Imagine a warm skillet brimming with juicy shrimp, smoky sausage, and crispy bacon, all enveloped in a luscious, cheesy sauce. This one-pan dinner is a celebration of rich, savory flavors that meld perfectly together, delivering comfort with every bite.
Ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings, this dish offers an irresistible combination of textures and tastes, from the tender shrimp to the melting cheese, finished with a hint of spice if you like to add a little kick. It’s effortless to prepare yet impressive enough to delight any crowd.
- Combines seafood, sausage, and bacon for bold and complex flavors in one easy skillet meal.
- The creamy cheese sauce brings a comforting richness that enhances every ingredient.
- Quick to cook and simple cleanup, perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining.
Ingredients
- Shrimp (250 g / ½ lb, peeled and deveined): Fresh shrimp add a tender, slightly sweet seafood element that pairs beautifully with smoky meats.
- Smoked sausage (200 g / ½ lb, sliced): Adds rich, smoky flavor and hearty texture, complementing the shrimp and bacon perfectly.
- Bacon (6–8 slices, chopped): Crispy pieces lend a salty crunch and depth of smokiness essential for robust taste.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon, if needed): Used to sauté aromatics if additional fat is necessary for cooking.
- Onion (1 small, finely chopped): Provides a sweet, savory base flavor that enhances the dish’s aroma and depth.
- Garlic cloves (2–3, minced): Adds pungent and fragrant notes that bring warmth and complexity.
- Heavy cream or half-and-half (1 cup): Creates a rich and silky sauce to bind all ingredients smoothly together.
- Shredded cheese (1½–2 cups; cheddar, Monterey Jack, or blend): Melts into creamy goodness, adding sharpness and gooey texture.
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the bold flavors.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a subtle spicy kick for extra flavor dimension.
- Chopped parsley or green onions (optional garnish): Fresh herbs brighten the dish visually and add a hint of freshness.
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon
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Heat a large skillet over medium heat until hot. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy and browned. This step renders flavorful bacon fat to cook other ingredients while adding crunch and smoke to the dish.
- Brown the Sausage
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Using the bacon fat left in the skillet, add the sliced smoked sausage. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on the edges. Browning enhances the sausage’s flavor and texture, creating a savory contrast to the creamy sauce later on.
- Sauté Aromatics
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If the skillet seems dry, add a tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3 minutes until softened and translucent. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant, building a flavorful base for the dish.
- Add Shrimp
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Place the peeled and deveined shrimp into the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and are just cooked through. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Proper cooking ensures shrimp remain juicy and tender, adding a delicate seafood balance.
- Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
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Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Gradually stir in shredded cheese a handful at a time, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. This silky sauce binds all the flavors with rich creaminess.
- Combine & Warm Through
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Return the cooked bacon and sausage to the skillet. Stir gently to coat all ingredients evenly with the cheese sauce, and heat through for another 2–3 minutes to blend flavors beautifully. Avoid overcooking to keep textures perfect.
- Serve
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Serve the skillet meal hot directly from the pan. It’s delicious on its own, or spoon it over warm rice, pasta, or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh, colorful finish.
- Pick fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
- The cheese blend can be adjusted to taste; sharper cheddar gives more tang, Monterey Jack melts smoother.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to incorporate freshness and color.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat or in the microwave to maintain creamy sauce texture and avoid toughening shrimp.
Serving Suggestions
This skillet pairs wonderfully with fluffy white rice or warm pasta to soak up the cheese sauce. For a heartier meal, serve alongside buttery mashed potatoes or crusty bread to mop up every bit of flavor.
- Do not overcook shrimp to keep them tender; remove from the pan as they turn pink.
- Use a mix of cheeses for balanced flavor and better melting quality.
- Render enough bacon fat initially—it adds deep smoky flavor and helps in browning sausage and aromatics.
FAQs
- Can I use frozen shrimp for this dish?
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Yes, just be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess water in the skillet.
- What cheeses work best in this recipe?
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A blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack offers a good balance of flavor and melting texture. You can also try mozzarella or gouda for twist.
- Can I make this dish dairy-free?
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For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free cheese alternatives.
- How spicy is this dish?
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The base recipe is mildly spiced, but you can increase heat by adding more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Can I add vegetables to the skillet?
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Absolutely! Bell peppers, peas, or fresh spinach work well and add great color and nutrition.
- Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
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This dish is best enjoyed fresh. Freezing may alter the texture of creamy sauce and shrimp.
- What should I serve with this skillet?
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Serve with rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
Cheesy Shrimp Sausage Bacon Skillet
Equipment
- 1 large skillet
- 1 slotted spoon
Ingredients
- 8 oz peeled and deveined shrimp
- 7 oz smoked sausage sliced
- 6 to 8 slices bacon chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil optional
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 to 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 1/2 to 2 cups shredded cheese cheddar, Monterey Jack, or blend
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes for a kick
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley or green onions
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook chopped bacon until crisp.
- Remove bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving some rendered fat in the pan.
- Add sliced smoked sausage and cook 3 to 4 minutes until lightly browned, then remove and set aside with the bacon.
- If needed, add olive oil to the skillet, then sauté chopped onion about 3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant.
- Add shrimp and cook 2 to 3 minutes until just turning pink, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Gradually stir in shredded cheese until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Return cooked bacon and sausage to the skillet, stirring gently to coat with the cheesy sauce and heat through for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Serve hot from the skillet alone or over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.
Notes
- Use a cheddar and Monterey Jack blend for best melt and flavor.
- Add hot sauce or cayenne for extra spice.
- Incorporate bell peppers, spinach, or peas for more color and texture.
- Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days; reheat gently to maintain creamy sauce.
