Cheesy Shrimp & Grits Bites Recipe

I absolutely love how these Cheesy Shrimp & Grits Bites come together — they’re like little pockets of Southern comfort with a crispy crust and that rich, cheesy grits base. When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how the smoky gouda and Cajun seasoning added such depth to every bite. Whether you’re making these for a fun appetizer or a brunch treat, they never fail to impress!

You’ll find that the combination of creamy grits and perfectly seasoned shrimp in this Cheesy Shrimp & Grits Bites Recipe makes each bite a delightful mix of textures and flavors. It’s a fantastic way to elevate classic shrimp and grits into an easy-to-eat party snack or a satisfying finger food — perfect for gathering with friends or family anytime.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully — the smoked gouda gives you a rich, smoky cheese flavor, while the Cajun seasoning kicks things up a notch. Choosing quick-cooking grits means you won’t be tied to the stove forever, and fresh shrimp makes all the difference.

• Whole milk: Helps create creamy, rich grits that aren’t watery or bland.
• Quick-cooking grits (not instant): Cook fast but still have great texture; avoid instant for better bite.
• Smoked gouda or sharp cheddar: Adds depth; smoked gouda brings a lovely smoky twist.
• Unsalted butter: For richness and helping soften veggies and grits.
• Cajun seasoning: Brings that classic Southern spice and warmth.
• Kosher salt: Balances flavors throughout the recipe.
• Medium shrimp: Peeled and deveined – fresh or thawed from frozen is best.
• Celery: Adds freshness and a slight crunch when cooked.
• Green bell pepper: Mild sweetness and color contrast.
• Scallions (green and white parts separated): Whites soften in the filling, greens garnish for brightness.
• Garlic: Essential for that aromatic savory kick.
• Tomato paste: Concentrates flavor and adds a subtle umami layer.
• All-purpose flour: For coating grits bites, helps the breading stick.
• Eggs: Acts as the glue in breading process.
• Panko bread crumbs: Give your bites a satisfying crunch.
• Neutral oil: Like canola or vegetable, perfect for frying without overpowering flavors.
• Remoulade sauce (optional): Adds a creamy, tangy dip that pairs perfectly.
• 2″ round cutter: Helps shape uniform grits cakes for even cooking.

Variations

I love making this Cheesy Shrimp & Grits Bites Recipe my own depending on the occasion or what’s in the fridge. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or toss in herbs to match your mood — it’s surprisingly forgiving!

• Cheese swap: I’ve swapped smoked gouda with sharp cheddar or even pepper jack for a little heat, and it worked beautifully.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce to the shrimp for those days you want a serious kick.
• Vegetarian option: Replace shrimp with sautéed mushrooms and a bit more paprika for a smoky earthiness.
• Baking alternative: Instead of frying, bake the bites at 400°F for about 15 minutes for a lighter version.

How to Make Cheesy Shrimp & Grits Bites Recipe

Step 1: Simmer the grits for creamy goodness

Start by bringing whole milk and water to a simmer in a small saucepan. Slowly whisk in the quick-cooking grits, then reduce to medium-low. This slow cooking with frequent whisking is key to avoid lumps and get that luxurious creamy texture. About 7 minutes is usually perfect before stirring in your shredded smoked gouda, butter, and a teaspoon of Cajun seasoning. Make sure to taste and season with salt to balance the flavors.

Step 2: Chill and shape your grits cake base

Pour the cheesy, seasoned grits into a baking dish and spread them evenly. Pop it into the fridge for about 30 minutes so it firms up enough to cut. I discovered this step makes handling so much cleaner and easier — trust me, trying to cut soft grits is a frustrating mess!

Step 3: Season and sauté the shrimp mixture

While the grits chill, pat your shrimp dry and toss them in salt and Cajun seasoning. In a skillet, melt butter then cook finely chopped celery, bell pepper, white parts of scallions, garlic, and tomato paste until veggies soften and paste darkens a bit. Slide the shrimp into the center of the skillet, toss occasionally until the shrimp turn opaque and are cooked through — about 3-4 minutes. This shrimp-veggie mixture is bursting with flavor and makes the perfect topping.

Step 4: Cut, bread, and chill your grits bites

Using a 2″ round cutter, punch out 15 grits cakes from the chilled grits slab, then slice each in half like a little sandwich bun, giving you 30 disks. Coat each in seasoned flour, then beaten egg, and finally panko breadcrumbs. This triple coating creates that golden crunch you’ll love. Freeze them for about 10 minutes so the coating sets well before frying. I learned this step prevents the breading from falling apart mid-fry.

Step 5: Fry the bites to golden perfection

Heat your neutral oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and fry the bites in batches. Turn halfway through, cooking each side 1-2 minutes until beautifully golden and crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and season lightly with salt right after frying to lock in flavor. Keep an eye on the temperature—too hot and they burn, too cold and they get greasy.

Step 6: Assemble and serve with shrimp topping

Place your grits bites on a platter, top each one generously with that flavorful shrimp and veggie mixture, then sprinkle with green scallion parts. Serve with remoulade sauce on the side for dipping — it adds a tangy punch that takes these bites over the top.

How to Serve Cheesy Shrimp & Grits Bites Recipe

Garnishes

I always add a sprinkle of fresh green scallion tops right before serving — you get that fresh onion flavor and a splash of color. Sometimes, I also like a light drizzle of hot sauce or a dollop of remoulade on the side to amp up the flavor.

Side Dishes

This goes great with simple sides like a crisp green salad or even a tangy coleslaw to balance the richness. For brunch, pairing it with a fresh fruit salad brings a bright contrast. It’s also lovely alongside roasted vegetables for a more substantial meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I lay these bites out on a wooden board with small ramekins of remoulade and hot sauce for dipping. You can also stack them with a shrimp on top and a tiny skewer for an elegant appetizer display. Mini lettuce cups or endive leaves also make fun edible boats for the bites to shine.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers covered in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be aware the breading softens a bit, but reheating in the oven or air fryer helps restore some crispness.

Freezing

These freeze surprisingly well! After breading, freeze the bites on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. You can fry them straight from the freezer — just add a minute or two to the cooking time.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in a hot oven (around 375°F) or an air fryer for 5-7 minutes until crisp again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that satisfying crunch.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Shrimp & Grits Bites Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it turns a beloved Southern classic into something fun and shareable. I love how it brings people together — you’ll see smiles all around as everyone dives into these little bites. Give this recipe a try, and I promise it’ll become a favorite easy appetizer or snack that you’ll want to make again and again!

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