Description
These Shrimp and Scallion Grit Cups with Creamy Cheese are a delightful Southern-inspired appetizer perfect for parties or brunch. Creamy, cheesy grits are baked into convenient little cups and topped with flavorful Cajun-seasoned shrimp and fresh scallions, delivering a rich and savory bite-size treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Grit Cups
- 1 cup quick-cooking grits
- 4 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Nonstick spray or butter (for greasing muffin tin)
Shrimp Topping
- 1/2 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for shrimp)
- 2 scallions (thinly sliced)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a muffin tin well with nonstick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Grits: In a saucepan, bring the water or chicken broth along with salt to a boil. Stir in the quick-cooking grits, reduce heat to low, and cook while stirring frequently for 5–7 minutes until the grits have thickened.
- Add Cheeses and Butter: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in shredded sharp cheddar cheese, cream cheese, butter, and black pepper. Blend everything until the mixture is smooth, rich, and creamy.
- Shape and Bake the Grit Cups: Spoon the cheesy grits into each muffin cup, filling about 3/4 full. Use the back of a spoon to press down gently in the center to create a shallow indentation or ‘cup’ shape. Bake in the oven for 15–18 minutes until cups are set and lightly golden on top.
- Cook the Shrimp: While the grit cups bake, season the peeled and deveined shrimp with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat and cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are cooked through.
- Assemble and Serve: Remove the grit cups from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Carefully remove each grit cup from the muffin tin. Top each cup with one cooked shrimp and a sprinkle of thinly sliced scallions. Serve warm for best taste.
Notes
- These grit cups make excellent party appetizers or brunch bites.
- You can prepare the grit cups in advance and reheat them before topping with shrimp.
- For added flavor, consider serving with hot sauce or a squeeze of fresh lemon.
