Charleston Shrimp and Grits

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!

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 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)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

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

Step 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.

Step 4

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

Step 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.

Step 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.

Step 7

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

Step 8

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

Step 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.

Step 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.

Step 11

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

Step 12

Garnish with sliced scallions and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2777.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3690.8

Total Fat 241.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 121.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 1441.3mg	0%
Sodium 5642.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 188.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 11.2g	0%
Total Sugars 15.1g
Protein 177.0g	0%

Vitamin D 24IU	0%
Calcium 1335.9mg	0%
Iron 6.9mg	0%
Potassium 2692.2mg	0%

*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: 59.8%

Protein: 19.5%

Carbs: 20.7%