How to Make Jambalaya Grits: Sabrina’s Easy Recipe for Beginners

If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that food is about connection—to our loved ones, our traditions, and even ourselves. Jambalaya Grits is one of those magical dishes that brings everything together in one pot. Today, I’m sharing my simple, beginner-friendly recipe that’s big on flavor but easy enough for a weeknight dinner. Trust me, with Early Bird Farm & Mill’s Cali Gold Grits, this dish practically cooks itself!

Overview: Why Jambalaya Grits Are Perfect for Beginners

This dish is a comforting twist on Cajun cuisine, featuring creamy grits infused with the bold flavors of andouille sausage, shrimp, and aromatic vegetables. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a fun weekend meal, these Jambalaya Grits are as wholesome as they are delicious. Plus, by using Early Bird Farm’s stone-milled grits, you’re ensuring a rich, hearty texture that only comes from the best organic grain.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup chopped yellow onion
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1 tbsp chopped garlic
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp cayenne (or to taste)
• 1/4 pound andouille or other smoked sausage, sliced into 1/4-inch-thick rounds
• 1/4 pound boiled ham, diced
• 1/2 cup peeled, seeded, and chopped vine-ripened tomato
• 6 cups milk
• 1 cup Early Bird Farm & Mill Cali Gold Grits【9†source】
• 1/2 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions (green parts only)
• 1/4 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Start the Base: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, celery, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened and aromatic. Season with salt, black pepper, and cayenne.
2. Add the Meats: Stir in the andouille sausage and diced ham. Cook for another 3-5 minutes until the sausage begins to brown and release its flavors.
3. Build the Flavor: Add chopped tomato and milk to the pot. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
4. Cook the Grits: Slowly pour in the Cali Gold Grits while stirring continuously. Cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the grits are smooth and creamy.
5. Add the Shrimp: Stir in the shrimp and cook for 3-5 minutes until they turn pink and are fully cooked.
6. Finish Strong: Sprinkle in the green onions and grated sharp cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese melts completely. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Visual Descriptions & Tips

Picture this: a steaming bowl of creamy grits, dotted with juicy shrimp, smoky sausage, and vibrant green onions. The aroma of Cajun spices fills your kitchen, promising a meal that’s both hearty and satisfying.

• Tip for Beginners: Stir often when cooking the grits to avoid clumps and ensure a velvety texture.
• Adjust the Heat: If you’re sensitive to spice, reduce the cayenne or omit it altogether.
• Make it Your Own: Swap out shrimp for chicken or a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian twist.

Jambalaya Grits – Some FAQs

Wrapping It Up: Why Jambalaya Grits Belong in Your Recipe Rotation

I can’t wait for you to try this recipe! Be sure to use Early Bird Farm & Mill’s Cali Gold Grits for the best results—you’ll taste the difference that organic, stone-milled grains make. Happy cooking!

Early Bird Farm Jambalaya Grits

Early Bird Farm's twist on a Cajun Favorite. Enjoy our famous grits with a Cajun twist.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Course Soup

Cuisine Cajun

Servings 4 people

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup chopped yellow onion
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1 tbsp chopped garlic
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp cayenne (or to taste)
• 1/4 pound andouille or other smoked sausage, cut crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick slices
• 1/4 pound boiled ham, cut into small dice
• 1/2 cup peeled, seeded, and chopped vine-ripened tomato
• 6 cups milk
• 1 cup Early Bird Farm & Mill Cali Gold Grits
• 1/2 pound medium-size shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions or scallions (green part only)
• 1/4 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated

Instructions

 

• Heat olive oil in a large pot over moderate heat.
• Add onion, celery, bell pepper and garlic and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently and season with salt, pepper and cayenne.
• Add sausage and ham and cook for another 3-5 minutes.
• Add tomato and milk, turn heat to low, and bring to a simmer.
• Once simmering, add grits and stir. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
• Add shrimp and stir.
• Cook until grits are smooth and all liquid is gone, about 30 minutes.
• Add green onions and shredded cheese, and stir in the cheese as it melts. Serve Immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 400kcal

Keyword cajun, jumbalaya, shrimp

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!