If you love Southern comfort food but want something fun and bite-sized, you’re going to adore this Shrimp and Grits Bites Recipe. These little morsels pack all the creamy, buttery goodness of classic shrimp and grits, but in perfectly portioned mini muffin bites. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become your go-to appetizer for gatherings or a delightful snack when you need a little indulgence without going full-plate. I absolutely love how easy they are to make, and how they get those golden edges that give a tiny crunch before you get to the soft, savory center.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Party Appetizer: These bites are perfectly portioned, so everyone can enjoy shrimp and grits without the fuss of a full plate.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with ingredients you probably already have, it’s a quick recipe that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
- Versatile Flavors: You can easily tweak the seasoning and garnish to match your vibe—from mild and buttery to a little spicy.
- Crowd Pleaser: When I first served these at a casual get-together, my family and friends couldn’t get enough, and I bet your crew will feel the same!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Shrimp and Grits Bites Recipe is in its simple, soulful ingredients working together—creamy grits softened perfectly, butter for richness, and seasoned shrimp that bring the dish to life. When shopping, remember to pick shrimp that are peeled and deveined to save time, and opt for high-quality grits or precooked ones if you want an easy shortcut.
- Cooked grits: Use creamy, well-cooked grits for the best texture that holds shape in the muffin tin.
- Butter: Adds the silky richness that helps marry flavors perfectly.
- Medium shrimp (peeled and deveined): Easy-to-eat size that fits nicely on each bite, plus you only need around 36.
- Stone House Seasoning: This seasoning gives a wonderful depth—if you don’t have it, a mix of garlic, paprika, and salt will work.
- Chili powder (optional): Adds a gentle kick if you like a little heat, but you can leave it out for a milder bite.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped for a bright, fresh garnish that lifts the richness of the dish.
Variations
I love playing around with this Shrimp and Grits Bites Recipe depending on the occasion. Whether you’re aiming for extra spice or a lighter version, customizing these bites is part of the fun. Feel free to make them your own!
- Spicy Kick: I discovered this trick when I added cayenne instead of chili powder—it gave the bites a smoky heat that my family went crazy for.
- Cheesy Grits: Mixing in a bit of sharp cheddar or parmesan to the grits before baking adds a savory twist that’s downright addictive.
- Vegetarian Alternative: Skip the shrimp and top the grits bites with sautéed mushrooms or spicy roasted chickpeas for a flavorful plant-based option.
- Herb Variations: Swap parsley for fresh basil or chives for a different herbal note whenever you want to switch things up.
How to Make Shrimp and Grits Bites Recipe
Step 1: Bake the Grits Cups to Golden Perfection
Start by preheating your oven to 350º F. Then, take your cooked grits and spoon them into a mini muffin tin that you’ve sprayed with non-stick cooking spray—this helps you easily remove the bites later. Pop them in the oven for about 30 minutes or until the edges turn a lovely golden brown. When you take them out, use the back of a spoon to gently press a little well in each grits bite; this is where the shrimp will happily nest. Let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a serving platter. This step might feel a bit fiddly at first, but once you see how those crisp edges contrast with the velvety centers, you’ll feel it’s totally worth it.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp with Flavorful Butter Sauce
While the grits cups are baking, melt your butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle in your Stone House Seasoning and chili powder if you’re using it—this combo really brings the butter sauce to life with a balance of savory and smoky flavors. Add your shrimp and let them cook undisturbed on one side until they turn pink and just firm up, about 2-3 minutes. Flip them over and cook about 3 more minutes until they’re pink and opaque all the way through. Be careful not to overcook shrimp—you want them juicy and tender, not rubbery. This buttery skillet sauce should be rich and flavorful, essentially the perfect topping for your grits bites.
Step 3: Assemble and Garnish Your Shrimp and Grits Bites
Place one cooked shrimp on each grits cup, then spoon some of that buttery sauce over the top. Finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley to brighten the flavors and add a lovely pop of color. These little bites look gorgeous when arranged on a platter, and the combo of soft grits, rich butter, and tender shrimp is just irresistible. Your guests will thank you—not only for the taste but for how easy it is to grab and enjoy these at any gathering.
Pro Tips for Making Shrimp and Grits Bites Recipe
- Use Precooked Grits for Speed: If you’re short on time, precooked grits save a ton of prep without sacrificing texture in these bites.
- Don’t Overfill the Muffin Tin: Fill each cup just enough to hold shape and avoid sogginess—this also helps with crisp edges.
- Keep Shrimp Tender: Cook shrimp just until pink and opaque; overcooking turns them rubbery and less enjoyable.
- Serve Warm, Not Hot: I learned that serving these warm keeps the texture perfect; super hot bites can feel too soft or fall apart quickly.
How to Serve Shrimp and Grits Bites Recipe
Garnishes
For garnishes, I love sticking with a fresh sprinkle of chopped parsley because it adds a lovely color contrast and brightness that cuts through the buttery richness. Sometimes I’ll add a tiny dollop of spicy mayo or a dash of lemon zest on top for an extra zing. A little cracked black pepper or a quick drizzle of hot sauce also works wonders if you want to kick up the flavor.
Side Dishes
Because these bites are pretty rich and flavorful, I usually serve them alongside a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables to balance the meal. A tangy coleslaw or even simple grilled asparagus pairs beautifully, and if it’s a party setting, a light but zesty cocktail like a lemon spritzer goes well too.
Creative Ways to Present
I once arranged the Shrimp and Grits Bites on a wooden board nestled around small ramekins of dipping sauce—ranch, spicy aioli, and cocktail sauce—and it was such a hit at a game day party. You can also skewer a shrimp with a small pick for a fun finger-food vibe or serve them on mini lettuce cups for a fresh twist. Presentation makes these feel extra special!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Shrimp and Grits Bites store really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. I recommend placing parchment paper between layers if you’re stacking them to keep them from sticking together. When you reheat, the grits stay creamy, and the shrimp remain tender if warmed gently.
Freezing
While I’ve had success freezing the grits bites without shrimp, I usually freeze them without the shrimp and add cooked shrimp fresh when reheating. Freezing shrimp can sometimes affect texture, but the grits freeze beautifully and reheat with no problem.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop the grits bites in a 350ºF oven for about 10 minutes to warm through and regain some crispness. Then I warm the shrimp gently in a skillet with a little butter and combine right before serving. This two-step reheating keeps everything tasting fresh and delicious.
FAQs
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Can I use instant grits for this Shrimp and Grits Bites Recipe?
Yes, you can use instant grits for a faster prep time. Just make sure to cook them fully until creamy before baking so the texture holds in the muffin tin. Instant grits might be less creamy than stone-ground but still work great if you’re short on time.
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What if I don’t have Stone House Seasoning?
No worries! A simple mix of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper serves as a great substitute. Feel free to tailor the spices to your preference—this recipe is very forgiving and flexible.
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Can I make these bites ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely. You can bake the grits cups and cook the shrimp separately ahead of time, then assemble just before serving. If you want, reheat the grits bites in the oven and gently warm the shrimp for best taste and texture.
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Are these Shrimp and Grits Bites gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe naturally fits a gluten-free diet as long as you double-check your seasoning blend to ensure it contains no gluten additives.
Final Thoughts
I hope you give this Shrimp and Grits Bites Recipe a try soon—it’s one of those feel-good dishes that bring a little Southern charm to any table. What I love most is how approachable it is, yet it looks and tastes like you went all out in the kitchen. Whether for a cozy night in or a lively party, these bites bring that perfect combo of creamy, buttery, and just the right amount of spice. I’m confident you’ll enjoy making them as much as devouring them—happy cooking, friend!
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 offer a tasty, bite-sized take on the classic Southern dish. These mini grits cups topped with seasoned shrimp are perfect for parties, tailgates, or appetizers, combining creamy grits baked to a golden brown with succulent, buttery shrimp seasoned with Stone House seasoning and a touch of chili powder.
Ingredients
Grits Cups
- 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 Oven and Prepare Grits Cups: Preheat your oven to 350º F. Lightly spray a mini muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray. Spoon the cooked grits evenly into the muffin cups. Bake for 30 minutes or until the tops turn golden brown.
- Create Indentations in Grits: Remove the muffin tin from the oven and, while the grits are still warm, press a small indention in the center of each grits cup using the back of a spoon. Let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before carefully transferring to a serving platter.
- Cook the Shrimp: While the grits cool, melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Stir in Stone House Seasoning and optional chili powder to evenly distribute the flavors. Add the shrimp and cook on one side until pink and slightly opaque, about 2 to 3 minutes. Flip and cook the other side for an additional 3 minutes, ensuring shrimp is cooked through and tender.
- Assemble Bites: Place one cooked shrimp atop each grits cup. Drizzle with the melted seasoning butter from the skillet and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for color and freshness. Serve warm as a delightful appetizer or party snack.
Notes
- Shrimp and Grits Bites are a perfect appetizer-sized twist on the classic Southern comfort food, ideal for entertaining.
- Using a mini muffin tin ensures uniform bite sizes and an appealing presentation.
- Stone House Seasoning adds authentic Southern flavor but can be substituted with your favorite seafood seasoning blend.
- The optional chili powder adds a mild smoky heat; omit or adjust to taste.
- Best served warm immediately after assembly for optimal texture and flavor.
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
