Spiced Creole Shrimp and Grits with Andouille Sausage
A soulful Southern dish combining smoky andouille sausage with spicy creole shrimp served over creamy stone-ground grits. This southern-inspired mother’s day ready in about 50 minutes pairs stone-ground grits, water, shredded sharp cheddar cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 4 cups water
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 8 oz, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds andouille sausage
- 1 lb, peeled and deveined large shrimp
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp creole seasoning
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups water to a boil. Slowly whisk in 1 cup stone-ground grits, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened and creamy.
- Step 2: Stir 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the cooked grits until melted and smooth, then cover to keep warm.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 8 ounces sliced andouille sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes until browned and slightly crisp on edges.
- Step 4: Add 3 cloves minced garlic, 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper, 1/2 cup diced celery, and 1/2 cup diced onion to the skillet with the sausage, sautéing for 4 minutes until vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Step 5: Sprinkle 2 teaspoons creole seasoning over the mixture, stir well, then add 1 pound peeled and deveined large shrimp. Cook shrimp for 3-4 minutes until pink and opaque.
- Step 6: Remove skillet from heat, stir in 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley to brighten flavors.
- Step 7: Serve the spicy creole shrimp and sausage mixture spooned generously over the creamy cheddar grits.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Creole Shrimp and Grits with Andouille Sausage take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Spiced Creole 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 covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep stone-ground grits from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Creole 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 Spiced Creole 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 Spiced Creole Shrimp and Grits with Andouille Sausage?
Southern mother’s day 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This is now my go-to Mother's Day dish. The andouille sausage was the perfect addition.
- ★★★★★
My mom cried when she tasted this - it reminded her of her childhood in Louisiana. So delicious!
- ★★★★★
Wow, this is the best shrimp and grits I've ever made. The andouille sausage was the perfect addition.