Name: Spicy Shrimp Cornbread Ring
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 cup cornmeal; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup buttermilk; 2 large eggs; 1/4 cup melted butter; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup chopped green onions; 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste); 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional: chopped parsley or jalapeños for garnish

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Spicy Shrimp Cornbread Ring is a flavorful Southern-inspired dish that pairs moist, slightly sweet cornbread with a bold, spicy shrimp filling. Baked in a ring mold or bundt pan, this visually striking entrée or appetizer is perfect for potlucks, brunches, and casual gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This unique presentation combines comfort food with seafood flair. The tender cornbread is subtly sweet and crumbly, while the shrimp filling brings heat, spice, and zest. It’s easy to slice and serve, making it ideal for sharing. The contrasting textures and bold flavors make every bite memorable.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Yellow cornmeal
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Sugar
Eggs
Buttermilk
Butter (melted)
Raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
Olive oil
Garlic cloves (minced)
Onion (finely chopped)
Jalapeños or red chili flakes
Cajun seasoning or paprika
Cheddar cheese (shredded)
Green onions (sliced)
Salt and pepper

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a bundt or ring pan thoroughly.
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion, garlic, and jalapeños until softened. Add shrimp and season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until shrimp are pink and cooked through. Set aside to cool slightly.
In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, beat eggs, then mix in buttermilk and melted butter.
Combine wet and dry ingredients. Fold in cheddar cheese, green onions, and the cooked shrimp mixture.
Pour batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake for 30–35 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
Let cool for 10 minutes before turning out onto a serving plate.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8–10
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

Add corn kernels or roasted red peppers for sweetness.
Substitute crab or crawfish for shrimp.
Mix in pepper jack cheese for an extra spicy kick.
Serve with sour cream or remoulade on the side.
Use muffin tins instead of a ring pan for individual servings.

Storage/Reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave or in a 325°F (160°C) oven until warmed through. Freezing is possible, though the texture of the shrimp may change slightly. Wrap well and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this without a ring pan?

Yes, use a standard baking dish or muffin tin, adjusting the baking time as needed.

Is this dish very spicy?

It has moderate heat, which can be adjusted with more or less jalapeño or seasoning.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

Yes, but add them at the end of the sauté step just to warm through.

What kind of cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar is ideal, but Monterey Jack or pepper jack also work well.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, bake and store in the fridge. Reheat before serving.

What do I serve with it?

Serve with coleslaw, a green salad, or a creamy dipping sauce.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend and ensure your cornmeal is certified gluten-free.

How do I keep it from sticking to the pan?

Use a generous amount of butter or nonstick spray and flour the pan lightly.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, thaw and drain them thoroughly before cooking.

Will it hold its shape when unmolded?

Yes, allow it to cool slightly before inverting to keep its form.

Conclusion

Spicy Shrimp Cornbread Ring is a show-stopping dish that delivers comfort, spice, and seafood goodness in every slice. Whether served as a main course or as part of a Southern-inspired spread, it’s a hearty, flavorful recipe that’s sure to be requested again and again.

Spicy Shrimp Cornbread Ring

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Spicy Shrimp Cornbread Ring is a savory and eye-catching dish featuring a moist cornbread ring stuffed or topped with seasoned spicy shrimp, perfect for sharing at parties or special dinners.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking and Sautéing
Cuisine: Southern
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a bundt pan or ring mold.
In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate bowl, combine buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter. Stir wet ingredients into dry until just combined.
Fold in shredded cheddar cheese and green onions.
Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a serving plate.
While the cornbread bakes, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Season shrimp with paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through.
Spoon or arrange the spicy shrimp in the center or over the top of the cornbread ring.
Garnish with chopped parsley or jalapeños if desired and serve warm.