If you’ve ever been swept away by the vibrant flavors of Cajun cuisine, then you’re in for a treat with my Cajun Biscuits with Shrimp and Andouille Gravy! This dish brings together the heartiness of flaky biscuits drenched in a rich, spicy gravy that’s just bursting with flavor. I remember the first time I tasted this at my Auntie’s house during family gatherings; the aroma alone was enough to make my mouth water! The combination of succulent shrimp and smoky andouille sausage nestled on those warm, buttery biscuits is pure comfort food. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be dreaming of this dish long after the last bite!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these Cajun Biscuits with Shrimp and Andouille Gravy a success! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed (make sure it’s really cold for flakiness!)
- 3/4 cup milk (whole milk works best for richness)
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh shrimp is ideal)
- 1/2 pound andouille sausage, sliced (look for a good quality brand for that smoky flavor)
- 1/4 cup onion, chopped (diced finely for even cooking)
- 1/4 cup green bell pepper, chopped (adds a nice crunch)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (because who doesn’t love garlic?)
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/4 cup flour (for thickening the gravy)
- 2 cups chicken broth (homemade or low-sodium is best)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t forget to taste as you go!)
Make sure to have everything measured out and ready to go—it makes the cooking process so much smoother and more enjoyable!
How to Prepare Cajun Biscuits with Shrimp and Andouille Gravy
Getting ready to make these Cajun Biscuits with Shrimp and Andouille Gravy is super exciting! First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This is a crucial step because you want those biscuits to rise perfectly! Start by mixing your dry ingredients: in a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. I like to give it a good whisk to incorporate everything evenly.
Making the Biscuits
Now comes the fun part—cutting in the butter! Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it in until it resembles coarse crumbs. This will make your biscuits flaky and tender, trust me! Next, pour in the milk and stir gently until just combined. Don’t overmix; a few lumps are okay. Lightly flour your countertop and turn out the dough. Knead it gently about 5-6 times until it comes together, then roll it out to about 1-inch thickness. Use a biscuit cutter to cut out your biscuits and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes until they’re golden brown and your kitchen smells heavenly!
Preparing the Shrimp and Andouille Gravy
While the biscuits are baking, let’s whip up that rich gravy! In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sliced andouille sausage until it’s nice and browned, about 5-7 minutes. The fat from the sausage adds so much flavor! Once that’s done, toss in the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté until they’re softened, which should take another 3-4 minutes—don’t rush this step! Now, sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning and flour, stirring constantly for about a minute to get rid of the raw flour taste. Gradually add the chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Stir until it thickens, which will happen pretty quickly! Finally, add in your shrimp, cooking until they turn pink, about 3-4 minutes. Serve this luscious gravy generously over those warm biscuits, and get ready to dig in!
Tips for Success
To make your Cajun Biscuits with Shrimp and Andouille Gravy truly unforgettable, here are a few tips I swear by! First, always use fresh ingredients; it makes a world of difference, especially with shrimp and sausage. When it comes to the biscuits, be gentle while mixing; overworking the dough can lead to tough biscuits, and nobody wants that! Also, keep an eye on your baking time—every oven is different, so check for that golden brown color on your biscuits to know they’re done.
For serving, don’t hesitate to add a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick, and consider pairing this dish with a simple green salad to balance the richness. Trust me, these little touches will elevate your meal to a whole new level!
Variations
The beauty of Cajun Biscuits with Shrimp and Andouille Gravy is how versatile it is! If you’re feeling adventurous, why not switch up the protein? You can easily replace the shrimp with crawfish or even chicken for a different twist. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, try using diced mushrooms and bell peppers instead of sausage, and add some smoked paprika for that signature smoky flavor.
Feeling spicy? You can amp up the heat by adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce right into the gravy. Or, if you want to play with flavors, experiment with different herbs—fresh thyme or parsley can brighten things up beautifully! The key is to keep the essence of the dish while making it your own, so don’t be shy—get creative and enjoy the process!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to the Cajun Biscuits with Shrimp and Andouille Gravy, you can enjoy a delicious meal without feeling guilty! Each serving, which consists of one biscuit topped with that mouthwatering gravy, is approximately 350 calories. You’ll also get a satisfying 15 grams of protein from the shrimp and sausage. The dish contains about 15 grams of total fat, including 5 grams of saturated fat.
For those watching their sodium intake, keep in mind that this dish has around 800 mg of sodium per serving. It also delivers 40 grams of carbohydrates, with 2 grams of fiber to help balance things out. Just remember, these numbers are estimates and can vary based on your ingredient choices. Enjoy every bite guilt-free!
FAQs about Cajun Biscuits with Shrimp and Andouille Gravy
Got questions about my Cajun Biscuits with Shrimp and Andouille Gravy? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I often hear:
Can I make the biscuits ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the biscuit dough in advance and refrigerate it. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before rolling it out and baking.
What can I use instead of andouille sausage?
If you can’t find andouille sausage or prefer a milder flavor, feel free to substitute it with smoked sausage or even turkey sausage for a lighter option.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover biscuits and gravy in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just reheat in the microwave or skillet until warmed through!
Can I freeze the gravy?
You bet! The gravy freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep for about 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Is this dish spicy?
The spice level really depends on the Cajun seasoning you use. If you prefer a milder flavor, feel free to adjust the amount to your taste, or serve with hot sauce on the side for those who like it spicy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners!
- Rich, bold flavors that bring a taste of Cajun cuisine to your table.
- Hearty and satisfying, thanks to the combination of flaky biscuits and savory gravy.
- Customizable to your spice level—make it as mild or fiery as you like!
- Perfect for family gatherings or cozy meals at home.
Serving Suggestions
To truly elevate your Cajun Biscuits with Shrimp and Andouille Gravy, consider serving them alongside a fresh, crisp green salad. A simple mix of arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, hearty gravy. You might also want to whip up some sautéed greens, like collard greens or spinach, seasoned with a hint of garlic for a delightful side. And let’s not forget a hot sauce selection on the table—perfect for those who like an extra kick! With these accompaniments, you’ll have a complete meal that’s bursting with flavor and goodness!
Print
Cajun Biscuits with Shrimp and Andouille Gravy Delight
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A flavorful dish combining flaky biscuits with a hearty shrimp and andouille gravy.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 pound andouille sausage, sliced
- 1/4 cup onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1/4 cup flour (for gravy)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter until crumbly.
- Add milk and stir until just combined.
- Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead gently.
- Roll out to 1-inch thickness and cut into biscuits.
- Place biscuits on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes.
- In a skillet, cook andouille sausage until browned.
- Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic; cook until softened.
- Stir in Cajun seasoning and flour; cook for 1 minute.
- Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer, stirring until thickened.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink.
- Serve gravy over warm biscuits.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for best flavor.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to your spice preference.
- Serve with hot sauce for extra heat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking and sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscuit with gravy
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: Cajun Biscuits, Shrimp Gravy, Andouille Gravy, Southern Cooking