Catfish, shrimp & sausage grits with creamy cheddar grits

Introduction

Catfish, shrimp & sausage served over creamy cheddar grits is a bold, comforting Southern classic. It blends tender seafood, rich sausage, and velvety grits into a warm, hearty bowl with layers of smoky, buttery, and slightly spicy flavors. This dish is perfect for brunch, dinner, or any time you want something soul-satisfying and deeply flavorful.

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Origin

This dish draws its roots from the American South, especially regions like Louisiana, Mississippi, and Georgia, where:

Catfish is abundant in rivers,

Shrimp is plentiful along the Gulf Coast,

And grits are a staple dating back hundreds of years.

Combining seafood and grits gained widespread popularity through Southern and Creole cooking, often seen in restaurants specializing in comfort cuisine.

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Cultural Significance

A staple of Southern hospitality: Served at family gatherings, brunches, and holidays.

Fusion of land & sea: Reflects the culture of coastal Southern states where fishing and farming coexist.

Soul food heritage: Symbolizes warmth, comfort, and community meals.

Versatility: Every household can customize the dish to their taste.

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Ingredients (Quantities Provided)

Proteins

1 lb catfish fillets, seasoned and pan-seared

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 lb spicy Italian sausage, sliced and sautéed

Grits Base

4 cups chicken broth

1 cup quick-cooking grits

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

2 tbsp butter

Finishing

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Salt and pepper to taste

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Optional Additions

A splash of heavy cream for extra rich grits

Cajun seasoning for more heat

Lemon wedges for brightness

Green onions

Smoked paprika

A drizzle of hot sauce

Crispy bacon bits

A sprinkle of parmesan with the cheddar for sharper flavor

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Tips for Success

Season each protein separately for deeper flavor.

Don’t overcook the shrimp—they cook fast and turn rubbery if left too long.

Use broth instead of water for extra flavorful grits.

Add cheese off the heat to keep the grits smooth and creamy.

Cook the proteins in stages to avoid crowding the pan.

Taste and adjust seasoning at the end—grits absorb salt.

Let the catfish rest a few minutes before serving to stay tender.

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Instructions

1. Cook the Proteins

Catfish:

Season with salt, pepper, and optional Cajun spices.

Pan-sear in oil 3–4 minutes per side until golden and flaky.

Set aside.

Sausage:

Sauté sliced sausage until browned and caramelized.

Remove from the pan.

Shrimp:

Season lightly with salt and pepper.

In the same pan, cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink.

Remove and keep warm.

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2. Make the Creamy Cheddar Grits

1. Bring 4 cups chicken broth to a boil.

2. Whisk in 1 cup quick-cooking grits.

3. Reduce heat and cook until creamy (5–7 minutes).

4. Stir in 1 cup cheddar cheese and 2 tbsp butter.

5. Season with salt and pepper.

6. Adjust consistency with extra broth or butter if needed.

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3. Assemble the Dish

Spoon a generous portion of hot cheddar grits into bowls.

Top with pieces of catfish, shrimp, and sausage.

Sprinkle with fresh parsley.

Add hot sauce or lemon juice if desired.

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Description

This dish is a rich, comforting bowl of creamy cheddar grits topped with smoky sausage, tender shrimp, and crisp-edged pan-seared catfish. The flavors blend Southern warmth with spicy, buttery notes and a velvety texture. Every bite has contrast—smooth grits, juicy seafood, and savory sausage—making it incredibly satisfying.

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Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving, 4 servings)

Values vary based on portion sizes and ingredients used.

Calories: 550–750

Protein: 40–55 g

Fat: 25–35 g

Carbohydrates: 35–45 g

Fiber: 1–3 g

Sodium: Moderate to high (sausage + broth + cheese contribute)

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Conclusion

Catfish, shrimp & sausage over cheddar grits is a flavorful Southern classic that harmonizes land and sea in a single comforting bowl. Easy to prepare, beautifully hearty, and thoroughly delicious, it works for both everyday dinners and special-occasion brunches.

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Recommendation

Pair it with:

Collard greens

Steamed asparagus

Cornbread

A simple garden salad

For beverages:

Iced tea

Lemon water

Sparkling water with lime

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Embracing Healthful Indulgence

You can still enjoy this comforting dish while making lighter choices by:

Using turkey sausage or chicken sausage

Reducing cheese by half

Adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or tomatoes

Using low-sodium broth

Pan-searing with minimal oil

Serving with a fresh side salad to balance richness

This way, you embrace the heartwarming flavors while keeping things balanced and nourishing.