If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s both comforting and elegant, you’ve got to try my Shrimp and Grits Bites Recipe. These little gems are bursting with Southern charm and exactly the kind of bite-sized treat you want at your next party or family gathering. I absolutely love how this recipe turns traditional shrimp and grits into an easy, fun-to-eat snack that everyone raves about—trust me, you’ll want to make these again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bite-Sized Perfection: These grits bites are the perfect finger food—easy to serve and even easier to eat.
- Bursting with Flavor: The touch of Stone House Seasoning and just a hint of chili powder gives the shrimp that irresistible kick.
- Versatile and Crowd-Friendly: Great for parties, tailgates, or as an elegant appetizer for dinner guests.
- Simple Yet Impressive: I promise this recipe looks fancy but comes together with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Shrimp and Grits Bites Recipe brings something special to the party—creamy grits, succulent shrimp, and just the right seasoning. I always look for fresh shrimp and use Stone House Seasoning for that perfect flavor balance. Using a mini muffin tin is a key trick here for consistent bite sizes that hold their shape beautifully.
- Cooked Grits: Use creamy, well-cooked grits; leftover grits work wonderfully too.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps the shrimp cook to a nice glaze.
- Medium Shrimp: Peeled and deveined shrimp give you the best texture; I prefer fresh but frozen is okay too.
- Stone House Seasoning: This seasoning adds a savory, slightly spicy flavor that lifts the shrimp nicely.
- Chili Powder: Optional, but I love a little warmth to balance the creamy grits.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped for garnish, giving a fresh pop of color and brightness.
Variations
I love how flexible this Shrimp and Grits Bites Recipe can be. You can easily tweak it to suit your taste buds or dietary needs. Over time, I’ve tried a few variations that really enhanced the flavors or simplified prep when I was short on time. Feel free to make this recipe your own!
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the shrimp for some extra heat—my family goes crazy for this version.
- Cheesy Grits: Mix in shredded sharp cheddar or Parmesan cheese into the cooked grits before baking for an extra layer of flavor.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap shrimp with roasted mushrooms or seasoned tofu for a meat-free version that’s just as satisfying.
- Herb Swap: Try fresh cilantro or chives instead of parsley for a fresh twist.
How to Make Shrimp and Grits Bites Recipe
Step 1: Bake the Grits Cups
First things first: preheat your oven to 350º F. Spoon the prepared grits into a mini muffin tin that you’ve sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. I use a spoon to gently press the grits evenly into each cup, then bake them for about 30 minutes until they turn that perfect golden brown on top. When they’re done, remove the tin from the oven and, while the grits are still hot but not scorching, use the back of a spoon to press a small indention into each bite for holding the shrimp later. Let them cool for around 5 minutes in the pan—that way, they firm up and lift easily without breaking.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp to Perfection
While the grits are baking, melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle the Stone House Seasoning and optional chili powder into the melted butter, stirring to combine. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp and cook them on one side for about 2 to 3 minutes until they start to turn pink—you’ll know they’re almost ready when they lose their translucent look. Flip the shrimp and cook for an additional 3 minutes or so until fully pink and opaque. I’ve found that cooking shrimp gently in the seasoned butter keeps them tender and flavorful without drying out.
Step 3: Assemble Your Shrimp and Grits Bites
Once the grits cups have cooled slightly, carefully remove them from the muffin tin onto a serving platter. Place one shrimp perched in the indentation on each grits bite. Spoon some of the melted butter from the skillet over the top for extra flavor and richness, then sprinkle generously with chopped fresh parsley. The parsley adds a bright pop of color and a fresh herbal note that really brings everything together—in my kitchen, this is the moment guests start lingering!
Pro Tips for Making Shrimp and Grits Bites Recipe
- Use Day-Old Grits: I discovered this trick when I used leftover grits—they hold their shape better when baked and make prepping fast.
- Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp get rubbery fast; pull them off the heat as soon as they turn opaque and pink.
- Indent the Grits Cups While Warm: It’s easier to create the shrimp “nest” right after baking before they cool and harden.
- Pre-Spray Mini Muffin Tin Generously: This simple step prevents the grits bites from sticking and losing their shape during removal.
How to Serve Shrimp and Grits Bites Recipe
Garnishes
I always top my bites with freshly chopped parsley—it adds that fresh herbal brightness and a lovely pop of green. If I want to dress them up, a light squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the top just before serving adds a subtle tang that makes the flavors sing. Sometimes, I also sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky finish that guests truly love.
Side Dishes
Since these are bite-sized snacks, I like pairing them with simple sides like a crisp green salad or tangy coleslaw to balance the richness. For more substantial gatherings, roasted vegetables or a light cucumber and tomato salad offer great complementing notes. And don’t forget a chilled glass of crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon to complete the experience.
Creative Ways to Present
I once served these Shrimp and Grits Bites Recipe on a wooden charcuterie board surrounded by small bowls of dipping sauces—like a spicy remoulade or tangy cocktail sauce—for guests to customize their bites. They’re also beautiful arranged on colorful platters with edible flowers or microgreens for elegant dinner parties. For tailgates, I package them in individual mini cupcake liners so they’re easy to grab and munch on the go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store the shrimp and grits bites separately in airtight containers. The baked grits bites keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the cooked shrimp stays good for about 2 days. Keeping them separate prevents the bites from getting soggy.
Freezing
I’ve frozen the baked grits cups alone, wrapped tightly and placed in a freezer-safe container. They freeze well for up to a month. When ready to use, thaw in the fridge overnight and rewarm in the oven. I recommend cooking shrimp fresh, as frozen shrimp can lose texture, but if needed, cooked shrimp can also be frozen and thawed carefully.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop the grits cups in a 350ºF oven for 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through and crisped up. Then I quickly sauté or warm the shrimp in a skillet with a touch of butter just until hot. Assemble bites fresh with parsley garnish for the best taste and texture.
FAQs
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Can I use instant grits for this Shrimp and Grits Bites Recipe?
You can use instant grits, but you’ll want to cook them a bit thicker than usual so they hold their shape when baked. Instant grits tend to be softer, so adjusting the consistency by using less water or cooking a bit longer helps create sturdier bites.
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What is Stone House Seasoning, and can I substitute it?
Stone House Seasoning is a flavorful Southern spice blend with a mix of herbs, garlic, and peppers. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with Cajun seasoning or a blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, black pepper, and salt for a similar kick.
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How do I prevent the grits bites from sticking to the pan?
Make sure to spray your mini muffin tin generously with a non-stick cooking spray or brush with melted butter before adding the grits. Letting the bites cool for a few minutes after baking before removing them also helps maintain their shape.
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Can I make Shrimp and Grits Bites ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the grits cups a day ahead and store them in the fridge. Cook the shrimp fresh when ready to serve, then assemble everything a few minutes before your guests arrive to ensure the best textures and flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp and Grits Bites Recipe is one of those recipes I always recommend to friends because it’s simple yet feels so special. It’s perfect for when you want to wow guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Every time I make it, the bites disappear quickly—trust me, your friends will be asking for the recipe! Don’t hesitate to try your own twists and make it a staple in your entertaining repertoire. Happy cooking!
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 delightful bite-sized twist on the classic Southern favorite. Made by baking creamy cooked grits in a mini muffin tin until golden and topped with seasoned, sautéed shrimp, these savory appetizers are perfect for entertaining, parties, or tailgates. Enhanced with melted butter and fresh parsley, they offer a flavorful and elegant finger food option.
Ingredients
Grits Cups
- 2 1/4 cups cooked grits
- Non-stick cooking spray (for greasing the muffin tin)
Shrimp Topping
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 350º F to prepare for baking the grits cups.
- Bake Grits Cups: Spoon the cooked grits evenly into a mini muffin tin that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Bake for 30 minutes or until the grits cups are golden brown. Once baked, remove from the oven and press a small indentation into the center of each grits cup using the back of a spoon. Let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer 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 using, stirring to combine. Add the shrimp and cook on one side until they turn pink, about 2 to 3 minutes. Flip the shrimp and cook the other side until fully pink and opaque, approximately 3 more minutes.
- Assemble Bites: Place one cooked shrimp on top of each baked grits cup. Spoon some of the melted butter from the skillet over the shrimp and grits for extra flavor. Finish by sprinkling chopped fresh parsley over the top as a garnish.
Notes
- Shrimp and Grits Bites make a perfect appetizer for parties, tailgates, or casual gatherings.
- Using a mini muffin tin ensures perfectly portioned, bite-sized servings.
- The Stone House Seasoning brings a unique flavor—substitute with your favorite seafood seasoning if unavailable.
- You can omit the chili powder if you prefer a milder taste.
- For best results, use medium-sized shrimp peeled and deveined for easy eating.
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
