Southern-Style Brunch Shrimp and Grits with Andouille Sausage
Creamy stone-ground grits smothered in a spicy, savory sauce featuring shrimp and smoky Andouille sausage, evoking a lively Southern brunch vibe. This southern american-inspired brunch ready in about 45 minutes combines stone-ground grits, water, salt into a breakfast that fuels the morning without the midday crash — make-ahead-friendly and balanced enough to anchor the first meal of the day. Each serving lands at about 600 calories and feeds 4, so it sits comfortably in a weekly breakfast rotation alongside fruit, yogurt, or coffee. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 4 cups water
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 8 oz, sliced andouille sausage
- 1 lb, peeled and deveined large shrimp
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 1 cup, canned diced tomatoes
- 1 tbsp hot sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 sliced green onions
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring 4 cups water and 1 tsp salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Slowly whisk in 1 cup stone-ground grits, reduce heat to low, and simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, stirring frequently until thick and creamy. Stir in 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1 tbsp butter until melted and smooth.
- Step 2: While grits cook, heat 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 8 oz sliced andouille sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes until browned and slightly crispy on edges.
- Step 3: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in 1 cup canned diced tomatoes, 1 tbsp hot sauce, and 1 tsp smoked paprika, cooking for 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 4: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Stir in 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 2 sliced green onions, then remove from heat.
- Step 5: Spoon creamy grits into bowls and top with the shrimp and sausage mixture. Serve hot for a hearty Southern brunch.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Southern-Style Brunch Shrimp and Grits with Andouille Sausage take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (10 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a busy morning; prep components the night before to save active time.
How do I store leftover Southern-Style Brunch Shrimp and Grits with Andouille Sausage?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven; egg- or grain-based items may need a splash of milk or water to refresh texture. Cold-served items (overnight oats, smoothies) keep 2–3 days in the fridge.
Can I substitute ingredients in Southern-Style Brunch Shrimp and Grits with Andouille Sausage?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Southern-Style Brunch Shrimp and Grits with Andouille Sausage for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Southern-Style Brunch Shrimp and Grits with Andouille Sausage?
Southern American brunch like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
