Creamy Crawfish n’ Grits - A Southern Comfort Classic with a Twist
There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of creamy, cheesy grits topped with flavorful, sautéed crawfish and caramelized veggies. This dish brings together the richness of classic Southern grits with the bold, savory flavors of Louisiana crawfish, making it the perfect comfort meal for a cozy family dinner.
I grew up loving shrimp and grits, but one day, I decided to swap the shrimp for crawfish tails, and the result was even better than I expected! The sweet, tender crawfish pairs beautifully with the creamy queso-infused grits, and the caramelized onions and bell peppers add a depth of flavor that makes every bite irresistible. This easy crawfish and grits recipe is a simple, homemade meal that’s perfect for a family of three.
Easy Crawfish & Grits Recipe
Ingredients
1 cup grits
3 cups milk
1 tbsp vegan butter (or regular butter)
½ cup queso cheese (or your preferred cheese)
1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for sautéing)
½ green bell pepper, chopped
½ cup onion, chopped
½ lb cooked crawfish tails (store-bought, peeled)
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky kick)
How to Make Crawfish & Grits
Step 1: Cook the Grits
In a medium saucepan, bring 3 cups of milk to a light boil over medium heat. Slowly stir in the grits, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Reduce the heat to low and let the grits simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened (about 5–7 minutes).
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
While the grits are cooking, heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bell pepper and sauté for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened. Next, add the onions and cook for another 1–2 minutes, stirring occasionally until caramelized.
Step 3: Cook the Crawfish
Once the vegetables are caramelized, add the crawfish tails to the skillet. Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Sauté everything together for 1 minute, then remove from heat and set aside in a bowl.
Step 4: Add Cheese to the Grits
Once the grits are thick and creamy, stir in 1 tablespoon of vegan butter and ½ cup of queso cheese. Mix well and let the grits sit for 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 5: Assemble & Serve
Spoon the cheesy grits into bowls, then top with the sautéed crawfish and vegetables. Serve warm and enjoy this comforting Southern classic!
Tips for the Best Crawfish & Grits
✔ Use fresh or frozen crawfish tails – If using frozen, thaw them first.
✔ Don't rush the caramelization – Cooking the onions and bell peppers slowly brings out their natural sweetness.
✔ Keep stirring the grits – Whisking while cooking prevents lumps and ensures creaminess.
✔ Want more spice? Add Cajun seasoning or hot sauce for a fiery kick.
How to Store & Reheat
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk to maintain the creamy texture.
This Crawfish & Grits recipe is a perfect Southern comfort dish with a cheesy twist. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor—just the kind of meal that makes you feel at home. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out!