Cheesy Shrimp & Grits Bites Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you know the magic that happens when cheesy, creamy grits meet succulent shrimp — it’s downright irresistible! That’s exactly why I’m so excited to share this Cheesy Shrimp & Grits Bites Recipe with you. These little bites are a perfect handheld twist on a Southern favorite, combining smoky gouda, a bit of Cajun kick, and tender shrimp all in one crispy, golden package.

This recipe is a fantastic addition to any gathering or whenever you want a satisfying snack that feels special without being fussy. I love serving these at parties because they’re easy to pop in your mouth, and you’ll find that friends and family keep coming back for more. Plus, the creamy grits base makes them wonderfully comforting, while the shrimp topping adds that fresh, savory punch.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays a key role in making these Cheesy Shrimp & Grits Bites Recipe truly shine—from the creamy smoked gouda that gives a delightful smoky richness to the fresh shrimp that add a juicy bite. Pay attention to your choice of grits and seasoning for the best results.

• Whole milk: This adds creaminess to your grits, making them rich and smooth.
• Quick-cooking grits: Use quick-cooking (not instant) so they set properly and hold their shape.
• Smoked gouda or sharp cheddar: Smoked gouda brings a lovely depth, but cheddar works great for sharper cheese notes.
• Unsalted butter: Divided to add richness both in the grits and while sautéing veggies and shrimp.
• Cajun seasoning: Provides that southern flair—adjust according to how spicy you like it!
• Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
• Medium shrimp: Peeled and deveined — fresh or thawed frozen shrimp work well.
• Celery: Adds a crisp, fresh flavor and a nice texture contrast.
• Green bell pepper: Mild sweetness that pairs perfectly with the Cajun seasoning.
• Scallions: Use the white parts for cooking and the green parts for garnishing.
• Garlic: Finely chopped to infuse subtle aromatic depth.
• Tomato paste: Adds umami and intensifies the savoriness of the shrimp mixture.
• All-purpose flour: For coating the bites before frying, it helps the egg and panko stick beautifully.
• Eggs: Acts as a binder and coating for that perfect crispy crust.
• Panko bread crumbs: Gives the crispiest, lightest crunch on the outside.
• Neutral oil: For frying—something like vegetable or canola oil works best for a clean flavor.
• Remoulade sauce (optional): Adds a tangy, creamy dip option that complements the bites wonderfully.
• 2″ round cutter: Helps you get perfectly uniform bites for frying.

Variations

I love making this Cheesy Shrimp & Grits Bites Recipe my own by swapping cheeses or trying different spices. You can easily tweak the heat level or change up the dipping sauce to suit your mood or guests.

• Cheese swap: I once tried smoked gouda with a bit of pepper jack for an extra kick, and it turned out amazing—feel free to experiment!
• Seafood alternative: If you’re not into shrimp, diced crab meat or even cooked, flaked salmon makes a tasty variation.
• Spice it up: For those who crave heat, a sprinkle of cayenne or hot sauce mixed into the shrimp gives a lively punch.
• Make it vegetarian: Replace shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or spicy roasted chickpeas for a surprisingly delicious meat-free option.

How to Make Cheesy Shrimp & Grits Bites Recipe

Step 1: Master the Creamy Grits Base

Start by bringing whole milk and water to a gentle simmer, then whisk in your quick-cooking grits slowly to avoid lumps—this is key to that silky texture. Keep the heat at medium-low and whisk frequently as the mixture thickens, about 7 minutes. Stir in the shredded smoked gouda, a good pat of butter, and some Cajun seasoning. Season with kosher salt, then spread the grits evenly in a baking dish and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to firm up. This chilling step is crucial because it helps the grits hold their shape when you cut and fry them later.

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp and Veggie Mixture

While your grits chill, pat your shrimp dry and toss them with a pinch of salt and Cajun seasoning — this seasoning layer is what gives the recipe its signature southern charm. In a skillet, melt the remaining butter and cook the chopped celery and green bell pepper until they soften, around 3-4 minutes. Then add garlic, white scallion parts, and tomato paste, stirring until the paste darkens slightly—that deepening color means those savory flavors are blooming. Nestle the shrimp into the center of the pan, cook through (about 3-4 minutes), and then transfer everything to a plate so you can clean your skillet for the final frying step.

Step 3: Shape and Coat Your Grits Bites

Using a 2-inch round cutter, carve out 15 cakes from your chilled grits, then slice each of those in half horizontally so you end up with 30 bite-sized disks. This layering technique makes the perfect thickness for frying—crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside. Set up three shallow bowls: one with seasoned flour mixed with the last teaspoon of Cajun seasoning, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs. Dredge each grits cake through flour, egg, then panko, pressing lightly so the crumbs stick well. Pop these coated bites back in the freezer for about 10 minutes to let them firm up—this step helps prevent the coating from falling off when frying.

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat neutral oil in the skillet over medium-high heat, and fry your grits bites in batches. Cook each side for 1 to 2 minutes until you see a gorgeous golden crust forming. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or they’ll steam instead of fry, and you want that crispy texture. Drain them on paper towels and season lightly with salt right away. This frying process might feel a bit intimidating, but once you get that golden color down, you’ll be hooked—and it’s kind of fun!

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Arrange your crispy grits bites on a serving platter, generously spoon the shrimp and veggie mixture over each, and sprinkle with the bright green parts of the scallions. If you’re using remoulade sauce, serve it on the side for dipping—it adds a tangy creaminess that’s just so perfect. Watching everyone dig in is the best reward, and I promise these little bites disappear way too fast!

How to Serve Cheesy Shrimp & Grits Bites Recipe

Garnishes

I always top these bites with the bright green parts of scallions—it adds freshness and a pop of color that’s both pretty and tasty. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice also works beautifully to balance out the richness. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of homemade remoulade adds a creamy tang that’s just perfect.

Side Dishes

For a full meal or appetizer spread, I like pairing these bites with a crisp green salad or a simple slaw to add crunch and brightness. A side of roasted veggies or grilled corn fits perfectly with the Southern vibe. If you want to keep it more casual, a bowl of tangy coleslaw is always a hit alongside these cheesy shrimp bites.

Creative Ways to Present

Throwing a party? Serve your Cheesy Shrimp & Grits Bites on a large wooden board with small bowls of remoulade and hot sauce for dipping. You can also skewer the bites with toothpicks for an easy grab-and-go option. For a brunch twist, pair them with mini poached eggs and a little fresh herb garnish — it’s a real crowd-pleaser that feels a bit upscale!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store any leftover bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. They’ll lose a little crispiness, but warming them carefully in a skillet with a drizzle of oil helps bring back some crunch.

Freezing

These do freeze really well after breading—you’ll want to freeze the shaped bites on a tray until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, just fry them straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the cooking time. It’s a lifesaver for busy days or unexpected guests.

Reheating

To reheat without losing the crispy exterior, I recommend a quick pan-fry on medium heat with a little oil. Avoid microwaving if you want that crunch to stay intact—microwaves turn them soggy pretty fast.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Cheesy Shrimp & Grits Bites Recipe brings together comfort and elegance in bite-sized form. It’s one of those dishes that has wowed my closest friends and family, partly because it’s so approachable yet feels a bit special. If you want to impress without stress, give this recipe a try—you’ll be so glad you did, and I have a feeling it might become a favorite snack or party staple in your house too!

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