This post is sponsored by the NFRA.
A classic southern dish gets a smoky twist with these Smoky Cheddar Cauliflower Grits and Cajun Shrimp.
Cheesy cauliflower grits are served alongside sweet and spicy shrimp skewers with zucchini and pineapple.
Sweet and spicy and smoky…. Ahh, this recipe is a summertime flavor bomb.
Did you know June is National Dairy Month? I loved creating this recipe for Smoky Cheddar Cauliflower Grits and Cajun Shrimp with Sargento® cheese because it is 100% real, natural cheese. Now that’s a product in the dairy aisle that I can stand behind!
When it comes to cheese, I want bold flavor because a little goes a long way. This recipe was created with Sargento’s new Smokehouse Cheddar™ Cheese Slices because…
Smoky cheddar grits = HAPPINESS!
And I’m not the only one that thinks so, as “smokehouse” is apparently an “on-trend” flavor with restaurant menu items with smokehouse flavors up almost 20% since 2012!
Boom, Smoky Cheddar Cauliflower Grits and Cajun Shrimp for the win!
This is a fun recipe that you can serve for brunch or late in the day. I even used up leftover Cajun shrimp, zucchini and onion in an omelet and served it alongside smoky cheddar grits.
We’ve got options people.
So you my friends, need to skewer you up some cajun shrimp and veggies and serve it with these smoky cheddar cauliflower grits… if you wanted my honest opinion 🙂
Smoky Cheddar Cauliflower Grits and Cajun Shrimp
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 3-4 servings 1x
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Pin RecipeDescription
A classic southern dish gets a smoky twist with these Smoky Cheddar Cauliflower Grits and Cajun Shrimp. Cheesy cauliflower grits are served alongside sweet and spicy shrimp skewers with zucchini and pineapple.
Ingredients
- For Shrimp Skewers
- 18 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups cubed pineapple
- 2 cups zucchini rounds
- ½ large onion sliced into 1 inch chunks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoon creole seasoning
- For Cheddar Grits
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 7 cups (32 ounces) riced cauliflower
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ⅓ cup chicken (or vegetable) broth
- 2 tablespoon half and half
- 4–5 slices Sargento® Smokehouse Cheddar™ Cheese Slices
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- To Prepare Shrimp Skewers:
- Add shrimp, zucchini, pineapple and onions to a large bowl.
- Add oil and creole seasoning; toss to evenly coat ingredients and allow to marinate for 10 minutes.
- Place shrimp and vegetables on 6-8 large grill skewers.
- Grill skewers on medium-high heat for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through cooking.
- To Prepare Cheddar Grits:
- Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium heat.
- Add riced cauliflower and garlic and cook until starting to turn golden about 6-8 minutes, stir in broth and cover for 5 minutes or until cauliflower is fully cooked.
- Using an immersion blender, gently pulse cauliflower to create a creamy consistency that resembles grit like texture (not fully pureed like mashed potatoes).
- Remove from heat and stir the cheese slices into the hot grits so it melts into the hot dish and blends easily.
- Stir in cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve smoky cheddar grits with cajun shrimp skewers.
Hi I’m Kristina LaRue, RD (registered dietitian nutritionist), Peloton addict and mama to two active and hungry boys. On Love & Zest, you’ll find healthy-ish recipes that fuel the whole family. I’m all about veggie-filled breakfast, meal prep recipes, healthier sweets, and easy weeknight dinners made in the Instant Pot or sheet pan.
Did you make one of my recipes?? Leave a review in the comments and tag @loveandzest #loveandzest on Instagram!
If you’re a modern mama– I’d love for you to join my Facebook group A Modern Motherhood Collective!
Oh my, I’m on a keto low-carb diet now, and recipes like this are what I call guiltless pleasures. Pinned, and thank you! –G
★★★★★
What a comfort food dinner for the win! Love the smokey cheddar cheese in the riced cauliflower! Nice way to ramp up the flavor! And those Cajun shrimp skewers look so delicious too!
Thanks Taylor!! The smokey cheddar is the perfect pair for riced cauliflower fo sho 🙂
I’ve actually never had grits, let alone shrimp and grits. I’m obviously not from the south. You’re inspiring me though!
Gotta try them soon!
Had grits for the first time last year down in Memphis! This recipe looks delish.
Did you like them? Hope there was some good BBQ on them in Memphis.
I’m always looking for great new ways to use our grill! This looks like summer comfort food at it’s finest…and it’s healthy too!
Thanks Laura!! It’s grill season for sure.
You had me at smoky cauliflower grits!! Sounds so yummy!
I’m so glad!!
Never been a huge fan of grits, but cauliflower grits? That is a must try for me! My favorite veggie for sure!
Hope you like them Lorie!
Such a fun twist on a Southern classic! Those skewers look perfect for the grill!
Thanks Jessica 🙂
The shrimp looks so good and my girls might like the cheesy cauliflower grits! I love cauliflower so I would probably grill some up without cheese as well.
You know, I wonder if the girls would even know the difference. Everything is yummier with a little (or a lotta) cheese. Cauliflower on the grill sounds great too!! I need to try that.
Oh Man!!! This looks so delicious! I love the cauliflower grits, but I simply adore the shrimp!
★★★★★
Thanks Elaine.
Delicious meal, with that southern taste. Perfect for summer dining. I do enjoy the smokehouse flavour, can see why it has become popular.
★★★★★
Agree!! I didn’t realize it was such a big flavor trend. But I can see why.
These look like the perfect summer dish!!
Thank you!
Shrimp and grits are one of my favorite combos and any chance I have to eat them, I do. I love how you’ve made them healthier with the cauliflower!
★★★★★
Thanks Lisa!! Sneaking in the veggies any way I can.
The sweet and spicy shrimp sound so wonderfully paired with the smoky cheesy cauliflower! I am always looking for new grilling recipes now that it is summer, so I am loving this right now! 🙂
★★★★★
Thank you Joyce. It is a great pairing.
This looks AMAZING! So summery with the grilled shrimp and zucchini. So clever to use cauliflower for the grits. They still look so rich and cheesy!
They are for sure rich… but loaded with veggies 🙂
The only way I like grits is with cheese–I have to try these cauliflower grits!
Hope you enjoy!
Bring on the southern food! This sounds delicious!
★★★★★
Haha, thanks Kelsey!