Loaded Grits are grits topped with whatever ‘load’ you prefer or any combination thereof. My version keeps the grits pure in corn flavor while the load can include many different things or just a couple depending upon your preference. What puts it over the top both literally and metaphorically is the brown butter you finish it with. That is genius. Don’t know why or how it popped into my mind but boy does it taste good!
With this version, as with most others, you will get all the toppings ready and then make the grits last since they will firm up as they cool and can get lumpy when reheated. So lets get started:
The Prep
What I’ve shown here (in addition to the grits) has sausage, shrimp, peppers (both sweet and hot), onion, corn and some shredded cheese on top. To fully layer the flavors I started with a thin coat of oil in a pan into which I dropped the shrimp for a couple, then turned for a couple more, and put on a plate. There should be some nice brown shrimp fond on the bottom. Next I placed the cut up sausage in that same pan and browned it, drained it and then in with the corn. Last up were the bell and shishito peppers plus the onion and done! Set all aside and proceed to the grits.
Oh wait! Next is the brown butter. This is easy, just melt till brown but don’t walk away. It burns fast. Once brown stir in the paprika and if you want to be fancy strain it and spoon off the foam so it’s clear. If you have a stash of clarified butter, brown that. You won’t be sorry.
The grits
These grits were quick cooking but if you use stone ground you may soak them the night before in some water and that will speed the cooking next day. While cooking whisk early and often which releases starch and makes them creamier. I usually use stone ground grits because they taste better and they’re also made from whole corn kernels which contains more nutrients than highly processed grits. This is because when instant grits are processed the kernel pericarp and germ are removed, leaving just the starch. The stone ground are good for you but mostly just taste better.
Once cooked put in a serving dish and start loading. If the “load” has cooled too much you may toss in a hot pan or microwave for a few seconds. Then put the cheese on first so it will melt, then layer the other things as preferred, top with the brown butter and dig in to your deliciously loaded grits.
And for a refreshing side try my Orange Arugula salad.
- For the toppings:
- 1 cup shrimp, peeled & deveined
- 1 cup andouille, chopped (or other sausage)
- ¼ cup Shishito peppers, chopped (or serrano or fresno)
- ¼ cup bell pepper, any color
- 1 tablespoon onion, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons corn
- ⅓ cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- For the brown butter:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- For the grits:
- 1 cup quick-cooking grits
- 3 cups water
- 1 cup half & half
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Parsley for garnish, chopped
- For the Toppings:
- Peel & devein shrimp, cut up sausage into small pieces, chop peppers and set aside.
- Lightly coat a pan with oil and place the shrimp in it. Cook over medium heat for a couple of minutes on each side and remove. Next cook the sausage and remove when brown. Then add the corn and remove when slightly browned.
- Finally add the onion and peppers stirring so as to pick up the the browned bits on the bottom. Cook only for a minute leaving them with a little crunch. Set aside.
- For the butter:
- Melt the butter & heat until brown, stir in the paprika and set aside.
- For the grits:
- In a large saucepan, bring cream, water and salt to a boil. Slowly stir in grits. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook covered, until thickened, stirring frequently. Remove from heat.
- Assembly:
- Top with grated cheese and layer other ingredients.
- Drizzle with brown butter, top with parsley and serve.