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
Scale
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
