If you’re searching for an irresistible way to wow your guests or jazz up your own weeknight dinner, look no further than Shrimp and Scallion Grit Cups with Creamy Cheese Center. This southern-inspired favorite packs bite-sized comfort into every cup, with fluffy cheddar grits hiding a decadent cream cheese core, topped with spicy Cajun shrimp and a shower of scallions. It’s an appetizer that feels like a celebration, delivering a snap of flavor and creamy texture in each bite—pure happiness for your tastebuds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the things I love most about Shrimp and Scallion Grit Cups with Creamy Cheese Center is how a handful of fundamental ingredients come together so beautifully. Each addition brings just the right punch of taste, creamy texture, or pop of color that makes this dish special.
- Stone-ground grits: The backbone of each grit cup, their slightly coarse texture ensures the base is hearty and satisfying.
- Chicken broth (or water): Using broth gives the grits extra savor and depth, but water will work for a lighter version.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to give the grits and shrimp a well-rounded flavor profile.
- Unsalted butter: Melts into the grits for richness and a silky mouthfeel.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Adds a bold, tangy bite and turns the grits golden and gooey with every spoonful.
- Cream cheese: Cubes of this dreamy cheese bring a luscious, melty surprise to the center of each grit cup.
- Shrimp: Firm, sweet, and substantial, shrimp are the showy topping that makes these cups shine.
- Cajun seasoning: Lends a punchy, smoky spice to the shrimp for instant Southern flair.
- Olive oil: Smoothly sautés the shrimp without overpowering their flavor.
- Scallions: Sliced fresh, they provide a bright boost of color and oniony freshness on top.
- Fresh parsley: The classic finishing touch for a pop of color and herbal lift.
How to Make Shrimp and Scallion Grit Cups with Creamy Cheese Center
Step 1: Prep the Grits and Muffin Tin
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and giving a 12-cup muffin tin a light coating of oil or nonstick spray. This helps ensure those precious grit cups come out easily—and in perfect shape—once baked. Next, bring chicken broth to a gentle boil in a medium saucepan. Slowly stir in the grits, and lower the heat so things simmer rather than bubble over. Let the grits cook for about 15 minutes, stirring every few minutes for a creamy consistency and to keep things from sticking at the bottom.
Step 2: Finish the Cheesy Grits
When the grits are thick and fluffy, stir in butter, cheddar, salt, and black pepper. Watch the cheese melt in, turning the mixture shiny and almost impossibly tempting. This step truly makes the Shrimp and Scallion Grit Cups with Creamy Cheese Center so special—the sharpness of cheddar and smoothness of butter create a perfect pairing for the spicy shrimp.
Step 3: Form and Fill the Grit Cups
Divide the cheesy grits among the prepared muffin cups, using the back of a spoon to push down the center and create a small well in each one. Now, tuck a cube of cream cheese right into the center of every cup. It’s okay if it pokes out a bit! Gently smooth a little of the grits over the top of each cream cheese cube to seal it inside, so every bite reveals a creamy, molten heart.
Step 4: Bake the Grit Cups
Slide the muffin tin into your preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, until the grit cups have set and the tops look lightly golden. The aroma at this stage—cheesy, buttery, and just a little toasty—will make it hard to wait!
Step 5: Sauté the Cajun Shrimp
While the cups bake, toss your peeled and deveined shrimp with Cajun seasoning for bold flavor. Heat olive oil over medium-high in a sturdy skillet, add the shrimp, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side. Watch for them to turn beautifully pink and opaque, then remove them from the heat to avoid overcooking.
Step 6: Assemble and Garnish
Once you’ve removed the grit cups from the oven and let them cool in the tin for a couple of minutes (this makes them sturdier and easier to handle), carefully run a butter knife around the edges and lift each one out. Now comes the magic: crown each cup with a Cajun shrimp, sprinkle on fresh sliced scallions, and add a little parsley for bright color. There you have it—the Shrimp and Scallion Grit Cups with Creamy Cheese Center are ready for their grand entrance!
How to Serve Shrimp and Scallion Grit Cups with Creamy Cheese Center
Garnishes
A finishing flourish is more than just pretty—it elevates the taste too! For Shrimp and Scallion Grit Cups with Creamy Cheese Center, a scattering of chopped fresh parsley and extra scallion slices makes each bite pop visually and flavor-wise. If you love a little extra heat, a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a quick dash of hot sauce on top gives that final kick.
Side Dishes
Though these savory cups absolutely shine on their own, they are even more impressive alongside simple Southern favorites. I love pairing them with a refreshing citrusy slaw, crispy green beans, or even a cool cucumber salad. For heartier affairs, serve them with roasted sweet potatoes or cornbread, letting the entire meal take on that authentic Southern charm.
Creative Ways to Present
Bring an extra wow-factor by arranging the Shrimp and Scallion Grit Cups with Creamy Cheese Center on a beautiful platter in a single layer, garnished with extra herbs. For a party, try serving them on miniature plates or even spoons for easy pick-up bites. You can even tuck a little microgreen or edible flower under each cup for weddings or showers—presentation really makes these memorable!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have any Shrimp and Scallion Grit Cups with Creamy Cheese Center left, just transfer them to an airtight container and store in the fridge. They’ll last up to 3 days, making them a terrific make-ahead option for busy weeks or quick snacks.
Freezing
These grit cups actually freeze beautifully, especially when wrapped individually in plastic wrap before tucking them into a zip-top bag. To freeze, let the cups cool completely, wrap, and pop them in the freezer—they’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To get that fresh-from-the-oven texture, reheat your Shrimp and Scallion Grit Cups with Creamy Cheese Center in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes. This ensures the grit cup gets warm all the way through, while the cheese center turns perfectly melty again. Microwaving works too, though you may lose a bit of the crisped edge.
FAQs
Can I substitute instant grits for stone-ground grits?
You can use instant grits in a pinch, but the texture and flavor really shine when you use stone-ground. Instant grits cook much faster, so grab your favorite, but know the cups might be a little softer and less hearty than the traditional method.
What can I use instead of Cajun seasoning?
If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, try using Old Bay, Creole seasoning, or a blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and a pinch of cayenne. Each brings its unique southern vibe—so experiment to find the balance you love!
Can I make Shrimp and Scallion Grit Cups with Creamy Cheese Center vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap the shrimp for sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables like bell peppers—these soak up the flavors beautifully. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep the entire cup meat-free but still totally delicious.
Can I prepare the grit cups in advance for a party?
Yes! Prepare and bake the grit cups as described, then store them in the fridge. Just before serving, quickly reheat them in the oven and add freshly sautéed shrimp and garnishes. This makes party prep a breeze and ensures your guests enjoy them warm.
What’s the best way to prevent the grit cups from sticking to the tin?
Make sure your muffin tin is well greased with oil or nonstick spray, and let the cups cool for a couple of minutes in the tin after baking. If you still find them sticking, running a butter knife around the edge will help pop them out without breaking your beautiful cups.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like bringing people together over food that’s equal parts comforting and impressive, and Shrimp and Scallion Grit Cups with Creamy Cheese Center deliver every single time. I hope this recipe becomes as cherished in your kitchen as it has in mine—so roll up your sleeves, give it a try, and watch these bites steal the spotlight on any table!
Print
Shrimp and Scallion Grit Cups with Creamy Cheese Center Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 grit cups 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Shrimp and Scallion Grit Cups with a Creamy Cheese Center are a delightful Southern-inspired dish, perfect as an appetizer or main course. The creamy grits encase a surprise cheese filling, topped with Cajun-seasoned shrimp and fresh scallions for a burst of flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
Grits:
- 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)
Creamy Cheese Center:
- 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
- Preheat oven and prepare muffin tin: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
- Cook grits: Bring chicken broth to a boil, add grits, cook until thickened. Stir in butter, cheddar, salt, and pepper until creamy.
- Fill muffin cups: Divide grits among muffin cups, make an indentation, place cream cheese cube, cover with more grits. Bake until set.
- Cook shrimp: Toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning. Cook in olive oil until pink and opaque.
- Assemble: Top grit cups with shrimp, scallions, and parsley. Serve warm.
Notes
- These cups can be made ahead and reheated before serving.
- For added richness, mix Parmesan into the grits.
- Substitute Cajun shrimp with sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 grit cup
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
