That sounds like a comfort-food classic 😋
Here’s a full recipe for Fried Catfish with Sausage & Jalapeño Cheddar Grits—crispy, creamy, and a little spicy.
Fried Catfish
Ingredients
- 4 catfish fillets
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk)
- 1 cup cornmeal
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Oil for frying (vegetable or peanut)
Instructions
- Soak fish in buttermilk for 20–30 minutes.
- Mix coating: cornmeal, flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder.
- Dredge catfish in coating, pressing lightly.
- Fry in 350°F oil for 3–4 minutes per side until golden.
- Drain on paper towels and keep warm.
Sausage & Jalapeño Cheddar Grits
Ingredients
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 4 cups water or chicken broth
- ½ tsp salt
- 8 oz smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 jalapeño, finely diced (seeds removed for less heat)
- 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tbsp butter
- ½ cup milk or cream
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook grits: Bring water/broth and salt to a boil. Slowly whisk in grits.
Reduce heat and simmer 20–25 minutes, stirring often. - Brown sausage in a skillet until lightly crispy. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté jalapeño in sausage drippings for 1–2 minutes.
- Finish grits: Stir in butter, milk, cheddar, sausage, and jalapeño.
- Season with black pepper and adjust salt if needed.
Optional Extras
- Hot sauce or cayenne in the grits 🔥
- Lemon wedges for the catfish 🍋
- Green onions or parsley on top
If you want, I can turn this into a Southern brunch plate, air-fried catfish version, or a creamy shrimp & grits twist next.
