If you’re looking for a fun twist on a Southern classic, you’ve got to try this Shrimp and Grits Bites Recipe. These little bites are just as comforting and flavorful as the traditional dish, but perfectly portioned for parties or a casual get-together. I absolutely love how these turn out—they’re crispy on the edges, creamy inside, and topped with juicy, seasoned shrimp that burst with flavor. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll want to serve them at every gathering!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Party Bites: These mini shrimp and grits are easy to eat and share, making them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- Simple Ingredients: You don’t need fancy ingredients to whip these up, and the flavors are straightforward but delicious.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep the grits cups ahead of time, making your party-day stress-free.
- Flavorful and Customizable: The seasoning on the shrimp can easily be adjusted to your taste, so everyone gets the perfect bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these shrimp and grits bites, you’ll want ingredients that complement each other nicely. The creamy grits base contrasts beautifully with the zesty shrimp topping, and using fresh herbs really brightens up every bite.
- Cooked grits: I always use stone-ground grits when I can—it gives a nice texture and flavor. Make sure the grits are well-cooked and creamy before baking.
- Butter: This helps add richness both in the grits and when cooking the shrimp, so don’t skip it!
- Shrimp (peeled and deveined): Medium-sized shrimp work best here; they’re easy to cook quickly and fit perfectly on the bites.
- Stone House Seasoning: This blend adds a lovely savory depth. If you don’t have it, a mix of paprika, garlic powder, and salt works well.
- Chili powder (optional): I love adding a bit for a gentle kick, but leave it out if you prefer milder flavors.
- Fresh parsley: Adding fresh parsley at the end makes the bites pop visually and adds a fresh finish.
Variations
I like to keep this Shrimp and Grits Bites Recipe pretty classic, but it’s really versatile—feel free to put your spin on it! Changing up spices or adding extras can keep things interesting.
- Spice it Up: Sometimes I swap the chili powder for cayenne pepper for a bolder heat, and my family goes crazy for it.
- Cheesy Grits Cups: Adding shredded sharp cheddar to the grits before baking gives the bites a lovely cheesy twist.
- Herb Variations: If parsley isn’t your favorite, try fresh cilantro or green onions for a different fresh note.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or roasted peppers for a filling, meatless appetizer.
How to Make Shrimp and Grits Bites Recipe
Step 1: Bake the Grits Cups to Perfection
Start by preheating your oven to 350º F. Then, grab your mini muffin tin and give it a generous spray with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Spoon the cooked grits into each cup evenly. This is key—the grits should be thick and creamy but not runny to hold their shape when baked. Bake them for about 30 minutes until they’re golden brown on the edges and firm to the touch. Once they’re out of the oven, gently press down the center of each with the back of a spoon to make a little well for the shrimp. Let them cool for 5 minutes; this helps them firm up and makes them easier to remove.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp with Flavor
While the grits are baking, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle in your Stone House Seasoning and chili powder if you’re using it, then stir to infuse all those flavors into the butter. Add your shrimp in a single layer and cook without moving them for 2–3 minutes until they start turning pink and slightly golden on one side. Flip them over and cook for another 3 minutes or so until they’re fully pink and cooked through. The shrimp will be juicy and slightly crisp around the edges—perfect!
Step 3: Assemble Your Shrimp and Grits Bites
Carefully transfer your grits cups to a serving platter. Place one succulent shrimp on each cup, then drizzle a little extra of that buttery pan sauce over the top for extra richness. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve them warm—I promise they’ll disappear fast!
Pro Tips for Making Shrimp and Grits Bites Recipe
- Cook Grits Thick: I’ve found that thicker grits hold their shape better—if yours seem runny, cook them a bit longer before baking.
- Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp cook very fast and turn rubbery when overdone; keep an eye for pink color and slight firmness.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Adding parsley just before serving keeps that bright color and fresh flavor, so wait to sprinkle it on last.
- Cool Grits Slightly Before Removing: This prevents them from falling apart when you try to pop them out of the muffin tin.
How to Serve Shrimp and Grits Bites Recipe
Garnishes
I usually stick with fresh chopped parsley for a classic finish, but sometimes I sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika or add a sliver of green onion for extra color and mild crunch. A tiny squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving adds a lovely, zesty brightness that really lifts the flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish works great as a finger food on its own, but if you’re putting together a bigger meal, try pairing it with a simple mixed greens salad or a light cucumber and tomato salad. For more Southern vibes, cornbread or collard greens complement these bites beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I like arranging these on a wooden board with little bowls of remoulade sauce or spicy aioli for dipping. You can also stack them on mini skewers for easy grab-and-go fun. During holidays, I’ve even decorated the platter with edible flowers or colorful microgreens—people love the extra festive touch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover grits cups separately from the shrimp. The cups go into an airtight container in the fridge and keep well for up to 3 days. The shrimp are best stored in another container, and reheated gently to avoid drying out.
Freezing
I’ve frozen the grits cups before with pretty good results—just freeze them flat on a tray first, then transfer to a sealed bag. The shrimp don’t freeze well once cooked because they can get tough, so it’s best to cook fresh shrimp when you’re ready to serve.
Reheating
For reheating, I gently warm the grits cups in the oven at 300º F wrapped in foil to keep them moist. The shrimp are best reheated quickly in a hot skillet with a touch of butter to prevent overcooking. This keeps everything tender and flavorful.
FAQs
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Can I use instant grits for this recipe?
While instant grits can work in a pinch, I recommend using stone-ground or regular grits for better texture and flavor. Instant grits tend to become too soft and may not hold their shape well when baked.
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Can I make Shrimp and Grits Bites vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the shrimp with sautéed mushrooms, roasted vegetables, or even seasoned tofu cubes to keep the bite-sized concept but skip the seafood.
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How do I prevent the grits bites from sticking to the muffin tin?
Using a good quality non-stick cooking spray works best. You can also lightly grease the tins with butter and dust with a little cornmeal for an extra non-stick layer if needed.
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Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the grits cups a day ahead and refrigerate them. Then cook the shrimp shortly before serving to keep them fresh and tender.
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What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Warm the grits cups gently in the oven wrapped in foil, and quickly sauté the shrimp in butter on the stovetop. This helps retain their texture and flavor without drying out.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp and Grits Bites Recipe has become one of my favorite go-to appetizers because it captures everything I love about the classic dish in a fun, bite-sized form. I used to struggle with large servings that were hard to portion, but these little bites make sharing so much easier and fun. When you try them, you’ll notice how the creamy grits and perfectly seasoned shrimp are just irresistible together. I can’t wait for you to make these at your next party and hear how your family and friends go crazy for them, just like mine do!
Print
Shrimp and Grits Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 36 bites
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Description
Shrimp and Grits Bites are a delicious bite-sized version of the classic Southern comfort dish, perfect for parties and entertaining. Creamy baked grits form the base, topped with flavorful sautéed shrimp seasoned with Stone House Seasoning and a touch of chili powder, garnished with fresh parsley. These mini delights are easy to prepare and offer a perfect balance of creamy, savory, and spicy flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Grits Base
- 2 1/4 cups cooked grits
- 2 tablespoons butter
Shrimp Topping
- 36 medium shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1/2 teaspoon Stone House Seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat and Bake Grits: Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Lightly grease a mini muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray. Spoon the prepared cooked grits evenly into each muffin cup. Bake for about 30 minutes or until the tops are golden brown. Once baked, remove the tin from the oven and use the back of a spoon to gently press a small indention into the center of each grits cup. Allow them to cool in the pan for approximately 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer the grits bites to a serving platter.
- Cook Shrimp: While the grits are baking, melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the Stone House Seasoning and chili powder if you choose to use it, stirring well to combine flavors with the butter. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Cook the shrimp on one side until they turn pink and opaque, about 2 to 3 minutes. Flip the shrimp over and continue cooking for an additional 3 minutes or until they are cooked through and pink on both sides.
- Assemble Bites: Place one cooked shrimp on top of each baked grits bite. Drizzle a little of the melted seasoned butter from the skillet over each bite to add extra flavor and moisture. Finally, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top as garnish to add color and freshness before serving.
Notes
- Shrimp and Grits Bites make an excellent appetizer or party snack, offering all the flavor of classic shrimp and grits in convenient, bite-sized portions.
- Mini muffin tins are essential for shaping and baking the grits into perfect portions.
- The Stone House Seasoning adds a signature Southern flavor, but you can substitute with your favorite seasoning blend if needed.
- For a little added heat, include the optional chili powder when seasoning the shrimp.
- Make sure to peel and devein shrimp for the best texture and eating experience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 48 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 85 mg
- Fat: 1 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 17 mg
