Shrimp and Grits Bites Recipe
If you’re craving a bite-sized burst of Southern comfort that’s both indulgent and downright delicious, you have to try this Shrimp and Grits Bites Recipe. These little morsels capture all the creamy, cheesy goodness of traditional shrimp and grits but in a perfectly portable, party-ready form that’s sure to wow your friends and family. Imagine tender, savory shrimp perched atop golden, cheesy grits rounds—a match made in flavor heaven that’s just waiting for you to dive in and savor every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Shrimp and Grits Bites Recipe comes together beautifully with simple, quality ingredients that each bring their own special touch. From the creamy texture of the grits to the spicy kick of Cajun seasoning, these components work in harmony to deliver a symphony of flavors and colors on your plate.
- Water and Milk: The perfect liquid duo for cooking grits to creamy, smooth perfection.
- Quick-cooking Grits: A Southern staple that forms the comforting base of the bites, giving a tender yet slightly firm texture.
- Salt: Essential to bring out the natural flavors in the grits and shrimp.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Adds a rich, tangy creaminess that melts into the grits for that irresistible bite.
- Unsalted Butter: Brings a luscious richness that ties everything together without overwhelming the delicate flavors.
- Egg: Acts as a binder, helping the grits set up nicely after baking, especially important if you want perfect little rounds that hold their shape.
- Flour (optional): Gives a bit more firmness to the grits base if you prefer a sturdier bite.
- Medium Shrimp: Peeled and deveined shrimp are tender and substantial enough to balance the creamy grit base.
- Olive Oil or Butter: For searing shrimp, imparting a subtle richness and helping the spices cling beautifully.
- Cajun Seasoning: A blend of spices that brings smoky heat and depth, making the shrimp pop with flavor.
- Chopped Chives or Green Onions: Fresh, vibrant garnishes that add a mild oniony crunch and a splash of color.
How to Make Shrimp and Grits Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Grits Mixture
Start by bringing the water and milk to a boil in a saucepan—this combo is the canvas for your creamy grits. Stir in the quick-cooking grits and salt, then reduce the heat and cook until thickened, about 5 to 7 minutes. Once thick and creamy, stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and butter so they melt into every spoonful. After letting the mixture cool just a bit, fold in the beaten egg and optional flour; this step is key to making sure your bites hold together perfectly after baking.
Step 2: Form and Bake the Grits Bites
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a mini muffin tin—they’ll serve as the perfect shape and size mold for these delightful bites. Spoon the grits mixture into each cup, smoothing the tops so they bake evenly. Pop the tray in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the edges turn golden and the bites become firm to the touch. Let them cool slightly before gently popping them out—this makes them easier to handle and maintains their shape.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Toss the peeled shrimp with Cajun seasoning evenly, layering in all that spicy flavor. Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. This quick cooking gives the shrimp a beautiful pink color, firm texture, and locks in juicy deliciousness—your taste buds are in for a treat!
Step 4: Assemble the Shrimp and Grits Bites Recipe
Top each golden grits round with a perfectly cooked shrimp. To finish, sprinkle chopped chives or green onions over the top for a fresh burst of crunch and a lovely pop of green color. These bites are best served warm, letting all those textures and flavors shine together in every mouthful.
How to Serve Shrimp and Grits Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes like chopped chives or green onions is a must—they brighten the dish visually and add just the right amount of mild, fresh onion flavor that cuts through the richness. A light drizzle of hot sauce or a squeeze of fresh lemon can also elevate these bites if you love a little zing on your plate.
Side Dishes
These bites shine as a snack or appetizer, but they also play well alongside crisp, refreshing sides like a simple mixed greens salad or coleslaw to balance the savory richness. For a more indulgent spread, pair them with creamy mac and cheese or sautéed greens to make a Southern feast that everyone will remember.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve these Shrimp and Grits Bites Recipe on a wooden board with colorful dipping sauces like remoulade or a tangy aioli arranged artfully around them. You can also skewer a shrimp and grits bite with a small pick and garnish with a tiny cherry tomato or olive—easy finger food for parties that looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover shrimp and grits bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep nicely for up to 3 days, making them perfect for make-ahead snacks or quick appetizers throughout the week.
Freezing
To freeze, lay the cooked grits bites on a baking sheet in a single layer to freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. The shrimp is best added fresh, but you can freeze just the grits rounds separately for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating
For the tastiest reheated bites, warm them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through—this keeps the texture intact better than the microwave. Add freshly cooked shrimp on top if you froze the grits alone, and garnish just before serving to keep the bites vibrant.
FAQs
Can I make Shrimp and Grits Bites Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply omit the optional flour in the grits mixture or substitute it with a gluten-free alternative, and you’re good to go. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
What type of shrimp works best?
Medium-sized shrimp are ideal for these bites because they fit nicely on the grits base and cook quickly without drying out. Make sure they’re peeled and deveined for ease of eating.
Can I use stone-ground grits instead of quick-cooking?
You can, but keep in mind stone-ground grits take longer to cook and may change the timing and texture slightly. If you do choose stone-ground, be patient to achieve that perfect creamy consistency before baking.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
While shrimp is key to the classic flavor, you can swap in sautéed mushrooms or spicy roasted chickpeas for a delicious vegetarian twist that still pairs wonderfully with cheesy grits bites.
Can I prepare the grits base in advance?
Yes! The grits can be made up to a day ahead and refrigerated. When ready to use, just add the egg and optional flour, then bake as usual. This can save you some time on the day of serving.
Final Thoughts
There’s something utterly irresistible about a recipe that combines comfort, flavor, and elegance all in one bite. This Shrimp and Grits Bites Recipe captures that spirit perfectly, making it a fantastic addition to any gathering or a special treat just for yourself. Trust me, once you try these little gems, they’ll quickly become one of your go-to favorites. So, grab those ingredients and get ready to delight your senses—this is Southern hospitality at its finest!
Print
Shrimp and Grits Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
Description
These Shrimp and Grits Bites are a delightful appetizer featuring creamy, cheesy quick-cooking grits baked into bite-sized rounds and topped with perfectly seared Cajun-seasoned shrimp. Ideal for parties or as a flavorful snack, these savory bites combine Southern comfort food flavors with elegant presentation.
Ingredients
Grits Mixture
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup quick-cooking grits
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tbsp flour (optional, for firmness)
Shrimp
- 16–20 medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
Garnish
- Chopped chives or green onions
Instructions
- Make the Grits: In a saucepan, bring the water and milk to a boil. Stir in the quick-cooking grits and salt, then reduce the heat to low. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and unsalted butter until fully melted and combined. Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then mix in the beaten egg and the optional flour if desired for additional firmness.
- Form Bites: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin tin. Spoon the prepared grits mixture evenly into the muffin cups and smooth the tops with the back of a spoon. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the edges are firm and golden brown. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before carefully removing the grits bites from the tin.
- Cook the Shrimp: Toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated. Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and sear for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove from heat.
- Assemble Bites: Place one cooked shrimp on top of each grits round. Garnish with chopped chives or green onions for a fresh, colorful touch. Serve the shrimp and grits bites warm as a delicious appetizer or snack.
Notes
- For firmer grits bites, include the optional 1 tbsp flour when mixing in the egg.
- Use quick-cooking grits for a faster preparation; regular grits would require longer cooking time.
- Cajun seasoning can be adjusted to taste or substituted with other spices such as Old Bay or smoked paprika.
- These bites can be prepared ahead of time and gently reheated before serving.
- Mini muffin tins work best for uniform and bite-sized portions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
