Description
A classic Southern comfort dish featuring creamy, cheesy stone-ground grits cooked on the stovetop and served with a variety of optional toppings like crispy bacon, sautéed shrimp, or a runny egg, perfect for breakfast, a main course, or a side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Grits Base
- 1 cup stone-ground grits (not instant)
- 4 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or whole milk
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- Cooked bacon or sausage crumbles
- Sautéed shrimp
- Roasted vegetables
- Fried or poached egg
- Hot sauce
- Green onions
- Caramelized onions
- Fresh herbs
Instructions
- Boil liquid and add grits: In a medium saucepan, bring the water or broth to a boil. Slowly whisk in the stone-ground grits to prevent lumps, then reduce the heat to low.
- Simmer grits: Let the grits simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring often to avoid sticking, until they become thick and creamy. Note longer cooking times may be necessary depending on the coarseness of the grits; refer to the package instructions as needed.
- Add butter, cheese, and cream: Stir in the unsalted butter, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and heavy cream or whole milk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Season: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, mixing thoroughly to combine.
- Serve with toppings: Spoon the cheesy grits into bowls and add your favorite toppings such as crispy bacon, sautéed shrimp, roasted vegetables, a fried or poached egg, hot sauce, green onions, caramelized onions, or fresh herbs. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- For extra depth of flavor, consider stirring in garlic powder or smoked paprika during the cooking process.
- Grits thicken as they cool; to loosen them before serving, add a splash of cream or broth and stir well.
- Adjust seasoning at the end after adding toppings to suit personal taste.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Main Course, Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
