Mashed Potatoes with Gravy and Shrimp is the ultimate comfort food dinner creamy, buttery mashed potatoes topped with plump, juicy shrimp smothered in rich homemade gravy. It’s Southern-inspired comfort at its finest, combining hearty potatoes with the bold, savory flavor of a shrimp-and-roux-style gravy that’s wonderfully indulgent yet easy enough for weeknights.
Whether served as a weeknight meal or a cozy weekend treat, this dish delivers warmth and Southern charm in every bite. It’s perfect for shrimp lovers who want something different from the usual seafood fare while staying true to classic, home-cooked taste.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp and Gravy
- 2 pounds raw peeled shrimp
- 1½ cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter
- 2 stalks green onion, sliced
- 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Kitchen Bouquet (optional, for color)
For the Mashed Potatoes
- 6 Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ¼ cup whole milk or cream
- 3 tablespoons sour cream (optional)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Step-by-Step Method
Step 1: Prepare the potatoes
Place peeled, cubed potatoes into a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain well and return to the warm pot to let excess moisture evaporate.
Step 2: Mash and season
Add milk (or cream), butter, and sour cream (if using) to the potatoes. Mash until creamy and smooth, adding more milk if needed for consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste. For extra richness, fold in shredded cheddar cheese while the potatoes are still warm. Set aside and keep covered.
Step 3: Start the shrimp gravy base
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped celery and green onions, cooking until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Thicken the gravy
In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch into the broth until smooth. Pour the mixture into the skillet and stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom (these add flavor). Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the liquid starts to thicken.
Step 5: Season and finish the gravy
Stir in Cajun seasoning (if using), salt, and black pepper. Add the Kitchen Bouquet for deeper color and richness if desired. Taste and adjust the seasoning you want a savory, slightly peppery gravy that complements the shrimp and potatoes.
Step 6: Add the shrimp
Add the raw shrimp to the skillet and gently stir them into the gravy. Cook over medium heat for 4–5 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking; shrimp can become rubbery if left on the heat too long.
Step 7: Combine and serve
Spoon generous portions of mashed potatoes onto plates or into shallow bowls. Top with the shrimp and ladle the warm gravy over each serving. Garnish with extra sliced green onions or a sprinkle of freshly ground pepper for color and flavor.
Expert Tips for Success
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Use fresh shrimp: Fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp will ensure the best flavor and texture. Thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat dry before cooking.
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Adjust your gravy: If it’s too thick, stir in a splash of broth. If too thin, simmer a few more minutes to reduce.
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Flavor layering: The celery and green onions build an aromatic base don’t skip them. For more depth, you can add a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
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Mashed potato texture: Warm milk and butter blend more smoothly into the potatoes than cold ingredients, ensuring extra creaminess.
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Make it spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the gravy if you like a little heat.
Tasty Variations to Try
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Garlic Parmesan twist: Stir grated Parmesan and roasted garlic into the mashed potatoes for a new level of richness.
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Smoky Cajun version: Use Andouille sausage slices along with shrimp for added depth and a New Orleans–style flair.
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Vegetarian option: Skip the shrimp and use sautéed mushrooms or mixed vegetables, keeping the same flavorful gravy.
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Cheesy shrimp gravy: Stir a handful of sharp cheddar or pepper jack cheese into the gravy for a decadent finish.
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Herb butter potatoes: Mix chopped fresh herbs like thyme or parsley into the mashed potatoes for added freshness.
Serving Ideas
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Pair with a side of buttered green beans or roasted asparagus for a complete Southern-inspired meal.
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Serve smaller portions as an elevated appetizer in ramekins or mini bowls.
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Add a simple garden salad with lemon vinaigrette to brighten the rich flavors.
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Complement with buttermilk biscuits or cornbread for some extra Southern flair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just make sure to fully thaw and pat dry before cooking. Frozen shrimp often release extra water, which can thin the gravy if not drained properly.
Can I make the gravy ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the gravy up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Warm it gently on the stovetop and add the shrimp just before serving so they stay tender and juicy.
What kind of potatoes are best?
Russet potatoes are ideal because they mash up light and fluffy. Yukon Golds also work well if you prefer a creamier consistency.
Can I skip the cornstarch?
You can substitute with 2 tablespoons of flour to thicken the gravy, but cornstarch creates a smoother, glossier texture.
How long does this keep?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen the gravy.
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Mashed Potatoes with Gravy and Shrimp
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes paired with juicy shrimp in a soulful, seafood-roux style gravy. A Southern-inspired comfort dish perfect for cozy weeknights or weekend dinners.
Ingredients
Shrimp & Gravy
2 lbs raw peeled shrimp
1½ cups chicken or vegetable broth
2 tablespoons cornstarch
¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter
2 stalks green onion, sliced
1 stalk celery, finely chopped
3–4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon Kitchen Bouquet (optional, for color)
Mashed Potatoes
6 Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
¼ cup whole milk or cream
3 tablespoons sour cream (optional)
4 tablespoons butter
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Boil cubed potatoes in salted water for 15 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and return to pot to release steam.
- Add milk, butter, and sour cream to potatoes. Mash until smooth, adding more milk as needed. Season to taste. Fold in cheese if using. Keep warm.
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium. Sauté celery and green onions 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic, cook 30 seconds.
- Whisk cornstarch into broth. Pour into skillet, scraping browned bits. Simmer 2–3 minutes until thickened.
- Add Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, and Kitchen Bouquet (if using). Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Stir in shrimp, cooking 4–5 minutes until pink and opaque. Do not overcook.
- Plate mashed potatoes, spoon shrimp and gravy over top, and garnish with green onions or pepper.
Notes
Thaw and pat dry frozen shrimp before cooking.
Adjust gravy texture with extra broth or longer reduction.
Warm milk blends smoothly for creamier mashed potatoes.
Add hot sauce or cayenne for a spicy kick.
Make gravy ahead and add shrimp when ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
Keywords: shrimp gravy recipe, southern mashed potatoes with shrimp, seafood comfort food, cajun shrimp with gravy, shrimp and potatoes dinner
