Shrimp and Scallion Grit Cups with Creamy Cheese Center Recipe
There is something truly irresistible about the marriage of creamy, cheesy grits with tender shrimp and fresh scallions, all perfectly nestled in charming little cups. This Shrimp and Scallion Grit Cups with Creamy Cheese Center Recipe is a delightful twist on Southern comfort food, offering bursts of flavor in every bite, complemented by a luscious cheese core that melts your heart. Whether you’re entertaining friends or just craving a comforting snack, these grits cups bring together a beautiful balance of smoky paprika, garlicky shrimp, and the rich texture of stone-ground grits that you won’t be able to resist making again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients often create the most spectacular dishes, and this Shrimp and Scallion Grit Cups with Creamy Cheese Center Recipe is no exception. Each component plays a vital role, whether it’s the creamy cheeses lending richness, the fresh scallions adding a mild brightness, or the smoked paprika bringing a little warmth and depth. Let’s dive into the essentials to make sure your dish shines with every ingredient.
- Stone-ground grits: The foundation of this dish, giving you that authentic, hearty texture and subtle corn flavor.
- Water: Used to cook the grits slowly to perfection, ensuring they’re creamy and smooth.
- Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: Adds a bold, tangy note and melty richness.
- Cream cheese, softened: The secret weapon for that irresistibly creamy center in each cup.
- Shrimp, peeled and deveined: Brings a tender, slightly sweet seafood element that pairs beautifully with the grits.
- Scallions, sliced: Adds freshness and a gentle onion flavor that brightens the dish.
- Butter: Enhances the creaminess and deepens the flavor of the grits.
- Garlic, minced: Offers an aromatic base for the shrimp, elevating every bite.
- Smoked paprika: Introduces a subtle smokiness that complements the shrimp perfectly.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that bring the dish together with balance.
- Olive oil: For sautéing the shrimp and garlic to savory perfection.
How to Make Shrimp and Scallion Grit Cups with Creamy Cheese Center Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Grits to Creamy Perfection
Begin by bringing 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium-sized pot. Slowly whisk in the stone-ground grits to avoid clumps, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Patience is key here; cooking the grits gently for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, ensures they become thick and velvety.
Step 2: Add Cheeses and Butter
Once the grits have thickened, remove the pot from heat. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, and butter while the grits are still hot. This step transforms the grits into a luxuriously creamy canvas. Season well with salt and pepper to bring out every nuanced flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Shrimp and Scallion Mixture
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and add the minced garlic. Let it cook just until fragrant—around one minute—to avoid bitterness. Toss in the shrimp along with sliced scallions and sprinkle smoked paprika, salt, and pepper over the top. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. This combo fills your kitchen with an incredible aroma and enlivens the flavors of the dish.
Step 4: Assemble the Grit Cups
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and generously grease a muffin tin to prevent sticking. Fill each muffin cup halfway with the creamy grits, then add a small dollop of cream cheese right in the center—that signature creamy cheese center everyone will adore. Cover the cream cheese with more grits to seal in that gooey surprise.
Step 5: Bake the Grit Cups
Bake the grits cups for about 15 minutes until they have set and gained a slight golden hue on top. This step ensures they hold their shape when unmolded and develop a subtle crust that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior.
Step 6: Top with Shrimp and Scallions
Carefully remove the cups from the muffin tin and crown each one with a generous spoonful of the aromatic shrimp and scallion mixture. Serve these vibrant, bite-sized delights warm, perfect as appetizers or small plates for any occasion.
How to Serve Shrimp and Scallion Grit Cups with Creamy Cheese Center Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Shrimp and Scallion Grit Cups with Creamy Cheese Center Recipe even further, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and herbal brightness. A light drizzle of hot sauce or a dusting of smoked paprika can add an exciting kick if you love a little extra heat.
Side Dishes
These grits cups pair beautifully with crisp, refreshing side salads like a simple mixed green with a tangy vinaigrette or a bright tomato cucumber salad. For heartier meals, try serving them alongside roasted vegetables or a light green vegetable sautéed with garlic and lemon to add a contrasting texture and flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your presentation stand out by serving the grits cups on a wooden charcuterie board surrounded by small bowls of complementary sauces such as spicy aioli or tangy remoulade. Alternatively, place each cup on a bed of lightly dressed arugula with a lemon wedge on the side, allowing guests to customize their bites with a bright squeeze of citrus.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers, store the grits cups and shrimp mixture separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keeping the components separate helps maintain the best texture and flavor when you’re ready to enjoy them again.
Freezing
You can freeze the grits cups before baking for up to one month. Simply assemble the grits cups in the muffin tin, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and freeze. When ready, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. The shrimp topping is best prepared fresh, but you can also freeze it cooked for quick reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the grits cups in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisped on top. Reheat the shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave for a few seconds to avoid overcooking. Assemble and serve immediately to enjoy their full deliciousness.
FAQs
Can I use regular grits instead of stone-ground?
While regular grits work as a substitute, stone-ground grits provide a creamier texture and more nuanced flavor, which really elevates this recipe.
What kind of cheese works best for the creamy center?
Cream cheese is ideal for the center because it melts smoothly and offers a rich, tangy contrast to the sharper cheddar folded into the grits.
Can I prepare the shrimp ahead of time?
Yes, cooking the shrimp in advance saves time. Just keep it refrigerated and gently reheat before assembling the dish.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables to maintain the savory depth without seafood.
How spicy is the dish with smoked paprika?
Smoked paprika adds warmth and smoky flavor but is not spicy hot. You can adjust or omit it based on your heat preference.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp and Scallion Grit Cups with Creamy Cheese Center Recipe is a superb way to impress your loved ones with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. The combination of textures and savory layers in each bite makes it a true standout whether served at a gathering or enjoyed as a comforting treat. Give it a try—it might just become your new favorite go-to dish!
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Shrimp and Scallion Grit Cups with Creamy Cheese Center Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Shrimp and Scallion Grit Cups with a Creamy Cheese Center are a delicious and elegant appetizer perfect for gatherings. Stone-ground grits are cooked to creamy perfection, layered with sharp cheddar and cream cheese, then baked until golden. Topped with sautéed shrimp, scallions, and smoked paprika, this dish offers rich flavors and a satisfying texture in every bite.
Ingredients
Grits Base
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Shrimp Topping
- 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 scallions, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the grits: Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium pot. Slowly whisk in 1 cup of stone-ground grits, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally until the grits thicken to a creamy consistency.
- Make the cheesy grits base: Remove the pot from heat and stir in 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup softened cream cheese, and 2 tablespoons butter until fully melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Sauté the shrimp and scallions: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 2 cloves minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add 1/2 pound peeled and deveined shrimp, 3 sliced scallions, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook shrimp until pink and opaque, around 3-4 minutes.
- Prepare for baking: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin well to prevent sticking.
- Assemble the grits cups: Fill each muffin cup halfway with the cheesy grits mixture. Add a small dollop of cream cheese in the center of each cup, then top with more grits to cover the cream cheese completely.
- Bake the grits cups: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 15 minutes or until the grits cups are set and slightly golden on top.
- Top with shrimp mixture: Remove the baked grits cups from the oven. Spoon the sautéed shrimp and scallion mixture over each cup.
- Serve warm: Serve the shrimp and scallion grits cups warm as a sophisticated appetizer or small plate that’s sure to impress guests.
Notes
- Stone-ground grits provide the best texture and flavor, but any good quality grits can be used.
- Adjust smoked paprika amount based on your preferred spice level.
- For easier serving, use a small spoon or piping bag to fill muffin cups.
- These can be made ahead and reheated in the oven before serving.
- To make the dish gluten free, ensure grits and all other ingredients are certified gluten free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
