These Cheesy Shrimp & Grits Bites take the comforting flavors of the traditional Southern dish and transform them into crispy, bite-sized appetizers. Creamy, cheesy grits are cooled, cut, and fried until golden, then topped with spiced shrimp and smoky bacon for the ultimate flavor-packed bite.
Recipe Overview
Servings: 12 bites
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: ~1 hour 40 minutes
Calories: ~180 per bite
Ingredients
For the Grits:
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 3 cups chicken broth (or water)
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
For the Shrimp:
- 12 medium shrimp, peeled & deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For Frying & Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg, beaten
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup cooked crumbled bacon
- Chopped green onions (for garnish)
- Oil for frying
Instructions
1. Cook the Grits:
In a saucepan, bring chicken broth and milk to a simmer. Slowly whisk in grits, salt, and pepper. Cook over low heat, stirring frequently, for 15-20 minutes, until thick. Remove from heat and stir in cheese, butter, and smoked paprika.
2. Chill the Grits:
Spread the grits evenly into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, until firm.
3. Cut & Fry the Grits:
Once firm, cut the grits into bite-sized squares or circles. Dredge each piece in flour, dip in beaten egg, then coat with panko breadcrumbs. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden. Drain on paper towels.
4. Cook the Shrimp:
In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and lemon juice. Sauté in a skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes per side, until cooked through.
5. Assemble & Serve:
Top each crispy grits bite with one shrimp, crumbled bacon, and green onions. Serve warm with hot sauce or remoulade on the side.
Tips & Variations:
- For extra flavor, mix some crumbled bacon into the grits before chilling.
- Make it spicy by adding cayenne to the shrimp seasoning.
- Air-fry the bites at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes for a lighter version.
These Cheesy Shrimp & Grits Bites are crispy, creamy, and packed with bold, Southern flavors—perfect for any occasion!
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Cheesy Shrimp & Grits Bites – A Southern Classic, Made Bite-Sized
- Total Time: ~1 hour
Description
These Cheesy Shrimp & Grits Bites take the comforting flavors of the traditional Southern dish and transform them into crispy, bite-sized appetizers. Creamy, cheesy grits are cooled, cut, and fried until golden, then topped with spiced shrimp and smoky bacon for the ultimate flavor-packed bite.
Ingredients
For the Grits:
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 3 cups chicken broth (or water)
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
For the Shrimp:
- 12 medium shrimp, peeled & deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For Frying & Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg, beaten
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup cooked crumbled bacon
- Chopped green onions (for garnish)
- Oil for frying
Instructions
In a saucepan, bring chicken broth and milk to a simmer. Slowly whisk in grits, salt, and pepper. Cook over low heat, stirring frequently, for 15-20 minutes, until thick. Remove from heat and stir in cheese, butter, and smoked paprika.
Spread the grits evenly into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, until firm.
Once firm, cut the grits into bite-sized squares or circles. Dredge each piece in flour, dip in beaten egg, then coat with panko breadcrumbs. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden. Drain on paper towels.
In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and lemon juice. Sauté in a skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes per side, until cooked through.
Top each crispy grits bite with one shrimp, crumbled bacon, and green onions. Serve warm with hot sauce or remoulade on the side.
Notes
- For extra flavor, mix some crumbled bacon into the grits before chilling.
- Make it spicy by adding cayenne to the shrimp seasoning.
- Air-fry the bites at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~180 per bite