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
Scale
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
