If you love comforting Southern flavors with a touch of elegance, then the Shrimp and Scallion Grit Cups with Creamy Cheese Center Recipe is going to be your new favorite. This dish features tender shrimp infused with smoky paprika and bright scallions, nestling atop velvety, cheesy grits that are baked to golden perfection. The creamy cheese center surprise adds a luscious touch that takes these bite-sized cups well beyond ordinary, making them perfect for sharing with friends or savoring as a special treat. Every spoonful combines texture, flavor, and warmth, making it a dish that feels like a big, delicious hug.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is simple but crucial to nailing the balance of flavors and textures in this dish. Each element plays its role in creating the perfect harmony—grits bring creamy comfort, shrimp add a juicy punch, and the cheeses melt together for that irresistible center.
- 1 cup stone-ground grits: The heart of the dish, providing a creamy, slightly coarse texture that stands up well to baking.
- 4 cups water: Essential for cooking the grits to the perfect consistency without thinning them out.
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: Adds a sharp, tangy depth that blends beautifully with the creamy base.
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened: Creates the dreamy, melty core of each grits cup.
- 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined: Provides a succulent, savory topping that contrasts the creamy grit.
- 3 scallions, sliced: Their fresh, mild onion flavor brightens and balances the dish.
- 2 tbsp butter: Enriches the grits and makes the texture silky smooth.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Introduces a subtle aromatic base to the shrimp mixture.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika: Brings a smoky warmth that elevates the shrimp’s flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: For seasoning every layer perfectly.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Used to cook the shrimp and garlic without overpowering the other flavors.
How to Make Shrimp and Scallion Grit Cups with Creamy Cheese Center Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Grits
Start by bringing 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium pot. Slowly whisk in the stone-ground grits to avoid lumps, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the grits cook for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally so they don’t stick. The goal here is a thick, creamy base that’s still a little textured—perfect for shaping into cups.
Step 2: Add the Cheeses and Butter
Once the grits are cooked, remove the pot from heat. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, and butter until everything melts together into one luscious, silky mixture. Season with salt and pepper to enhance all those rich, cheesy notes.
Step 3: Prepare the Shrimp Mixture
In a skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant—about 1 minute—to infuse the oil without burning the garlic. Adding the shrimp and sliced scallions, sprinkle in the smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook everything together until the shrimp turn a beautiful pink and become opaque, around 3 to 4 minutes. This mixture will be the flavorful, zesty topping for the grits cups.
Step 4: Shape and Bake the Grits Cups
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a muffin tin to keep things from sticking. Fill each muffin cup halfway with the cheesy grits mixture. Place a small dollop of cream cheese in the center of each, then top with more grits to completely enclose the creamy center. Bake the cups for about 15 minutes until they’re set and just starting to develop a golden crust on top. This baking step firms them up enough for easy eating while keeping the centers gooey.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Once out of the oven, top each warm grits cup with a generous spoonful of the shrimp and scallion mixture. The contrast of the creamy, cheesy grits and savory shrimp creates a delightful bite every time. Serve these immediately for the best texture and flavor.
How to Serve Shrimp and Scallion Grit Cups with Creamy Cheese Center Recipe
Garnishes
To really make these grits cups shine, consider a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives on top. A small drizzle of hot sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten the flavors beautifully. These little touches add freshness and a pop of color that’s sure to impress your guests.
Side Dishes
While these Shrimp and Scallion Grit Cups with Creamy Cheese Center Recipe items are fantastic as appetizers or small plates, they also pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables. The light sides balance out the richness of the grits and shrimp perfectly for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is part of the fun! Serve the grits cups in a decorative muffin tin or arrange them on a rustic wooden platter with lemon wedges for squeezing. Alternatively, you could make mini skewers by threading one shrimp and scallion-topped cup on a toothpick for easy finger food at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Shrimp and Scallion Grit Cups with Creamy Cheese Center Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days, making them great for quick snacks or reheated appetizers the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked grits cups without the shrimp topping. Once the cups are fully cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 1 month. Add the shrimp topping fresh when reheating for best flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftover grits cups in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. To avoid drying out, cover them loosely with foil. Add the shrimp topping fresh after reheating for that mouthwatering finish.
FAQs
Can I use instant grits instead of stone-ground grits?
Instant grits cook much faster but don’t have the same creamy, hearty texture as stone-ground. For the best results and authenticity in this recipe, stick with stone-ground grits.
What kind of cheese works best for the creamy center?
The combination of sharp cheddar and cream cheese gives a perfect balance of tang and creaminess. You could experiment with Monterey Jack or goat cheese for a different twist, but cheddar and cream cheese is the classic duo here.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients used in the Shrimp and Scallion Grit Cups with Creamy Cheese Center Recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I make the grits cups vegetarian?
Absolutely! Skip the shrimp and top the cups with sautéed mushrooms, roasted vegetables, or even a dollop of tomato jam for a rich, vegetarian-friendly option.
How far ahead can I prepare this dish?
You can prepare and bake the grits cups a day ahead and keep them refrigerated. Add the shrimp topping just before serving to ensure freshness and optimal texture.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Shrimp and Scallion Grit Cups with Creamy Cheese Center Recipe—it’s comfort food with a sophisticated twist that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting friends or treating yourself, these savory, cheesy cups bring warmth and joy to the table. I can’t wait for you to try them and fall in love with their delightful combination of flavors!
Print
Shrimp and Scallion Grit Cups with Creamy Cheese Center Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
These Shrimp and Scallion Grit Cups with Creamy Cheese Center are a delightful appetizer featuring creamy stone-ground grits combined with sharp cheddar and cream cheese, baked to golden perfection, and topped with flavorful sautéed shrimp and scallions seasoned with smoked paprika. Perfect for entertaining or a sophisticated snack.
Ingredients
Grits and Cheese Mixture
- 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 and Scallion 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
- Prepare 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 and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally until the grits have thickened.
- Add Cheese and Butter: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup softened cream cheese, and 2 tablespoons butter until the mixture is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Sauté Garlic: In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 cloves minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Cook Shrimp and Scallions: Add 1/2 pound peeled and deveined shrimp, 3 sliced scallions, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a muffin tin thoroughly.
- Assemble Grit Cups: Fill each muffin cup halfway with the cooked grits mixture. Add a small dollop of cream cheese in the center, then top with more grits to cover the cheese completely.
- Bake: Bake the grits cups in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until they are set and slightly golden on top.
- Add Topping: Remove the grits cups from the oven and top each cup with the cooked shrimp and scallion mixture.
- Serve: Serve the shrimp and scallion grits cups warm as an appetizer or small plate.
Notes
- Using stone-ground grits provides a better texture and flavor than instant grits.
- Make sure grits are thick enough before filling the muffin tins to ensure they hold their shape after baking.
- If preferred, substitute the cream cheese dollop in the center with another type of soft cheese like goat cheese for a different flavor.
- These grits cups are best served warm but can be prepared ahead and reheated gently before serving.
