Cheddar Biscuits with Shrimp and Andouille Gravy Recipe

Make fluffy cheddar biscuits topped with rich shrimp and andouille gravy! A Cajun-inspired comfort dish that’s easy, savory, and delicious.

I still remember the first time I had Cheddar Biscuits with Shrimp and Andouille Gravy—it was love at first bite! 😍 The buttery, cheesy biscuits were fluffy and golden, and the rich, smoky shrimp and sausage gravy poured over the top took it to another level. This dish is the perfect mix of Southern comfort and Cajun boldness, bringing together the best of both worlds.

If you’re a fan of flaky biscuits and savory, creamy gravies, you’re in for a treat! 🤤 This recipe is perfect for brunch, dinner, or whenever you want something hearty and flavorful. The layers of taste—sharp cheddar, smoky andouille, and tender shrimp—are simply irresistible. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become a regular on your menu! 🙌

What is Cheddar Biscuits & Shrimp Andouille Gravy?

Cheddar Biscuits with Shrimp and Andouille Gravy is a Southern classic with a Cajun twist. Imagine fluffy, buttery cheddar biscuits soaking up a rich, smoky gravy made with succulent shrimp and spicy andouille sausage—it’s pure comfort food at its best! This dish takes traditional biscuits and gravy to the next level, infusing it with bold flavors that will leave you craving more.

This is the kind of meal that feels decadent yet totally approachable, whether you’re making it for brunch, a cozy dinner, or a weekend indulgence. With every bite, you get layers of cheesy, buttery goodness paired with a creamy, slightly spicy, and deeply savory gravy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold, smoky, and creamy flavors: A perfect balance of rich cheddar, spicy sausage, and velvety gravy.
• Easy-to-make biscuits: No fancy techniques required! These cheddar biscuits come together quickly and bake up light and fluffy every time.
• Great for any occasion: Whether it’s brunch, dinner, or a special weekend treat, this dish is sure to impress.
• Customizable: You can tweak the spice level, swap out proteins, or even make it gluten-free. It’s a crowd-pleaser that can be adjusted to suit different dietary needs.

Ingredients Breakdown & Substitutions

Let’s dive into the key ingredients that make this dish so rich, flavorful, and downright irresistible. Plus, I’ll share some easy swaps in case you need substitutions!

🍤 Shrimp and Andouille Gravy

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 4 Strips Bacon:  Adds a deep, smoky flavor to the gravy. If you prefer, you can use turkey bacon or skip it for a lighter version.
• ½ Pound Andouille Sausage: The heart of the dish! Andouille gives the gravy its bold, smoky Cajun taste. Can’t find it? Use kielbasa or chorizo instead.
• ½ Pound Shrimp: Fresh, peeled, and deveined shrimp bring a sweet, delicate seafood flavor. Alternatives? Try crawfish, chicken, or even mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
• 2 Tablespoons Butter: Helps create a rich, creamy texture. You can also use ghee or olive oil if preferred.
• 1 Cup Onion, ½ Cup Red Pepper, ½ Cup Celery: This trio, known as the “holy trinity” of Cajun cooking, builds a flavorful base for the gravy.
• 1 Cup Corn: A touch of natural sweetness that balances the spice. Not a fan? Swap it for diced bell peppers or leave it out.
• 2 Cloves Garlic & 1 Teaspoon Thyme: These boost the dish with aromatic depth and a touch of earthiness.
• ¼ Cup Flour (Rice Flour for Gluten-Free): Helps thicken the gravy. Use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend if needed.
• 1 Cup Chicken Broth & 1 Cup Heavy Cream: The perfect balance of richness and silkiness. To lighten it up, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk.
• 1 Tablespoon Cajun Seasoning & ½ Teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning: Adds a classic spicy, smoky, and herby kick. Adjust to your heat preference!
• 1 Tablespoon Creole Mustard & 1 Teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce: These deepen the gravy’s tangy, umami richness. If you can’t find Creole mustard, use Dijon with a pinch of cayenne.
• 2 Green Onions & 1 Tablespoon Parsley: Fresh garnishes that add a pop of color and brightness.
• 4 Biscuits (see below): The buttery, cheesy foundation for the dish!

🥗 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 1072
• Fat: 74g (Saturated: 31g, Trans: 0.3g)
• Cholesterol: 225mg
• Sodium: 1800mg
• Carbohydrates: 71g (Fiber: 4g, Sugars: 10g)
• Protein: 31g

🧀 Cheddar Biscuits

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients:

• 2 Cups All-Purpose Flour: The base of our biscuits. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend if needed.
• 1 Tablespoon Baking Powder: Helps the biscuits rise and stay fluffy.
• 1 Teaspoon Sugar & 1 Teaspoon Salt: A touch of sweetness and the right balance of flavor.
• 8 Tablespoons Cold, Unsalted Butter: The key to flaky biscuits! Cold butter melts during baking, creating light, airy layers.
• 1 Cup Buttermilk: Keeps the biscuits tender and moist. If you don’t have buttermilk, make your own by mixing 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar.
• 1 Cup Cheddar Cheese, Shredded: Adds that sharp, cheesy goodness! Want a twist? Try smoked gouda or pepper jack.
• 1 Egg + 1 Tablespoon Water (for Egg Wash): Brushed on top for a golden, glossy finish.

🥗 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 288
• Fat: 16g (Saturated: 10g, Trans: 0.6g)
• Cholesterol: 46mg
• Sodium: 287mg
• Carbohydrates: 26g (Fiber: 0.8g, Sugars: 2g)
• Protein: 7g

🥣 Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we’ve got all our ingredients ready, let’s get cooking! This dish is all about rich, bold flavors and flaky, buttery biscuits—and I promise it’s easier than it looks. Just follow these simple steps!

🧀 Making the Cheddar Biscuits

There’s nothing like fresh, homemade biscuits, and these are so easy to make. They’re fluffy, cheesy, and golden brown—the perfect base for soaking up all that rich shrimp and andouille gravy.

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients & Cut in the Butter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:

• Flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.

Next, cut cold butter into small cubes and work it into the flour using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This step is the key to extra flaky biscuits!

2. Stir in Cheddar & Buttermilk

Gently fold in shredded cheddar cheese, then pour in cold buttermilk and mix until just combined. The dough will be slightly sticky, which is perfect.

3. Shape the Dough & Bake

• Lightly flour your work surface and pat the dough into a rectangle about ½ inch thick.
• Cut out biscuits using a round cutter (or a glass) and place them on a baking sheet.
• Brush the tops with egg wash for that beautiful golden shine.
• Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until they’re puffed up and golden brown.

Biscuit Tip: Handle the dough as little as possible to keep them light and flaky! And always use cold butter and buttermilk for the best texture.

🍤 Preparing the Shrimp and Andouille Gravy

Now, let’s move on to the star of the dish—the rich, smoky, creamy shrimp and andouille gravy! This comes together in just a few steps.

1. Cook the Bacon & Crisp Up the Sausage

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and adding the bacon strips. Cook them until they are crispy and golden brown, then transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels. Keep the rendered bacon grease in the pan—this adds incredible depth of flavor to the gravy.

Next, add the diced andouille sausage to the same pan. Sauté until it’s browned and slightly crispy, which brings out its signature smoky and spicy flavor. The key here is to let the sausage caramelize a bit before moving on to the next step.

2. Sauté the Holy Trinity

The Holy Trinity of Cajun cooking—onions, celery, and red bell peppers—creates the base of this flavorful dish. Add them directly into the pan with the sausage and bacon grease, stirring occasionally until they soften and become wonderfully fragrant.

Once the vegetables are tender, stir in the garlic and fresh thyme. Let them cook for about 30 seconds, just enough to release their flavors without burning the garlic.

3. Make the Roux for Thick Gravy

To thicken the gravy, sprinkle the flour evenly over the sautéed vegetables. Stir everything together, making sure the flour coats the veggies and absorbs the flavorful fats in the pan. This is what’s known as a roux, and it’s essential for getting that rich, velvety texture.

Let the roux cook for one to two minutes, stirring constantly, until it turns a light golden color. This step helps eliminate any raw flour taste while building even more depth in the gravy.

4. Add Liquids & Simmer

Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps from forming. Then, add the heavy cream, continuing to stir until the mixture is smooth.

Now it’s time to layer in the bold Southern flavors. Stir in the Cajun seasoning, Old Bay seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and Creole mustard. These ingredients add a balance of spice, smokiness, and tang that makes the gravy absolutely irresistible.

Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The gravy will begin to thicken beautifully, creating a luscious, creamy texture that will coat every bite of biscuit.

5. Add the Shrimp at the Last Minute

Shrimp cook fast, so adding them too early can result in a rubbery texture. Toss them in at the very end and let them cook for just 2-3 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they turn pink and opaque.

Be careful not to overcook them—shrimp continue to cook slightly even after being removed from the heat, so it’s best to take them off as soon as they’re done.

6. Finish with Fresh Herbs & a Squeeze of Lemon

For the final touch, stir in chopped parsley and sliced green onions. These fresh herbs brighten up the dish and add a pop of color.

Lastly, squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice over the gravy. The acidity cuts through the richness, balancing out the deep, smoky, and creamy flavors perfectly.

Now, your Shrimp and Andouille Gravy is ready to be spooned over flaky cheddar biscuits for a meal that’s pure comfort with a Cajun twist!

Shrimp and Andouille Gravy with Cheddar Biscuits – A Southern Classic

Serving & Pairing Ideas

Now that you’ve got your cheddar biscuits and shrimp and andouille gravy ready to go, let’s talk about the best ways to serve and pair this dish!

🍽️ Classic Serving Style

• The traditional way to enjoy this dish is to split the warm biscuits in half and generously ladle the rich, smoky gravy over the top.
• Let the biscuits soak up all that creamy, Cajun-spiced goodness for the ultimate bite!

🥗 Side Dish Pairings

Since this dish is rich and indulgent, it pairs beautifully with something light and refreshing:

• A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette (think lemon or apple cider vinegar-based dressings) helps cut through the creaminess.
• Roasted or sautéed greens like collard greens, kale, or green beans also balance the richness with their earthy flavor.
• Want an extra Southern touch? Pickled okra or quick-pickled red onions add a nice pop of acidity!

🥃 Drink Pairings

To complete the meal, try pairing it with a classic Southern drink:

• Sweet Tea: The cool, slightly sweet flavor of iced tea complements the spice in the gravy.
• Bourbon Cocktail: A bourbon old-fashioned or a whiskey sour adds a smoky depth that enhances the Cajun spices.
• Sparkling Lemonade: A refreshing citrus drink is perfect if you want a non-alcoholic option.

🥂 Brunch-Worthy Upgrades

If you’re serving this for brunch, take it up a notch:

• Add a fried or poached egg on top—when the yolk mixes with the gravy, it’s next-level delicious! 🍳
• Serve with a spicy Bloody Mary for the ultimate Southern brunch experience.

However you choose to serve it, this dish is sure to steal the spotlight at your table. 😍 Let me know in the comments—what’s your favorite way to enjoy biscuits and gravy? ⬇️

🥡 Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

Got leftovers? Want to prep ahead? No problem! Here’s how to keep your biscuits and gravy fresh and make your life easier.

🧊 Biscuits: Freeze for Later

• Uncooked biscuits freeze beautifully! Simply shape them, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag and store for up to 3 months.
• When you’re ready to bake, pop them straight into the oven—no need to thaw! Just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

🔥 Gravy: Make Ahead & Reheat Like a Pro

• You can make the gravy a day in advance and store it in the fridge.
• When reheating, warm it slowly over low heat, stirring often.
• If it gets too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to bring it back to the perfect consistency.

🍛 Leftovers: Keep Them Fresh!

• Store any extra gravy in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• The biscuits are best fresh, but you can store them at room temperature for 1-2 days in a sealed container. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore their crisp edges!

🔄 Custom Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are some fun ways to tweak the recipe to fit your diet or spice preference!

🥦 Low-Carb Option

• Skip the biscuits and serve the shrimp and andouille gravy over cauliflower mash or grilled veggies.
• You’ll still get all that bold Cajun flavor but with fewer carbs!

🌶️ Extra Spicy Kick

• Love the heat? Add diced jalapeños to the gravy while sautéing the veggies.
• A few dashes of hot sauce or extra cayenne pepper will also do the trick!

🥥 Dairy-Free Alternative

• Swap out heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk—it adds a slight sweetness that pairs beautifully with the Cajun spices!
• Use vegan butter in the biscuits for a fully dairy-free version.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about flaky, cheesy biscuits smothered in rich, smoky shrimp and andouille gravy. It’s Southern comfort food at its best—a perfect mix of creamy, savory, and just the right amount of spice.

If you’re looking for a new favorite brunch or dinner dish, this is it! Give it a try, and I promise you’ll be hooked. 😍

Now, I want to hear from YOU!

• What’s your favorite way to enjoy biscuits and gravy?
• Do you have any fun topping ideas?

Drop a comment below and let’s talk all things cheddar biscuits and Cajun gravy! ⬇️

FAQs

Q. What do cheddar biscuits go well with?

Cheddar biscuits pair perfectly with soups, stews, or hearty gravies like shrimp and andouille sausage gravy. They’re also great with butter, honey, or jam for a simple side!

Q. What is the biscuits and gravy that Americans eat?

Classic Southern biscuits and gravy feature fluffy biscuits smothered in a creamy sausage gravy, often made with pork sausage, flour, milk, and black pepper.

Q. Why is it called biscuits and gravy?

The dish originated in the Southern U.S., where biscuits were a staple, and gravy made from pan drippings was an easy, filling way to add flavor.

Q. What to serve with sausage biscuits and gravy?

Serve with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, fresh fruit, or a light side salad to balance out the richness of the dish!