Southern Appetizers: Mini Shrimp + Grits

You will love this Southern appetizer idea, mini shrimp and grits cups! 

If you are a regular Pizzazzerie reader, you might remember me mentioning that I grew up as a child in Charleston, SC so I have a firmly rooted love for seaside celebrations and lowcountry cuisine. Charlestonians know how to party, southern style! So I’m tapping into that coastal style for a White Wine Party I’m planning! Sonoma-Cutrer (known for their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir) is introducing a special release Sauvignon Blanc and this wine will be the star of the party!

I’m excited to share a little behind-the-scenes to my party preparations as I taste-test for the menu and pull together the decor I’ve chosen. Let’s take a peak at the tabletop details! I started with this gorgeous coral seaside fabric that I’m using as a table covering. Fabrics open the door to a wider variety of “tablecloths” so a visit to a fabric store is the first step of many of my parties. I love the neutral white, beige, and gray colors used in the pattern because my white serving pieces will really pop when placed on the table. White serving dishes also help showcase the food! I really want to bring in the wine element so I am going to use wine corks as mini food card holders a fun and easy craft. I’ve detailed a bit about the wine below. I really want my guests to enjoy tasting the wine and pairing it with a variety of different foods to bring out the unique and tropical flavors. I’m not a wine expert but as a hostess, I plan to include a little information about wine tasting including taking a moment to swirl the wine, smell the wine (identifying aromas and flavors) and finally take a small sip to taste. My menu includes a variety of different flavors to pair with the wine.

Mini Shrimp and Grits Appetizer

I’m still tweaking it a bit but as of now, here is what I’m planning on serving! I’ve been recipe testing my mini shrimp and grits (a nod to the lowcountry) and have included that recipe below! I hope you’ll try it out! All the food is tapas-style as I really believe this encourages mixing and mingling as well as giving guests the opportunity to try everything.

Southern Seaside Wine Party Menu

• Sonoma-Cutrer Sauvignon Blanc
• Mini Shrimp & Grits
• BLT Cups
• Prosciutto Wrapped Peaches
• Watermelon Feta Bites
• Individual Mandarin Salads

As promised, here is the recipe for the mini shrimp & grits! I’m still perfecting the rest of them and let me tell you, my husband has loved being my official taste-tester!

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Mini Shrimp and Grits

Servings: 6

A classic southern appetizer idea! 

10 minutes Prep Time

15 minutes Cook Time

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup uncooked quick-cooking grits
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 pound medium shrimp peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon old bay seasoning

Instructions

1. Bring chicken broth to a boil over medium-high heat. Add in grits and stir occasionally until thick (about 4-5 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in salt, pepper, and cheddar cheese. Keep warm.
2. Cook shrimp in a nonstick skillet over medium heat 3 minutes (or until almost pink) and stir often. Add in lemon juice and old bay seasoning and stir well. Cook for 3 minutes. Remove from heat.
3. Fill individual dishes with grits. Top with shrimp and garnish with chives.

Nutrition Facts

Mini Shrimp and Grits

Amount Per Serving

Calories 202 Calories from Fat 63

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 7g 11%

Saturated Fat 4g 20%

Cholesterol 210mg 70%

Sodium 1249mg 52%

Potassium 147mg 4%

Total Carbohydrates 10g 3%

Protein 21g 42%

Vitamin A 3.8%

Vitamin C 9.9%

Calcium 29.8%

Iron 38.3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Recipe Notes

Serve these shrimp and grits in mini appetizer cups for the perfect presentation! 

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Keyword: shrimp and grits, southern

SONOMA-CUTRER’S SAUVIGNON BLANC

The wine has a bright and vibrant style. It showcases aromas of passion fruit, lychee, lime and white peach with overtones of wet stone minerality. The palate is sleek and crisp with tropical flavors of guava and passion fruit that mingle with notes of grapefruit, mandarin, and lime. One-third of the wine was barrel fermented in two-year-old oak for four months, adding a nice creamy texture to the mid-palate, which is supported by a bright finish of citrus laced acidity.

If you’re a wine-lover like me, you definitely want to check out the Sonoma-Cutrer wine club (exclusive wines and 3 shipments/year to members – woohoo). I’m definitely excited to join and discover some new favorite wines, especially since this special release Sauivignon Blanc is at the top of my fave list right now! And if you’re headed to California, go enjoy a Winery Tour and tasting in Sonoma! This is on my bucket list for sure!

UPDATE: Check out the pictures from my Southern Appetizers Party here!