Catfish & Grits Shooters
I am going to be honest: I am a grits girl. In particular, I love taking a Southern classic like shrimp and grits and giving it a spin, which is how these catfish and grits shooters came to be. They are a great start to a holiday menu, and my guide on how to host a holiday dinner party and my easy holiday entertaining tips will help with the rest.
With this in mind, there are three keys to great grits. First, whatever you cook your grits in is what they will taste like, which is why I use chicken stock. Second, cook them low and slow and whisk well so they are smooth. Third, butter and heavy cream give you that creamy texture. I use the same catfish nuggets in my fried catfish nugget crostini and my catfish BLT sliders.
As a result, these shooters are not only savory and satisfying but also easy to create. I make my own U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish nuggets so they are small enough to fit the shooter glasses. Furthermore, if you love catfish, try my mini catfish tacos and my catfish bites with pimiento cheese and fried green tomatoes.
What Are Catfish and Grits Shooters?
Catfish and grits shooters are a bite-size take on shrimp and grits. Creamy, cheesy grits are poured into small shooter glasses and topped with a crispy catfish nugget on a mini skewer, so guests can pick one up and enjoy it in a few bites.
Ingredients (With Purpose & Flavor Notes)
- Chicken stock (3 cups): Cooking the grits in stock adds flavor from the start.
- Quick grits (1 1/2 cups): Cook in minutes and turn out smooth.
- Salt and black pepper: Season the grits.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Adds richness.
- Smoked Gouda (8 ounces): Melts into the grits and adds a smoky flavor.
- Shaved Parmesan (4 ounces): Adds a salty, nutty note.
- Heavy cream (3 cups): Makes the grits creamy and pourable.
- White wine (1/4 cup, optional): Listed in my original recipe.
- U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish fillets (1 pound): Cut into 2-inch pieces.
- Seasoned fish fry coating (3/4 cup): Creates the crisp crust.
- Non-stick cooking spray: Helps the nuggets turn golden.
Everything I Love for This Recipe
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Shooter Glasses
Small glasses for serving the grits.
Mini Skewers
Hold the catfish nugget on top.
Medium Saucepan
For cooking the grits.
Whisk
Keeps the grits smooth and lump-free.
Air Fryer
Crisps the catfish without deep frying.
Box Grater
For shredding the Gouda.
Shallow Dredging Dish
Makes coating the fish simple.
Rimmed Baking Sheet
For prepping the nuggets.
Ladle
For filling the shooter glasses.
Serving Tray
For passing the shooters.
Mini Appetizer Spoons
For scooping up the grits.
Cocktail Napkins
A must for passed appetizers.
How To Make Catfish and Grits Shooters
Step 1: Start the Grits
In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken stock to a boil. Slowly add the grits while whisking continuously.
Step 2: Cook
Cook over medium heat for 4 to 5 minutes, until the grits thicken.
Step 3: Make Them Creamy
Stir in the salt, pepper, butter, Gouda, Parmesan, and heavy cream. Turn the heat to low and keep warm.
Step 4: Coat the Catfish
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Rinse the catfish and pat it dry. Dip each piece in the seasoned fish fry coating until completely coated.
Step 5: Air Fry
Spray the nuggets with cooking spray and place them in the basket in an even layer, sprayed side down. Air fry for 8 minutes, flip, and cook for 4 more minutes.
Step 6: Assemble
Pour the grits into shooter glasses. Slide a catfish nugget onto a mini skewer, set it on top, and serve.
Catfish & Grits Shooters
Ingredients
Grits
- 3 cups chicken stock
- 1 1/2 cups quick grits
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper coarsely ground
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 8 ounces smoked Gouda cheese shredded
- 4 ounces shaved Parmesan
- 3 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 cup white wine optional
Catfish Nuggets
- 1 pound U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish fillets cut into 2-inch pieces
- 3/4 cup seasoned fish fry coating
- non-stick cooking spray
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken stock to a boil.
- Slowly add the quick grits while whisking continuously.
- Cook over medium heat for 4 to 5 minutes, until the grits thicken.
- Stir in the salt, pepper, butter, Gouda, Parmesan, and heavy cream. Turn the heat to low and keep warm until ready to serve.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Rinse the catfish and pat it dry with a paper towel.
- Add the seasoned fish fry coating to a shallow bowl and dip each piece of fish until completely coated.
- Spread the nuggets on a baking sheet and spray with non-stick cooking spray. Place them in an even layer in the air fryer basket, sprayed side down.
- Air fry for 8 minutes. Flip the nuggets and cook for 4 more minutes.
- Pour the grits into shooter glasses. Slide a catfish nugget onto a mini skewer, set it on top, and serve.
KEEP HOSTING
More to make and share — seafood bites and crostini.
U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish BLT Sliders
Crispy catfish sliders stacked BLT-style for a fun bite.
Get the Recipe →
U.S. Catfish Nugget Crostini with Remoulade Sauce
Crostini topped with catfish nuggets and zesty remoulade.
Get the Recipe →Variations
Shrimp and Grits Shooters
Top with a cooked shrimp in place of catfish.
Cheese Swap
Use sharp cheddar in place of smoked Gouda.
Spicy
Add a dash of hot sauce or Cajun seasoning to the grits.
Full Size
Serve the grits in bowls with catfish on top for dinner.
When I Love Serving Catfish and Grits Shooters
Thanksgiving
A fun appetizer before the big meal.
Holiday Parties
They are easy to pass on a tray.
Brunch
They pair well with a holiday mimosa bar.
Supper Club
A Southern starter that gets people talking.
New Year’s Eve
Add them to these elevated New Year’s Eve appetizers.
Game Day
Equally important, they work for a tailgate like the best UT vs UGA tailgate.
What To Serve With Catfish and Grits Shooters
More Appetizers
Add hot crab dip, surf and turf bites, or a fried chicken board.
Fresh Sides
Balance the richness with a winter salad or an epic veggie tray.
Drinks
Serve with a cranberry Moscow mule or lemonade prosecco punch.
Shelf Life & Storage Tips
- Grits: Refrigerate leftover grits in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat grits: Warm over low heat and whisk in a splash of stock or cream to loosen.
- Catfish: Refrigerate nuggets for up to 2 days and re-crisp in the air fryer at 400°F for a few minutes.
- Assemble last: Fill the glasses and add the catfish right before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use stone-ground grits?
Yes, but they take much longer to cook and need more liquid. Follow the package directions.
How do I keep the grits warm?
Keep them on low heat and stir now and then. Add a splash of stock or cream if they thicken.
Can I buy catfish nuggets?
Yes. Some markets sell them already cut, which saves a step.
What can I use instead of shooter glasses?
Small cups, espresso cups, or mini mason jars all work.
Final Thoughts
All things considered, these catfish and grits shooters are a simple way to serve a Southern favorite in a new form. Without a doubt, creamy grits and crispy catfish are a combination guests ask about. If you make them, tag me so I can see, and keep hosting.
#USCatfish
SAVE NOW, MAKE LATER!
