Cajun Shrimp and Cheese Grits

Ingredients

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 oz andouille sausage, sliced
• 1 cup stone-ground grits
• 4 cups water or chicken broth (for grits)
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 4 tablespoons butter, divided
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 2 green onions, sliced

Instructions

1. 1

   Cook grits: Bring 4 cups broth to a boil. Whisk in grits, reduce to low, cover and cook 20-25 minutes, stirring often. Stir in cheese, 2 tablespoons butter, cream, salt and pepper. Keep warm.

2. 2

   Cook bacon in a large skillet until crispy. Remove bacon, leaving the fat in the pan.

3. 3

   Add andouille sausage and cook until browned, about 4 minutes. Remove and set aside.

4. 4

   Season shrimp with Cajun seasoning. Cook in the same skillet for 2 minutes per side. Remove.

5. 5

   Add remaining butter, onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes.

6. 6

   Pour in chicken broth and scrape up all the browned bits. Simmer for 3 minutes until slightly reduced.

7. 7

   Return sausage and shrimp to the pan. Toss to coat in the gravy.

8. 8

   Spoon cheesy grits into bowls, top with shrimp and sausage mixture, and garnish with bacon and green onions.