Step 1

Bring 4 cups water to a boil. Generously salt water and stir in grits. Lower heat to medium-low and simmer mixture for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring frequently, until mixture is thick and creamy.

Step 2

Remove from heat and stir in cheese and butter until fully incorporated and melted. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 3

Place shrimp, lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, cumin, pepper, cayenne, and garlic into a mixing bowl and toss together. Set aside.

Step 4

Melt butter into a sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add sausage and brown for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove sausage from skillet and set aside.

Step 5

Add shrimp to skillet and sauté for about 3 minutes on each side. Deglaze pan with chicken stock (or water) and cover for 1 minute.

Step 6

Add sausage back to skillet and stir together.

Step 7

Remove shrimp and sausage mixture from heat and divide over each bowl of grits. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve.