Description
Delight in these Shrimp and Scallion Grit Cups featuring creamy cheese centers and a flavorful shrimp topping. Soft, cheesy grits baked to perfection and crowned with a savory shrimp and scallion blend make for an elegant appetizer or small plate that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
Grits
- 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 to prevent lumps. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally until the grits are thick and creamy.
- Add Cheese and Butter: Remove the cooked grits from heat. Stir in 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup softened cream cheese, and 2 tablespoons of butter until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Sauté Garlic: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook Shrimp and Scallions: Add the shrimp, 3 sliced scallions, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and salt and pepper to the skillet. Cook the shrimp until they turn pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a muffin tin to prevent sticking.
- Assemble Grit Cups: Spoon the cheesy grits into each muffin cup, filling halfway. Place a small dollop of cream cheese in the center of each, then cover with more grits to enclose the cheese fully.
- Bake: Bake the assembled grits cups in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until they are set and slightly golden on top.
- Top with Shrimp Mixture: Once baked, top each grits cup with the prepared shrimp and scallion mixture.
- Serve: Serve these delicious grits cups warm as an appetizer or as a small plate that’s perfect for entertaining.
Notes
- Use stone-ground grits for the best texture and flavor.
- You can substitute sharp cheddar with your favorite cheese, such as gouda or fontina.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the shrimp mixture.
- Ensure the shrimp are fully cooked but not overcooked to maintain tenderness.
- These grits cups can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving.
