There is something truly comforting and irresistibly delicious about the Shrimp and Scallion Grit Cups with Creamy Cheese Center Recipe that makes it a standout dish perfect for any occasion. These golden, fluffy grit cups feature a luscious, melty cream cheese core that surprises your palate with each bite, balanced perfectly by Cajun-seasoned shrimp and bright scallions. Whether you’re serving them as an elegant appetizer or a satisfying main course, this recipe delivers southern charm with a modern twist that will have everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of simple yet crucial ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor, texture, and color in every bite. Each component plays its part perfectly, from the creamy cheese to the zesty shrimp and the tender, cheesy grits themselves.
- 1 cup stone-ground grits: Provides the hearty, slightly chewy base that holds the dish together with just the right texture.
- 4 cups chicken broth (or water): Adds depth of flavor while cooking the grits to creamy perfection.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the grits and shrimp without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Offers a subtle sharpness that brightens the dish.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and silky smoothness to the grits.
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded): Melts into the grits, creating that signature cheesy punch.
- 4 ounces cream cheese (cubed): The star of the creamy cheese center, melting luxuriously inside each cup.
- 1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined): The spicy, succulent topping that complements the creamy grits.
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning: Brings a bold, smoky kick that elevates the shrimp to perfection.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for sautéing shrimp, ensuring they stay juicy and flavorful.
- 4 scallions (sliced, divided): Provides freshness and a mild oniony twang as garnish and mix-in.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: Adds a pop of color and herbal brightness to finish the dish.
How to Make Shrimp and Scallion Grit Cups with Creamy Cheese Center Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Muffin Tin and Cook Grits
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a 12-cup muffin tin so the grit cups come out cleanly and hold their shape. In a medium saucepan, bring your chicken broth to a boil before stirring in the stone-ground grits. Turn down the heat and cook the grits, stirring frequently to keep the texture smooth, until they thicken—this usually takes about 15 minutes.
Step 2: Enrich the Grits
Once thickened, stir in the unsalted butter, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, salt, and black pepper. This blend turns the grits irresistibly creamy and cheesy, which forms the perfect base for your cups. Then divide the grits into your muffin tin, pressing them down gently but firmly to create little wells in the center of each to hold the cream cheese later.
Step 3: Add the Cream Cheese Center and Bake
Drop a cube of cream cheese into each indentation, then cover it with a bit more of the cheese-laden grits to fully enclose the creamy center. Bake your filled muffin tin for 15 minutes or until the grit cups are set and golden at the edges, giving you that satisfying firmness on the outside while maintaining the gooey cheese inside.
Step 4: Sauté the Cajun Shrimp
While the grit cups bake, toss your peeled and deveined shrimp with the Cajun seasoning for that signature southern spice. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and quickly sauté the shrimp, about 2 to 3 minutes per side, until they are perfectly pink and opaque. This swift cook keeps them tender and bursting with flavor.
Step 5: Assemble and Garnish
Remove the grit cups from the oven and top each with a few sautéed shrimp and a scatter of sliced scallions. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for that beautiful burst of green and fresh herbaceousness.
How to Serve Shrimp and Scallion Grit Cups with Creamy Cheese Center Recipe
Garnishes
A little fresh parsley goes a long way, adding brightness and visual appeal, but I also love a sprinkle of extra scallions or even a dash of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flair. A tiny lemon wedge on the side can brighten up the crooning cheese and spice beautifully.
Side Dishes
These grit cups are hearty but not overwhelming, so pairing them with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables balances the meal wonderfully. Southern-style collard greens or grilled asparagus also work perfectly, adding a touch of earthiness and freshness to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve these cups on a rustic wooden board with a drizzle of spicy remoulade sauce alongside. For a party, offer individual servings in small ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets for that extra special touch. They’re just as attractive as they are tasty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover shrimp and scallion grit cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the shrimp separate if possible to preserve their texture, reheating the grit cups gently when ready to serve.
Freezing
Freeze leftover grit cups before topping with shrimp by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. They keep well for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your grit cups in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to bring back their crisp edges and creamy centers. Add the shrimp and scallions fresh after warming to maintain their tender, juicy texture.
FAQs
Can I make the Shrimp and Scallion Grit Cups with Creamy Cheese Center Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Instead of shrimp, try sautéed mushrooms or roasted bell peppers with Cajun spices to keep the smoky, spicy flavor while making it vegetarian-friendly.
What type of cheese works best for the creamy center?
Cream cheese is ideal because it melts smoothly and creates that luscious, gooey surprise center. You can also add a small mix of Parmesan for extra depth if you like.
Can I use regular grits instead of stone-ground?
Stone-ground grits are preferred for their texture and flavor, but if you only have regular grits, just adjust the cooking time and broth to avoid overly mushy results.
Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes! Grits are naturally gluten-free, and as long as your seasonings and broth don’t contain gluten, this recipe is safe for those avoiding gluten.
How spicy are the Cajun-seasoned shrimp?
The shrimp have a gentle kick from the Cajun seasoning—enough to add warmth and flavor without overwhelming the dish. Adjust the seasoning to your taste if you prefer less heat.
Final Thoughts
I promise, once you make these Shrimp and Scallion Grit Cups with Creamy Cheese Center Recipe, they will easily become a beloved addition to your recipe rotation. They embody all the best parts of southern cooking with an inviting creaminess and a lively kick from the shrimp that’s simply unforgettable. So warm up that oven and get ready to impress friends and family with this cozy, cheesy, and flavorful dish!
Print
Shrimp and Scallion Grit Cups with Creamy Cheese Center Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 grit cups
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern, American
Description
Delicious Shrimp and Scallion Grit Cups with a creamy cheese center, combining tender Cajun-seasoned shrimp with sharp cheddar-infused stone-ground grits. Perfect as an elegant appetizer or a hearty main course, these cups blend Southern flavors with a rich, cheesy texture, finished with fresh scallions and parsley for a vibrant touch.
Ingredients
Grit Cups
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 4 cups chicken broth (or water)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed
Shrimp Topping
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 scallions, sliced, divided
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Muffin Tin: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Grits: In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Stir in the stone-ground grits, reduce heat to low, and cook until the mixture thickens, about 15 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid lumps.
- Mix in Butter and Cheese: Once thickened, stir in the unsalted butter, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
- Assemble the Grit Cups: Spoon the cheese-infused grits evenly into the prepared muffin cups, pressing down slightly to create a small indentation in the center of each cup. Place a cube of cream cheese into each indentation, then cover with a bit more grits to enclose the cream cheese fully.
- Bake the Grit Cups: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the grits are set and firm to the touch.
- Prepare the Shrimp: While the grits bake, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the baked grit cups from the oven. Top each cup with cooked Cajun shrimp and sliced scallions. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm for an inviting Southern-style dish.
Notes
- These grit cups can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving for convenience.
- For added richness, incorporate a little Parmesan cheese into the grits mixture.
- To make this dish vegetarian, substitute the Cajun shrimp with sautéed mushrooms seasoned similarly.
