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Picture this: golden, creamy grits cradling plump, juicy shrimp, all wrapped up in a crispy bacon hug. These Shrimp and Grits Bites are the ultimate party appetizer—bite-sized, bursting with flavor, and guaranteed to disappear faster than you can say “seconds, please!” Whether you’re hosting a game-day gathering or just craving a taste of the South, this recipe is your ticket to culinary applause.
Trust me, these little bites are a game-changer. They’re rich, smoky, and just the right amount of cheesy, with a texture that’s crispy on the outside and velvety smooth inside. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to whip up. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love Shrimp and Grits Bites
Versatile: Perfect for fancy cocktail parties or casual Netflix binges. One minute they’re impressing your in-laws, the next they’re your secret midnight snack.
Budget-Friendly: No fancy ingredients here—just pantry staples and a pound of shrimp. Even the cheese is optional (but highly recommended).
Quick and Easy: If you can stir grits and chop bacon, you’ve got this. The hardest part? Not eating them all before your guests arrive.
Customizable: Spice it up with cayenne, swap bacon for turkey sausage, or go wild with extra garlic. Make it yours!
Crowd-Pleasing: Kids, foodies, picky eaters—this dish wins over everyone. Serve with extra hot sauce for the brave souls.
Ingredients in Shrimp and Grits Bites
Here’s the dream team of flavors that make these bites unforgettable:
Chicken Broth: The secret to deeply flavorful grits. It’s like a cozy blanket for your taste buds.
Quick-Cooking Grits: Speedy without sacrificing creaminess. Perfect for when patience isn’t on the menu.
Smoked Cheddar Cheese: Melts into the grits like a smoky, tangy cloud. Pro tip: Buy extra—you’ll want to snack on it.
Butter: Because everything’s better with butter. It adds richness and a glossy finish.
Bacon: The crispy, salty crown jewel. Save the grease for sautéing the shrimp—next-level flavor hack!
Shrimp: Sweet, tender, and packed with protein. Fresh or thawed frozen both work like a charm.
Green Onions & Garlic: The dynamic duo for freshness and punch. They cut through the richness like a flavor spotlight.
(Note: Full measurements are in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
1. Cook the Grits: Bring broth to a boil, then whisk in grits. Simmer until thick, then stir in butter and 1 cup cheese. Season like you mean it.
2. Crisp the Bacon: In a skillet, cook bacon until golden. Drain (but keep that grease!), then crumble.
3. Sauté the Shrimp: In the same skillet, cook shrimp, garlic, and green onions in bacon fat. Just 2–3 minutes—they’ll finish baking later.
4. Assemble: Fold shrimp and bacon into the grits. Spread in a greased dish, top with remaining cheese, and bake at 375°F until bubbly (15–20 minutes).
5. Broil & Serve: Crank the broiler for 2 minutes for a golden crust. Cool slightly, slice into squares, and watch them vanish!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12 bites
Calories per serving: ~180
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
How to Serve Shrimp and Grits Bites
– With a Dip: Remoulade or spicy aioli takes these to VIP status.
– On a Platter: Skewer each bite with a toothpick for easy grabbing.
– Brunch Upgrade: Serve alongside eggs Benedict for a Southern twist.
– Salad Side: Balance the richness with a zesty arugula salad.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: Make the grits and shrimp mix a day ahead. Assemble and bake before serving.
Spice It Up: Add a dash of Old Bay or smoked paprika to the grits.
Storage Tips: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep them crispy.
Double the Batch: Freeze unbaked squares for future cravings. Bake straight from frozen (+5 minutes).
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use instant grits?
A1: Yes, but adjust liquid per package instructions. Quick-cooking grits give the best texture.
Q2: Can I skip the bacon?
A2: Sure, but you’ll miss that smoky crunch. Try smoked salt as a cheat.
Q3: How do I prevent lumpy grits?
A3: Whisk constantly when adding grits to broth. No lumps allowed!
Q4: Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
A4: Yes, but add them last to avoid rubberiness.
Q5: What’s the best cheese substitute?
A5: Gouda or pepper jack work beautifully.
Q6: Can I make these spicy?
A6: Absolutely! Stir in diced jalapeños or hot sauce.
Q7: How do I reheat leftovers?
A7: Oven at 350°F for 10 minutes. Microwaving makes them soggy.
Q8: Can I use vegetable broth?
A8: Yes, for a pescatarian version.
Q9: Why let the bites cool before slicing?
A9: They firm up for cleaner cuts. Patience = pretty squares.
Q10: Can I make these in a muffin tin?
A10: Genius! Grease wells, fill halfway, and bake 20 minutes.
Conclusion
There you have it—Shrimp and Grits Bites, the appetizer that’ll steal the show at every party. Crispy, creamy, and packed with Southern charm, they’re proof that big flavors come in small packages. Whip up a batch, and prepare for recipe requests. Now, who’s ready to dig in?
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Shrimp and Grits Bites: 5 Easy Steps for Perfect Party Appetizers
- Prep Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Yield: 24 bites 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Southern
Description
These Shrimp and Grits Bites are a delicious bite-sized version of the classic Southern dish, perfect for parties and gatherings. With creamy, cheesy grits topped with shrimp, bacon, and green onions, these savory bites are sure to impress your guests. #ShrimpAndGrits #SouthernAppetizers #PartyFood #GlutenFreeAppetizers #SeafoodBites #SouthernFood #Appetizers #ShrimpRecipes
Ingredients
- 5–1/4 cups chicken broth
- 1–1/3 cups quick-cooking gluten free grits
- 2 cups shredded smoked cheddar cheese, divided
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 strips bacon, chopped
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Spray a 9×13″ baking dish liberally with nonstick spray and set aside.
- Bring chicken broth to a boil in a large saucepan. Whisk in grits, then turn heat down to medium and cook for 5 minutes, whisking occasionally. (A splatter screen helps as grits will bubble.)
- Remove from heat, then stir in 1-1/2 cups cheese, butter, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour into prepared baking dish, cover with saran wrap, and refrigerate until solid (at least 2 hours or overnight).
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Run a knife around the edges of the baking dish and turn the grits out onto a cutting board.
- Use a 2″ round cookie cutter to cut out rounds or a sharp knife to cut into 2″ squares.
- Place rounds or squares on parchment paper-lined baking sheets sprayed with nonstick spray.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
- When rounds have 15 minutes left to bake, crisp bacon in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, then remove all but 2 tbsp bacon grease from the skillet (add olive oil if needed).
- Turn heat up slightly, then add shrimp, green onions, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper, then sauté until shrimp are pink and cooked through (3-4 minutes).
- Stir in cooked bacon.
- Top baked grit rounds with shrimp mixture, then sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheese.
- Turn oven to broil and broil until cheese is melted.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the shrimp mixture.
- Feel free to use regular cheddar cheese if smoked cheddar isn’t available.
- Make sure to let the grits cool completely before cutting to ensure they hold their shape.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 140 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg