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
Scale
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.
