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
Scale
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
