If you’re ready to fall in love with a Southern-inspired treat, let me introduce you to Grilled Shrimp and Cheddar Grit Fritters with Smoky Cream. Imagine golden fritters—crisp on the outside, creamy and cheesy within—loaded with tender grilled shrimp and a hint of heat, all crowned by a velvety, smoky cream. This dish takes hearty classics and spins them into irresistible finger food, turning even everyday moments into something worthy of celebration.

Grilled Shrimp and Cheddar Grit Fritters with Smoky Cream Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

It may look fancy, but Grilled Shrimp and Cheddar Grit Fritters with Smoky Cream come together with a handful of simple ingredients that play beautiful roles in every bite. Each brings a little magic—richness, texture, or just a burst of color—to make these fritters anything but ordinary.

Quick-cooking grits: These form the heart of the fritters, creating their creamy texture and structure.
Water: Essential for cooking the grits to the perfect creaminess.
Salt: Enhances the natural flavor of the grits and shrimp.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Offers bold flavor and a gooey, melty backdrop in every bite.
Grilled shrimp: Adds sweet smokiness and a bit of coastal flair; chop them finely for even distribution.
Large egg: Binds everything together and gives the fritters lift.
Green onions: Bring a subtle zing and brighten up the fritters visually and flavor-wise.
All-purpose flour: Keeps the fritters sturdy without weighing them down.
Garlic powder: Layers in savory depth that complements both shrimp and cheddar.
Smoked paprika: Infuses warmth and a beautiful color to both fritters and sauce.
Vegetable oil: Perfect for frying, ensuring a shatteringly crisp fritter exterior.
Sour cream: The velvety base of your smoky cream sauce.
Mayonnaise: Adds luxurious body and tang to the sauce.
Lemon juice: Brightens and balances the creamy elements in the sauce.
Salt and pepper: Fine-tunes the final flavors to perfection.

How to Make Grilled Shrimp and Cheddar Grit Fritters with Smoky Cream

Step 1: Cook the Grits

Start by bringing the water and salt to a boil in a sturdy saucepan. Gradually whisk in the quick-cooking grits, then lower the heat. Keep stirring—this prevents lumps and creates that velvety texture we swoon over. Once the grits are nice and thick (usually just a few minutes), remove from the heat and stir in all that sharp shred of cheddar. Let it melt to perfection, then allow the mixture to cool slightly. It’s going to smell irresistible!

Step 2: Build the Fritter Mixture

Once your cheesy grits have cooled enough to comfortably handle, it’s time to fold in the star players. Mix in the grilled, chopped shrimp, the egg for binding, green onions for kick, a shake of garlic powder, smoked paprika for that signature warmth, and a scoop of flour for light structure. The batter should feel thick but scoopable. Pop it in the fridge for 20 to 30 minutes so it firms up—this is the secret to perfectly shaped fritters.

Step 3: Fry to Crispy, Golden Perfection

Pour about half an inch of vegetable oil into a large skillet and set it over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, use a spoon or scoop to drop heaping tablespoons of the mixture in, gently flattening them with the back for even frying. Give each fritter two to three minutes per side, or until both sides are beautifully golden and crispy. Transfer them to a paper towel–lined plate; resist eating them all right away!

Step 4: Mix Up the Smoky Cream

While the fritters cool just a bit, quickly whisk together your tangy smoky cream: sour cream, mayo, lemon juice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. It’s creamy, it’s smoky, and it adds a brilliant chilled contrast to the warm fritters. This sauce will quickly become a staple in your fridge!

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Arrange your crispy Grilled Shrimp and Cheddar Grit Fritters with Smoky Cream on a platter or serving board, dolloped generously with that luscious smoky cream and sprinkled with extra green onions if you like. It’s a Southern masterpiece ready for snacking, sharing, or simply treating yourself.

How to Serve Grilled Shrimp and Cheddar Grit Fritters with Smoky Cream

Garnishes

The beauty is in the details! Top your fritters with extra sliced green onions, a light dusting of smoked paprika, or even a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives. For a little extra coastal sparkle, top with a small whole grilled shrimp on each fritter—it’s show-stopping and totally worth the extra step for special occasions.

Side Dishes

Grilled Shrimp and Cheddar Grit Fritters with Smoky Cream shine brightest alongside fresh, crunchy salads, a bowl of spicy slaw, or even a simple cucumber tomato salad for refreshing contrast. If you’re in the mood for heartier company, try pairing them with collard greens, a bowl of gumbo, or roasted corn for that complete Southern experience.

Creative Ways to Present

They’re perfect finger food! Stack them on a rustic board for a casual gathering, or serve individually on small plates with a swoosh of smoky cream for an elegant appetizer. Mini skewers make them ideal for parties, or nestle them into lettuce wraps for a fresh, handheld twist—no utensils required!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store Grilled Shrimp and Cheddar Grit Fritters with Smoky Cream in an airtight container in the fridge. Separate layers with parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking; they’ll be tasty for up to three days. Keep the smoky cream in a separate small container so everything stays fresh.

Freezing

These fritters freeze surprisingly well! After completely cooling, arrange them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container. Place sheets of parchment between layers. Frozen fritters keep beautifully for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

Pop chilled or thawed fritters onto a baking sheet and bake in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes; this brings them right back to their crispy, creamy glory. For a quick option, a few minutes in the air fryer does wonders too. Avoid microwaving—they’ll lose their crunch.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh for the fritters?

Absolutely! Just make sure the shrimp are fully thawed and well-drained before grilling or sautéing. Pat them dry so the fritters don’t turn out watery or soggy.

Do I have to use quick-cooking grits, or can I substitute another kind?

You can swap in stone-ground grits for a more rustic bite, but allow extra time for them to cook and reach that creamy consistency. The flavor pays off, so adjust the timing to suit your preference and availability.

What’s the best way to grill shrimp if I don’t have an outdoor grill?

A cast iron grill pan or even a hot skillet on your stovetop works wonders! Toss the shrimp in a touch of oil and your favorite seasonings, then cook for a couple of minutes per side until lightly charred. Let them cool before chopping and mixing into your batter.

Can I make the Grilled Shrimp and Cheddar Grit Fritters with Smoky Cream in advance?

You bet! These fritters actually benefit from being made ahead. Just store them in the fridge or freezer as described above, and re-crisp before serving. Assemble the smoky cream fresh or up to a day in advance for the best taste.

Is there a way to make these fritters gluten-free?

Definitely! Substitute a one-to-one gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour, and double-check that your other ingredients are certified gluten-free. The fritters will have the same crispy edges and tender centers you crave.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that feels special yet utterly approachable, Grilled Shrimp and Cheddar Grit Fritters with Smoky Cream is a recipe you’ll want to make on repeat. Whether you’re hosting a party or just treating yourself to a flavorful bite of the South, these fritters deliver comfort, crunch, and loads of personality. Your kitchen, and your guests, will thank you!

Grilled Shrimp and Cheddar Grit Fritters with Smoky Cream Recipe

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4.5 from 14 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 16 fritters 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Grilled Shrimp and Cheddar Grit Fritters with Smoky Cream are a delightful Southern twist on a classic appetizer. Crispy on the outside, cheesy and savory on the inside, they are perfect for entertaining or as a special treat. The smoky cream adds a creamy and zesty finish that complements the fritters beautifully.

Ingredients

Scale

For the fritters:

1/2 cup quick-cooking grits
2 cups water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
1/2 cup grilled shrimp (chopped)
1 large egg
1/4 cup green onions (finely chopped)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
vegetable oil for frying

For the smoky cream:

1/2 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Prepare the fritters: In a saucepan, bring water and salt to a boil. Slowly stir in the grits and cook according to package instructions, stirring constantly until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese until melted. Let cool slightly.
Mix the ingredients: Once grits are cool enough to handle, mix in chopped shrimp, egg, green onions, flour, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until combined. Refrigerate mixture for 20–30 minutes to firm up.
Fry the fritters: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Scoop heaping tablespoons of the mixture into the oil, flattening slightly with the back of a spoon. Fry for 2–3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Drain on a paper towel–lined plate.
Make the smoky cream: In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Serve: Serve warm fritters with a dollop of smoky cream and garnish with extra green onions if desired.

Notes

These fritters can be made ahead and reheated in the oven for a crispy finish.
Try adding cooked bacon or jalapeños for extra flavor.
Use stone-ground grits for a more rustic texture, adjusting cook time as needed.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Frying
Cuisine: Southern American