Old Charleston Style Shrimp and Grits

If you’ve ever dreamed of diving into a bowl of creamy, cheesy grits topped with succulent shrimp, then this Old Charleston Style Shrimp and Grits recipe is exactly what you need. It’s comfort food at its best!

I remember the first time I tasted this dish. The perfect combination of tender shrimp and rich, buttery grits blew me away — and I knew I had to recreate it at home.

With this recipe, you’ll learn how to make this Southern classic in your own kitchen, just like they do in Charleston. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

Let’s get cooking and bring a taste of the South to your table. Grab your ingredients, and I’ll walk you through every step!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic Southern Comfort: A beloved dish with deep roots in Charleston cuisine, combining simple ingredients for big flavor.
• Rich and Hearty: Creamy grits topped with shrimp, sausage, bacon, and veggies in a flavorful sauce — it’s a full meal in one.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Great for gatherings, brunch, or special dinners.
• Versatile and Adaptable: Easy to adjust the spice level and swap ingredients based on what you have at home.
• Balanced and Satisfying: Creamy, savory, and slightly spicy — every forkful has variety and richness.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour

Servings:
This recipe serves 6 hearty portions — great for a family meal or a small gathering.

Difficulty:
Beginner-friendly, but also rewarding for experienced cooks. The steps are straightforward, and the result looks and tastes impressive.

Required Kitchen Tools

To make this Old Charleston Style Shrimp and Grits, you’ll need:

• Large Saucepan: For cooking grits until creamy.
• Large Skillet or Cast Iron Pan: To cook shrimp, sausage, bacon, and vegetables.
• Mixing Spoons: Wooden spoon or silicone spatula for stirring.
• Whisk: Helpful for keeping grits smooth.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To measure ingredients precisely.
• Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: For prepping vegetables, sausage, and bacon.

Ingredients for Old Charleston Shrimp and Grits

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this rich and flavorful dish (exact amounts will be listed in the recipe card at the end):

• Water: The base for cooking grits to a creamy texture.
• Salt: Enhances the flavor of both grits and shrimp.
• Coarsely Ground Grits: Essential for a true Southern texture — creamy but still hearty.
• Half-and-Half: Adds richness and creaminess to the grits.
• Uncooked Shrimp (peeled and deveined): Fresh or frozen shrimp work — the star of the dish.
• Cayenne Pepper: Brings a subtle heat — adjust to taste.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the dish and balances the richness.
• Andouille Sausage (sliced): Smoky, spiced sausage that adds depth and heartiness.
• Bacon (sliced): For smoky flavor and fat to cook the vegetables.
• Green Bell Pepper (chopped): Adds freshness and a pop of color.
• Red Bell Pepper (chopped): For sweetness and vibrant color.
• Yellow Bell Pepper (chopped): Adds mild sweetness and variety.
• Onion (chopped): A savory base to build flavor.
• Minced Garlic: Boosts savory depth — a must-have in the sauce.
• Butter: To finish the sauce and add silkiness to the grits.
• All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the sauce for perfect consistency.
• Chicken Broth: Provides a flavorful liquid base for the sauce.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds umami and a slightly tangy depth.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese (shredded): Melted into the grits for creamy, cheesy flavor.

Variations for Shrimp and Grits

• Add More Heat: Use hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or extra cayenne for a spicier kick.
• Swap Sausage: Try smoked sausage or chorizo if you don’t have andouille.
• Use Cream Instead of Half-and-Half: For even richer grits, heavy cream can be used.
• Make It Lighter: Use milk instead of half-and-half and turkey bacon for a lighter version.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip shrimp and sausage, and add more veggies like mushrooms and zucchini — use veggie broth instead of chicken broth.

How to Make Old Charleston Shrimp and Grits (Step-by-Step Instructions)

1. Cook the Grits

Step 1: Boil Water and Salt

In a large saucepan, bring 3 cups of water and 2 teaspoons of salt to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 2: Add Grits Slowly

Once the water is boiling, slowly whisk in 1 cup of coarsely ground grits, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.

Step 3: Simmer Grits

Reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan and cook the grits for about 20–25 minutes, stirring frequently to keep them smooth and prevent sticking.

Step 4: Add Half-and-Half

Once the grits are tender and thick, stir in 2 cups of half-and-half. Keep cooking on low, stirring occasionally, until the grits become creamy — about 10 more minutes.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Butter

Turn off the heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded sharp Cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Add 2 tablespoons of butter for extra richness. Cover and set aside to keep warm.

2. Cook the Bacon and Sausage

Step 1: Cook Bacon

In a large skillet, cook 5 slices of bacon over medium heat until crispy. This takes about 7–8 minutes.

Step 2: Set Aside Bacon

Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cooled, chop into small pieces and set aside for garnish later.

Step 3: Cook Sausage

In the same skillet (with bacon drippings), add 1 pound of sliced andouille sausage. Cook over medium heat until browned — about 5–6 minutes.

Step 4: Remove Sausage

Use a slotted spoon to transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside. Leave the flavorful fat in the pan for cooking vegetables.

3. Sauté the Vegetables

Step 1: Add Vegetables to Skillet

To the same skillet with sausage and bacon drippings, add chopped green, red, and yellow bell peppers (1 medium each), and 1 cup chopped onion.

Step 2: Cook Until Soft

Sauté over medium heat until vegetables soften and onions become translucent — about 5–7 minutes.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Stir in 1 teaspoon minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.

4. Prepare the Sauce

Step 1: Add Butter and Flour

Push the vegetables to the side of the skillet. Add 1/4 cup butter to the empty side of the pan and let it melt. Once melted, sprinkle 1/4 cup all-purpose flour over the butter and stir to form a roux.

Step 2: Cook Roux

Cook the butter-flour mixture for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly until it’s lightly golden.

Step 3: Add Chicken Broth and Worcestershire

Slowly pour in 1 cup chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Stir in 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce for deep flavor.

Step 4: Simmer Sauce

Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently until it thickens slightly.

5. Cook the Shrimp

Step 1: Season the Shrimp

Place 2 pounds of peeled and deveined shrimp in a bowl. Season with salt and cayenne pepper to taste — about 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne as a starting point (adjust to your preference).

Step 2: Add Lemon Juice

Squeeze the juice of 1 medium lemon over the shrimp. Toss gently to coat all the shrimp evenly. Set aside to marinate briefly while you finish the sauce.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

In the skillet with the thickened sauce and vegetables, add the shrimp. Stir everything together so the shrimp are coated with sauce and mixed into the veggies.

Step 4: Sauté Shrimp Until Pink

Cook over medium heat for about 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Shrimp cook quickly — they’re done when they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, or they’ll become rubbery.

6. Assemble the Shrimp and Grits

Step 1: Prepare Serving Bowls

Spoon a generous portion of creamy cheese grits into each bowl or plate. Spread the grits out slightly to create a soft bed for the shrimp mixture.

Step 2: Add Shrimp and Sauce

Top the grits with a hearty scoop of the shrimp, sausage, vegetable, and sauce mixture. Make sure to include plenty of sauce so it runs into the grits — that’s where the flavor magic happens.

Step 3: Garnish with Bacon

Sprinkle each serving with the chopped crispy bacon for a salty, crunchy finish.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is filling on its own, but here are a few simple sides and add-ons to round out the meal:

• Cornbread or Biscuits: Great for soaking up extra sauce.
• Simple Green Salad: A light salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness.
• Pickled Okra or Pickles: Add a tangy crunch on the side.
• Hot Sauce: If you like more spice, serve with your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp will give the dish the best flavor, but if using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them properly before cooking.
• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly. As soon as they turn pink and opaque, they’re done. Overcooking can make them tough.
• Customize the Spice: Adjust the cayenne and hot sauce to your preferred level of heat. For milder heat, reduce the cayenne pepper.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the grits and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them gently on the stovetop and then add the shrimp just before serving.
• Cheese Variations: If you prefer a different cheese, sharp white Cheddar or a blend of cheeses can also work great.
• Smooth Grits: If your grits become too thick, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen them up when reheating.

Nutrition Information

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the Old Charleston Style Shrimp and Grits:

Nutrition Fact	Amount Per Serving
Calories	560
Protein	36g
Total Fat	30g
Saturated Fat	12g
Cholesterol	170mg
Sodium	1,100mg
Total Carbohydrates	41g
Dietary Fiber	3g
Sugars	5g
Vitamin A	25%
Vitamin C	80%
Calcium	20%
Iron	15%

(Note: This is a general estimate and can vary depending on ingredient choices.)

Old Charleston Style Shrimp and Grits FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes, just make sure to thaw them thoroughly before cooking.

Q: Can I make this dish without sausage?
A: Absolutely! You can skip the sausage or replace it with another protein, such as chicken.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat the grits and shrimp separately, and combine just before serving.

Q: Can I adjust the spice level?
A: Yes, feel free to reduce the cayenne pepper or add more based on your preferred spice level. You can also add hot sauce for an extra kick.

Conclusion

This Old Charleston Style Shrimp and Grits is a classic Southern dish that never disappoints. With its creamy grits, tender shrimp, smoky sausage, and flavorful sauce, it’s a recipe that brings people together. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a comforting weeknight dinner, it’s sure to become a favorite.