture. Reminds me too much of baby cereal.) Maybe I'll give them a second go, though - you're very convincing in your argument that this recipe will change my mind:)
the wicked noodle says
I hope you do try it! Trust me 🙂