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Two blue rimmed white bowls filled with Magnolia's Charleston Shrimp and Grits with two glasses of white wine, a wooden handled fork, and a tan cloth.

The Best Charleston Shrimp and Grits

This Charleston shrimp and grits recipe is my tried-and-true take on a Lowcountry classic: creamy stone-ground grits topped with a rich shrimp and smoky sausage gravy. Inspired by the famous Magnolia’s version but simplified for home cooks, it’s comfort food that feels restaurant-worthy without the fuss.
5 from 5 votes
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Course: Brunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Southern
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

Equipment

  • chef's knife
  • medium saucepan
  • large skillet
  • measuring spoons
  • liquid measuring cup
  • whisk

Ingredients

  • Creamy Stone Ground Grits
  • 2 tablespoon salted butter
  • 3 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 8 ounces smoked sausage, cut into half-moons
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup dry white wine
  • 1 ½ pound medium to large-size peeled and deveined shrimp
  • Chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  • Make the grits. Keep warm.
  • Meanwhile, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until crispy, about 3 minutes. Sprinkle in the flour and cook until the mixture is foamy and begins to have a nutty aroma. Whisk in the broth and cook until thickened. Set aside.
  • Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Add the garlic and cook 30 seconds or until fragrant. Add the wine and cook until the liquid dissolves. Add the shrimp.
  • Cook for 3 minutes or until the shrimp are almost cooked through. Add the gravy and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • To serve, spoon the shrimp mixture over bowls of grits and sprinkle with parsley.

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Notes

Note: To get 1 ½ pounds of peeled and deveined shrimp, I recommend buying 2 pounds to account for the weight of the shells.