If you’re looking for a dish that perfectly balances comfort with a touch of elegance, the Shrimp and Scallion Grit Cups with Creamy Cheese Center Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These little cups are a delightful combination of creamy, cheesy grits, a luscious center of softened cream cheese, and a vibrant topping of garlicky shrimp and scallions. They bring together rich textures and fresh flavors that are sure to impress your guests or turn any meal into a special occasion. Whether you’re serving them as appetizers or a light dinner, they offer a cozy yet sophisticated bite that’s impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. From the stone-ground grits that provide a hearty base to the sharp cheddar that melts into creamy goodness, each component is both simple and essential.
- 1 cup stone-ground grits: Gives a rustic texture and nutty flavor that forms the foundation of your grits cups.
- 4 cups water: Needed to cook the grits until perfectly tender and creamy.
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: Adds a sharp, tangy richness that blends seamlessly into the grits.
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened: A creamy center that melts beautifully inside each cup for luscious surprise.
- 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined: Provides a succulent seafood topping with satisfying texture and flavor.
- 3 scallions, sliced: Brings a fresh, mild onion note that brightens the dish.
- 2 tbsp butter: Adds richness and helps create the smooth texture of the grits.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the shrimp with an aromatic punch.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika: Gives a smoky warmth that complements the shrimp perfectly.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning every layer just right.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Used to sauté shrimp and develop flavor.
How to Make Shrimp and Scallion Grit Cups with Creamy Cheese Center Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Grits
Start by bringing the water to a rolling boil in a medium pot. Slowly whisk in the stone-ground grits to avoid lumps, then reduce your heat to low. Cover the pot and let the grits simmer gently for about 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking allows the grits to thicken up and become creamy—this texture is the heart of our dish, so don’t rush it.
Step 2: Add the Cheeses and Butter
Once the grits are tender and thickened, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the sharp cheddar, softened cream cheese, and butter until everything melts together into a silky, rich mixture. Season with salt and pepper to bring out all those wonderful flavors. This cheesy base is what makes these grits cups shine with every bite.
Step 3: Prepare the Shrimp and Scallions
Heat your olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute, just until fragrant—this is the fragrant start that will infuse the shrimp beautifully. Add the shrimp and sliced scallions, then sprinkle in the smoked paprika along with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp until they turn pink and opaque, about 3 to 4 minutes. The shrimp should be tender and juicy with a subtle smoky kick.
Step 4: Assemble the Grit Cups
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a muffin tin so the grits won’t stick. Half-fill each muffin cup with the cheesy grits mixture, then carefully add a dollop of cream cheese right in the center for that creamy surprise. Top with more grits to cover the cream cheese completely. This layering creates the delightful creamy cheese center everyone will love.
Step 5: Bake and Top
Bake the filled muffin tin for about 15 minutes, or until the tops are set and slightly golden. This baking step helps the grits form a firm cup shape that holds together beautifully. Once out of the oven, top each grits cup generously with the warm shrimp and scallion mixture. The contrast between the creamy grits cup and the flavorful shrimp topping is simply irresistible.
How to Serve Shrimp and Scallion Grit Cups with Creamy Cheese Center Recipe
Garnishes
For an elegant finishing touch, sprinkle some finely chopped fresh parsley or chives over the grits cups. A little squeeze of lemon juice on top adds brightness that lifts the whole dish. You can also add a pinch of extra smoked paprika to enhance the smoky aroma right before serving.
Side Dishes
These Shrimp and Scallion Grit Cups with Creamy Cheese Center Recipe pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette. Roasted vegetables or sautéed greens like spinach or kale also complement the rich grits without overpowering them. If you want something heartier, try serving alongside a simple tomato-based soup for a cozy meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these grits cups as elegant finger food at your next party with small cocktail forks. You can also arrange them on a large platter with lemon wedges and fresh herbs for a stunning appetizer display. Another fun idea is to place each cup atop a small bed of mixed greens on individual plates to turn them into a refined starter dish perfect for entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover grits cups can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the shrimp topping separate if possible to maintain the best texture, then reassemble before serving.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked grits cups without the shrimp topping for up to 2 months. Wrap each cup tightly in plastic wrap then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the grits cups gently in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes until heated through. Reheat shrimp separately in a skillet over medium heat until warm, then top the grits cups fresh to keep that lovely texture contrast intact.
FAQs
Can I use instant grits instead of stone-ground grits?
Stone-ground grits provide a better texture and flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, instant grits can work. Just be aware that the texture won’t be as rustic or creamy, and you’ll want to adjust cooking times accordingly.
What type of cheese works best for the creamy center?
Cream cheese is ideal because it melts smoothly and adds a wonderful richness without overpowering the other flavors. You can experiment with mascarpone or goat cheese for a different twist, but cream cheese remains the classic choice.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free cream cheese and a plant-based butter substitute, and swap the cheddar for a vegan cheese alternative. The flavors will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I prepare the grits cups in advance for a party?
Absolutely. You can prepare and bake the grits cups a day ahead, store them in the fridge, and simply reheat before serving. Prepare the shrimp topping the day of for the freshest taste.
What wine pairs well with Shrimp and Scallion Grit Cups with Creamy Cheese Center Recipe?
A crisp, dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully, as the acidity cuts through the richness of the cheese and complements the shrimp’s sweetness perfectly.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give the Shrimp and Scallion Grit Cups with Creamy Cheese Center Recipe a try because it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate yet manages to wow with every bite. It’s the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and fresh shrimp goodness in a bite-sized treat that everyone will ask for again. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe promises smiles all around the table.
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Shrimp and Scallion Grit Cups with Creamy Cheese Center Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
Delicious Shrimp and Scallion Grit Cups featuring creamy cheese centers, perfectly combining tender shrimp sautéed with garlic and smoked paprika, nestled atop smooth stone-ground grits baked to golden perfection. This savory appetizer offers a delightful balance of cheesy richness and fresh scallion notes, ideal for entertaining or a flavor-packed small plate.
Ingredients
Grits Base
- 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 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 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 avoid lumps. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally until the grits thicken to a creamy consistency.
- Make the cheese grits: Remove the pot from heat and stir in 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup softened cream cheese, and 2 tablespoons butter until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Sauté garlic: Heat 2 tablespoons 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 1/2 pound peeled and deveined shrimp, sliced scallions, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are pink and opaque, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Prepare muffin tin and oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin generously to prevent sticking.
- Assemble grits cups: Spoon the cheese grits into each muffin cup halfway. Add a small dollop of cream cheese in the center of each cup, then cover with more of the cheesy grits mixture to seal in the creamy center.
- Bake grits cups: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the tops are set and slightly golden.
- Add shrimp topping: Remove the grits cups from the oven and top each one with the warm shrimp and scallion mixture, distributing evenly.
- Serve warm: Serve these savory shrimp and scallion grits cups warm as a delightful appetizer or a flavorful small plate for guests.
Notes
- Use stone-ground grits for best texture and flavor.
- Adjust smoked paprika quantity for desired smokiness.
- Make sure shrimp are peeled and deveined for best eating experience.
- You can prepare the grits and shrimp mixture ahead of time and assemble before baking.
- These can be served as an appetizer or a light main dish.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper with the paprika.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated.
