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If you’re looking to make a delicious, easy, and versatile meal that can be enjoyed any time of day, then look no further than grits. This dish is so simple, you can make it at home in less than 30 minutes in 5 easy steps.
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I remember the first time that I had grits. I was middle school age and had stayed the night with some close family friends from Georgia. She made grits and eggs and bacon for breakfast and I fell in love. It was similar to cream of wheat but so much better! Now if I am out to eat anywhere that serves grits I always get them. My favorite is grits made with different kinds of cheeses. I had a goat cheese grits recently that was out of this world.
I knew when I decided to make my own version the texture and creaminess needed to be just right. I tested this version til it was up to par with the way I like them best. I know you are going to love them too! Grits can be tricky but I made this recipe easy to follow so they are perfect every time. They are perfect as a breakfast, side dish, or the base for my favorite Shrimp and Grits.
Where do Grits Come From?
The technique of making grits originates from the indigenous people of what is now the Southern United States, specifically the Muskogee tribe. British colonists learned this technique from the indigenous people. Now, they’re so popular that they are the official prepared dish of Georgia.
Grits are a Southern staple for a reason: they’re a delicious dish that can enhance any meal! The creamy porridge made from ground corn has a unique corn flavor taste that can be sweetened or made savory. Grits are made from cornmeal, and they’re usually served as a breakfast dish with cheese, bacon, or other toppings. But they’re also wonderful when added to stews or served alongside meat dishes for dinner. You can even make sweet versions of grits by adding sugar or fruit!
Types of Grits
The type of grits you get depends on the type of corn or corn germ you use. They can be made from white corn or yellow corn kernels. Most grocery stores sell quick-cooking and stone-ground grits. Much like rice or oatmeal, “quick” refers to a smaller grain and faster cook time. Additionally, “stone-ground” refers to a larger grain and a slower cook time. Grits are similar to polenta, which is also made from ground corn. The difference is polenta is made from yellow corn, while white corn grits are made from white corn, or hominy grits.
How to Make Sweet Grits
Once you’ve cooked up your grits, you can make them savory or sweet. Let’s start with sweet! Add any of these yummy toppings for a sweet breakfast.
- Maple syrup
- Brown sugar
- Fruit
- Nuts and seeds
- Honey
- Cinnamon
Some of my favorite combinations include bananas + honey + toasted almonds, berries + maple syrup, and pecans + maple syrup + cinnamon.
How to Make Cheese Grits
If you prefer a more savory breakfast, or you are serving this recipe with dinner, try some of these toppings.
- Use simple seasonings to add flavor: salt and black pepper, garlic powder, a dash of hot sauce.
- Bacon
- Cheddar cheese (note: add the sharp cheddar cheese when they’re done cooking, but still hot)
- Eggs
- Sausage
- Green onion
- Heirloom tomatoes
- Caramelized onion
- Peppers
Some of my favorite combinations include: cheese, bacon, fried eggs, and sausage. Serve them with a side of toast.
For creamy grits, whether you are using stone-ground or quick, you will need to cook for longer than it states on the box.
More Popular Ways to Serve Grits
Grits, a classic Southern dish, can be served in various popular ways, whether as a comforting breakfast, a side dish, or a main course. Here are some popular ways to serve grits:
- Shrimp and Grits: Top your grits with sautéed shrimp and a flavorful sauce, such as a Cajun-style sauce or a rich butter and garlic sauce. See my favorite shrimp and grits below.
- Breakfast Grits: Serve grits as a breakfast dish, often accompanied by eggs, bacon, or sausage.
- Grits and Gravy: Pair grits with a savory gravy made from sausage, mushrooms, or even a classic Southern sausage gravy.
- Grits Bowl: Create a grits bowl with various toppings like sautéed vegetables, poached eggs, cheese, and hot sauce.
- Fried Grits: After cooking, chill your grits, cut them into shapes, and pan-fry them for crispy, bite-sized treats.
- Grits Cakes: Shape your grits into cakes and pan-fry them until golden brown. Serve as a side or a base for other dishes.
- Grits with Greens: Top grits with sautéed collard greens, spinach, or kale for a nutritious and flavorful combination.
- Grits and BBQ: Pair grits with tender, slow-cooked barbecue meats like pulled pork or brisket, drizzled with barbecue sauce.
- Grits and Fried Chicken: Enjoy grits alongside crispy fried chicken for a delightful Southern comfort meal.
- Vegetarian Grits: Top grits with a medley of sautéed or roasted vegetables, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini.
- Sweet Grits: Make sweet grits by adding sugar, honey, or maple syrup, and topping with fresh fruit, nuts, or cinnamon.
- Grits with Poached Egg: Create a well in your grits and poach an egg directly in the center. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs.
- Grits with Cheese and Sausage: Combine cheese grits with crumbled breakfast sausage for a hearty and flavorful dish.
These are just a few popular ways to enjoy grits, but the possibilities are endless. Grits’ versatility makes them suitable for both savory and sweet dishes, and you can adapt them to your taste preferences and dietary needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Usually for stone-ground grits is four cups of liquid to one cups of stone-ground grits. For this recipe, we use six cups of liquid (water and milk) for a cup and a half of grits.
The secret to a creamy texture is adding milk (or even heavy cream) along with water to the liquid mixture. That’s why we like to use half water, half milk for this recipe.
READ MORE: 33+ Easy Breakfast Ideas
More Southern Recipes
If you’re a fan of Southern cuisine, we’ve put together a list of some of our favorite recipes from the South so that you can try them out for yourself, like our Biscuits and Gravy, Easy Cake Mix Cornbread, Chicken and Sausage Gumbo, and Corn Casserole.
- Biscuits and Gravy
- Cake Mix Cornbread
- Jambalaya
- Southern Corn Casserole
- Southern Fried Chicken Sandwich
- Key Lime Pie
- Instant Pot Gumbo
- Shrimp Po Boys
How to Make Grits
Video
Equipment
- Large Sauce Pan
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large pot add water, milk, butter, and salt. Bring to a low boil over medium-high heat while stirring frequently.
- Slowly pour in the grits while stirring constantly with a whisk. Turn heat to low and continue to whisk for one minute.
- Cover the pan with a lid and stir well every 4 to 5 minutes. Be sure to scrape all along the bottom of the pot to prevent the grits from sticking or burning.
- The grits are done when they reach a thick creamy consistency, it should take 25 to 30 minutes.
- Pour grits into a serving bowl and top with a slice of butter while hot.
Cheese Grits (Optional)
- Stir in a cup of your favorite kind of cheese when the grits are completely cooked and still hot.
Love these grits. Plain or with cheese. I have them for brekfast, as a side dish and with shrimp…sooo good!!
Really good, especially under shrimp!
Love the video and love these grits!
Made the grits directly from the recipe and it was delicious and creamy.
No self-respecting Southerner ever put sugar in their grits.
To each their own!
I second the recommended “add topping after grits are done” I’ve found that putting other things in impairs the cooking of the grits to the desired texture.
So tasty and delicious! Thank you so much for sharing this grits recipe! Highly recommended! Will surely have this again!
I love oatmeal and porridge – so this looked right up my alley! It’s going to become a new breakfast staple at my home. YUMMY! I also love the cheese option. Such a great way to get in some extra protein.
Yummy! I love grits and this recipe was so delicious! My husband and I enjoyed these grits for breakfast yesterday morning! Definitely making this again!