Description
These Shrimp and Grits Appetizer Cups combine creamy, cheesy grits with flavorful shrimp scampi and crispy bacon crumbles, creating a delightful bite-sized version of a Southern classic. Perfect for parties or appetizers, this recipe offers an elegant yet easy-to-make dish that balances rich textures and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 (12 ounce) packages SeaPak Shrimp Scampi, prepared according to package instructions
- 3 cups whole milk or cream
- 6 ounces instant grits
- 1/2 stick salted butter (4 tablespoons)
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup cooked bacon crumbles (for serving)
- Chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Shrimp: Prepare the shrimp according to the package instructions, making sure to retain the sauce separately. Set the cooked shrimp aside for assembly.
- Combine Milk and Shrimp Sauce: Pour the whole milk and the reserved shrimp sauce into a medium to large saucepan to combine the flavors.
- Heat Milk Mixture: Heat the milk and shrimp sauce mixture over medium-high heat. Watch closely and as soon as it begins to boil, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer to prevent scorching.
- Add Grits and Seasoning: Gradually stir in the instant grits along with the salted butter, sea salt, and black pepper. Continue stirring until the butter melts completely.
- Melt Cheese: Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the grits mixture. Stir constantly as the cheese melts to achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Cook Grits to Desired Consistency: Keep stirring the grits for about 2-3 minutes or until they thicken to your preferred texture. Then, remove the saucepan from heat.
- Assemble Appetizer Cups: Spoon the creamy grits evenly into 8 appetizer-sized cups.
- Top with Shrimp and Garnishes: Place 4 shrimp on top of each grits cup. Sprinkle with crispy bacon crumbles and chopped parsley for a burst of flavor and color.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve these appetizer cups warm and enjoy the rich combination of shrimp, cheese, and creamy grits in each bite.
Notes
- Use whole milk or cream for richer, creamier grits.
- Instant grits significantly reduce cooking time without compromising flavor.
- Reserve the shrimp sauce to infuse the grits with additional seafood flavor.
- Chopped parsley adds a fresh contrast and a pop of color.
- Bacon crumbles can be substituted with pancetta or smoked turkey bacon for different taste profiles.
- These appetizer cups can be prepared shortly before serving for best texture and temperature.
