Shrimp and Grits Bites Recipe
Looking for a bite-sized twist on a Southern classic? Shrimp and Grits Bites bring all the creamy, cheesy, and spicy flavors you love—packaged into irresistible, hand-held nibbles that are perfect for parties, brunch spreads, or anytime you want your comfort food in appetizer form. Grits, rich with cheddar and parmesan, create a firm base that cradles juicy, Cajun-spiced shrimp and a hit of fresh herbs on top. There’s a reason these little bites disappear within minutes of hitting the table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Great dishes start with great ingredients. Shrimp and Grits Bites keep things straightforward, but every component adds its own signature flavor, texture, and splash of color—so don’t skimp on quality or freshness!
- Stone-Ground Grits: Bring classic Southern texture and heartiness to form the “base” of every bite.
- Water: Essential for cooking the grits—use fresh, filtered water for the best flavor.
- Salt: Enhances all the cheesy, savory elements of both grits and shrimp.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds unmistakable creaminess and silkiness to the grits.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Gives every bite that bold, melty, cheesy punch.
- Parmesan Cheese: Lends a salty, nutty depth and helps the grits bites hold together.
- Small Shrimp: The star ingredient—make sure they’re peeled, deveined, and ready to soak up flavor.
- Olive Oil: Brings out the savory richness while helping the Cajun spices cling to the shrimp.
- Cajun Seasoning: For a smoky, spicy kick that wakes up your taste buds.
- Garlic: Adds a fragrant, aromatic punch to the shrimp.
- Lemon Juice: A spritz of brightness to finish the shrimp and balance out the richness.
- Chopped Chives or Parsley: Fresh herbs for garnish add a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
- Nonstick Cooking Spray or Butter: Ensures your bites release cleanly from the mini muffin tin.
How to Make Shrimp and Grits Bites
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat
Start by getting your mini muffin tin ready! Generously grease each cup with nonstick spray or a dab of butter so your Shrimp and Grits Bites will slide out beautifully when they’re done. At the same time, preheat your oven to 375°F so it’s hot and ready when your bites are assembled.
Step 2: Cook Creamy, Cheesy Grits
In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water and a teaspoon of salt to a lively boil. Slowly whisk in the stone-ground grits—doing this gradually prevents lumps and ensures a creamy texture. Lower the heat and simmer for about 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the grits are thick and comforting. Off the heat, stir in the butter, sharp cheddar, and Parmesan until everything melts together into a golden, cheesy bliss.
Step 3: Fill and Shape the Mini Bites
Spoon the cheesy grits mixture into the prepared mini muffin tin, filling each cup right up to the top. Use the back of a spoon to gently press the surface and make a small indentation in the center of each—this is where your shrimp will sit later. This step guarantees the perfect vehicle for the next burst of flavor!
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Pop the filled muffin tin into the oven and bake for about 15–18 minutes. You’re looking for the Shrimp and Grits Bites to firm up and take on a slight golden hue at the edges. After baking, give them a few minutes to cool so they set up and hold together when you remove them from the pan.
Step 5: Sauté Spicy Shrimp
While your grits are baking, toss your peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, and minced garlic. Heat a skillet over medium, add the shrimp, and cook for 3–4 minutes until they turn a pretty pink and curl up. Squeeze on that fresh lemon juice once they’re off the heat for a hit of zest and brightness.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
Once your grits bites have cooled slightly, gently release them from the muffin tin. Top each one with a sizzling shrimp, add a sprinkle of chopped chives or parsley for a splash of color, and serve right away while everything’s warm and inviting. It doesn’t get more craveable than this!
How to Serve Shrimp and Grits Bites
Garnishes
A finishing sprinkle of freshly chopped chives or parsley not only adds a pop of vibrant green but also a fresh, delicate flavor that balances out the dish’s richness. For an extra layer of indulgence, consider a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt or a quick drizzle of hot sauce on top for guests who love a little added heat!
Side Dishes
Shrimp and Grits Bites shine brightest when paired with other Southern-inspired nibbles. Serve alongside tangy coleslaw, a platter of pickled okra, crispy bacon-wrapped asparagus, or even deviled eggs for a spread that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Creative Ways to Present
You can stack your Shrimp and Grits Bites on a cake stand for a dramatic centerpiece, or line them up on a rustic wooden board for a cozy, homey vibe. They also look fantastic on bright serving platters, surrounded by lemon wedges and a scattering of fresh herbs, so guests can help themselves at parties or brunches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If (and that’s a big if) you find yourself with leftover Shrimp and Grits Bites, let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 2 days, making midnight snacking dangerously easy!
Freezing
For longer storage, these bites freeze surprisingly well. Once the grits bases have cooled, wrap them individually or arrange them in a single layer in an airtight container. Keep the cooked shrimp separate to maintain the best texture. Both components can be frozen for up to a month, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and assembling.
Reheating
To enjoy Shrimp and Grits Bites just like they’re fresh, reheat the grits bases in a 325°F oven for about 8–10 minutes until warmed through. Gently reheat the shrimp in a skillet over low heat or with a few seconds in the microwave, then assemble just before serving. This keeps everything juicy and delicious!
FAQs
Can I use instant grits instead of stone-ground grits?
You can, but stone-ground grits give the best texture and flavor for Shrimp and Grits Bites. If you must use instant grits, make sure to cook them a little thicker than usual so your bites still hold together nicely.
How spicy are these bites?
The Cajun seasoning gives the shrimp a nice, gentle heat that most people find very approachable. If you love serious spice, add a dash of hot sauce to either the grits or the shrimp, or serve with hot sauce on the side!
Can I make Shrimp and Grits Bites ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the grits bases a day in advance and store them in the fridge. The shrimp can also be cooked ahead and quickly reheated before topping. Assemble just before serving for the best taste and texture.
Are these gluten-free?
Yes, Shrimp and Grits Bites are naturally gluten-free! Just be sure your Cajun seasoning doesn’t contain any hidden wheat flour or gluten-containing additives.
What size shrimp works best?
Small shrimp (often labeled 51–60 count per pound) fit perfectly on each bite and are easy for guests to eat in a single, satisfying mouthful. If you have larger shrimp, just slice them in half lengthwise before sautéing and assembling.
Final Thoughts
Once you make a batch of Shrimp and Grits Bites, don’t be surprised if they become your new go-to appetizer! They bring the best of Southern comfort food together in a mouthwatering package that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Gather your friends, serve a platter, and watch the smiles appear—because these bites always steal the show.
Print
Shrimp and Grits Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 bites 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These shrimp and grits bites are a delightful twist on a classic Southern favorite. Creamy cheddar grits form the base for perfectly cooked shrimp, creating a flavorful and elegant appetizer that’s perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
Grits:
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Shrimp:
- 1 pound small shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Additional:
- Chopped chives or parsley (for garnish)
- Nonstick cooking spray or butter (for mini muffin tin)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a mini muffin tin with nonstick spray or butter.
- Cook the shrimp: Toss shrimp with oil, Cajun seasoning, and garlic. Sauté until cooked through, then drizzle with lemon juice.
In a medium saucepan, bring water and salt to a boil. Whisk in the grits, reduce heat, and simmer until thick. Stir in butter and cheeses. Spoon into muffin tin and bake.
Remove the baked grits, top with cooked shrimp, garnish, and serve warm.
Notes
- These are perfect for parties and can be made ahead.
- To make them spicier, add hot sauce to the grits or shrimp seasoning.
- If using frozen shrimp, thaw and pat dry before cooking.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking and Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
