Name: Creamy Lowcountry Shrimp and Grits Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 3 ½ cups water, plus more as needed; 1 cup chicken broth or stock; Kosher salt, to taste; 1 cup grits (not instant grits, preferably Marsh Hen Mill); 2 tablespoons butter; ⅓ cup half and half; ½ – 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; ¼ teaspoon white pepper; 1 lb shrimp, peeled & deveined (preferably Gulf Coast shrimp); 1 tablespoon Creole Cajun Seasoning (homemade or store-bought); ¼ teaspoon white pepper; 4 tablespoons butter, divided (or bacon drippings); 6 ounces andouille sausage, sliced into rounds; ½ green bell pepper, finely diced; ½ small yellow onion, finely diced; 1 stalk celery, finely diced; 6 cloves garlic, pressed or finely minced; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 ¼ cup chicken broth or stock; ¼ cup heavy whipping cream; 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley, plus more for garnish

Print Recipe· 4.2 from 15 reviews

If you have a craving for something rich, comforting, and bursting with Southern charm, you are going to love this Creamy Lowcountry Shrimp and Grits Recipe. This dish perfectly balances velvety, cheesy grits with a savory, spiced shrimp gravy full of smoky andouille sausage and fresh vegetables. It’s a heartwarming meal that brings the authentic flavors of the Lowcountry straight to your table, making any day feel like a special occasion. Once you try this recipe, it’s bound to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white oval plate in the center holds about sixteen raw shrimp with pink and gray tones and dark tails spread loosely. Surrounding the plate are several white speckled bowls; one contains chopped white onions, diced green bell peppers, and celery, another is filled with shredded orange cheddar cheese, and a small bowl with reddish sliced sausage rounds. There are measuring cups with white rice, white flour, and cream, along with a small black bowl with a white powder, a small white cup with minced garlic, and a few pats of yellow butter on a white paper near the bottom center. Two clear glass measuring cups hold light brown broth, placed on a white marbled surface. Fresh green parsley leaves rest at the bottom left. The scene is brightly lit and clean. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Creamy Lowcountry Shrimp and Grits Recipe lies in its straightforward yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a vital role — from the simple, creamy grits that provide a luscious foundation to the well-seasoned shrimp and smoky sausage that add layers of flavor and texture.

3 ½ cups water: The base liquid to cook the grits, you will add more if needed to keep the perfect creamy consistency.
1 cup chicken broth or stock: Adds depth and richness to the grits and gravy.
Kosher salt, to taste: Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
1 cup grits (not instant): Choose quality grits like Marsh Hen Mill for authentic texture.
2 tablespoons butter: Adds a silky richness to the grits.
⅓ cup half and half: Gives the grits that signature creamy texture.
½ – 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: For bold, cheesy goodness that melts beautifully into the grits.
¼ teaspoon white pepper: Adds subtle heat and aroma without overpowering.
1 lb shrimp, peeled & deveined: Gulf Coast shrimp is preferred for sweetness and freshness.
1 tablespoon Creole Cajun Seasoning: Homemade or store-bought, it brings that signature Southern spice kick.
4 tablespoons butter, divided: Or use bacon drippings for an extra smoky flavor.
6 ounces andouille sausage, sliced: Adds a smoky, savory note to the shrimp gravy.
½ green bell pepper, finely diced: Provides crunch and fresh flavor to the gravy.
½ small yellow onion, finely diced: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
1 stalk celery, finely diced: Brings earthiness and texture to the mix.
6 cloves garlic, pressed or minced: For irresistible aroma and punch.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the creamy gravy.
1 ¼ cups chicken broth or stock: For the rich shrimp gravy base.
¼ cup heavy whipping cream: Makes the gravy luxuriously smooth and creamy.
1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley, plus more for garnish: Adds freshness and a pop of color to finish the dish.

How to Make Creamy Lowcountry Shrimp and Grits Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Grits

Start by bringing water, chicken broth, and kosher salt to a boil in a large saucepan. Gradually whisk in the grits carefully so they don’t clump, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let them simmer gently, stirring often to prevent lumps, until they are tender and creamy—about 30 minutes. Remember, keep an eye on the texture, adding a splash of water if the grits seem too stiff; you want them thick but utterly smooth and creamy.

Step 2: Enrich the Grits

Once the grits are perfectly tender, remove from heat and stir in the butter, half and half, cheddar cheese, and white pepper until everything melts into a luscious, cheesy delight. Taste the grits and add more cheese or salt as you like. Keep the grits warm while you prepare the shrimp gravy, making sure they stay creamy with occasional stirring.

Step 3: Marinate the Shrimp

In a large bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with Creole Cajun seasoning and white pepper. Set them aside to marinate for at least 30 minutes so the spices infuse the shrimp, giving them that classic Lowcountry flavor.

Step 4: Sauté the Shrimp and Andouille

Heat two tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp in batches, cooking for just a couple of minutes on each side until they turn opaque and pink. Remove them and keep warm. Then, cook the sliced andouille sausage in the same skillet until golden and slightly crisp. Transfer it to the plate with the shrimp for later use. This step builds a deep, smoky foundation for your gravy.

Step 5: Cook the Vegetables and Make the Gravy

In the skillet, add the remaining butter and sauté the diced bell pepper, onion, and celery until they soften and turn golden brown. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Sprinkle the flour over the veggies and stir it all together to cook out the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to create a smooth sauce. Let it simmer for a minute, then add the heavy cream and cook until the gravy thickens beautifully.

Step 6: Combine Shrimp, Andouille, and Gravy

Return the cooked shrimp and andouille sausage with any juices back to the skillet. Toss to coat everything in that rich, creamy gravy. Cook together for a few more minutes to let all those flavors meld perfectly. Stir in fresh parsley for brightness and adjust seasoning with more Cajun spice if desired.

Step 7: Assemble and Serve

Spoon the warm, cheesy grits into bowls and top with the creamy shrimp and andouille gravy. Garnish with extra parsley for that final touch of color and freshness. Serve immediately and prepare to savor every bite of this Southern classic made just for you.

How to Serve Creamy Lowcountry Shrimp and Grits Recipe

A white oval plate holds a generous serving of cooked shrimp and sliced sausage. The shrimp are a bright orange color with visible seasoning and grill marks, their tail ends intact, arranged mostly piled on the left and center parts of the plate. The sausage slices are thick and round with a reddish-brown color and slight charring, clustered mainly on the right side of the plate. The plate itself has a speckled pattern with brown and black spots around the edges. The background shows a white marbled surface with a few green parsley leaves partially visible at the bottom corners. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley not only brings a vibrant green touch but also lifts the rich flavors. You might also consider some thinly sliced green onions or a dash of smoked paprika for a little extra color and mild smoky aroma. These little garnishes turn a humble dish into a feast for the eyes and palate alike.

Side Dishes

This Creamy Lowcountry Shrimp and Grits Recipe shines on its own, but if you want to build a full Southern spread, consider serving with a crisp green salad or sautéed greens like collards or kale. A warm crusty bread can also be fantastic to soak up the leftover gravy, making every bite more satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the grits in shallow bowls with a generous ladle of shrimp gravy piled high in the center, creating a beautiful layered look. For a fun twist, top with a fried egg or a few crispy bacon crumbles to add texture and richness. You can even serve the dish in individual cast-iron skillets for a bold presentation that keeps things warm and adds that rustic Southern charm.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover shrimp and grits refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Because of the creamy texture, you might notice the grits thicken as they cool—this is normal and can be easily remedied when reheating.

Freezing

While shrimp gravy and grits can be frozen, it’s best to freeze them separately to preserve texture. Place gravy and grits each in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating slowly on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring often. Add a splash of water, chicken broth, or cream to loosen the grits if needed. For the shrimp gravy, warm slowly to avoid overcooking the shrimp. This careful reheating keeps the dish creamy and prevents the shrimp from becoming rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use instant grits instead of traditional grits?

Traditional grits are recommended because they develop a creamier, richer texture after slow cooking that instant grits can’t quite match. However, if you’re pressed for time, you can use instant grits but expect a slightly different texture.

What can I substitute for andouille sausage?

If andouille isn’t available, smoked kielbasa or chorizo can work nicely. Just adjust the seasoning to maintain that smoky, spicy kick characteristic of the dish.

Is this dish spicy?

The level of spice depends on the Creole Cajun seasoning you use. You can easily adjust it to suit your taste by adding more or less seasoning, or choosing a milder version for a more subtle heat.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for chicken stock, and skip the shrimp and sausage. You can add mushrooms or smoked tofu to replicate the savory depth, and keep the cheesy grits as the hearty base.

What wine pairs well with Creamy Lowcountry Shrimp and Grits Recipe?

A crisp, unoaked Chardonnay or a dry Riesling complements the creamy texture and the spicy seafood flavors wonderfully, balancing richness with a refreshing note.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Lowcountry Shrimp and Grits Recipe is pure comfort food magic, a perfect blend of creamy, cheesy grits and bold, savory shrimp gravy that sings with Southern flair. Once you make it, you’ll understand why it’s a cherished classic and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this unforgettable taste of the Lowcountry.