These simple to make Southern Cheesy Cheddar Grits can be enjoyed at any meal. Serve them as a side dish or topped with shrimp, chicken, eggs, bacon and beyond.
Cheesy Cheddar Grits Recipe
It's a well know fact that we love our grits in the South. They are to a Southerner what polenta is to an Italian. For this recipe I chose to use quick cooking grits for ease of preparation. If time allows, the flavor of stone ground or coarse ground grits are the proverbial gold standard. It's not always a practical choice on busy days though, due to the longer cooking time they require.
How to Make the Best Cheesy Cheddar Grits
These easy cheesy cheddar grits always make a pleasing addition to the table. They're a blank canvas for a variety of seasonings and toppings.
- What's the difference between quick cooking and instant grits? Instant grits are finely ground and dehydrated to dramatically decrease the amount of cooking time they require. Quick cooking grits are also ground but not quite as finely as instant grits. They're the happy medium in texture between instant and coarse stone ground grits.
- Quick cooking grits used in this cheddar grits recipe, are flavorful and a terrific choice for busy mornings or weeknight dinners. Please note, they do need to be cooked longer than the package directions for this recipe for optimal creaminess.
- Are Southern grits and polenta the same thing? They're both made from grinding corn. Polenta is made by grinding the whole corn kernel as opposed to Southern grits which have the hull removed prior to grinding. Grits have a finer texture than polenta and both have their place.
- Don't forget to season the grits. It's important to salt the grits in the beginning of the cooking process or you'll practically never get them to the level of flavor that you want.
- How do you serve cheesy cheddar grits? Grits can be served simply with a pat of butter or topped with scrambled eggs, bacon and sausage. You can add shrimp for a homestyle shrimp and grits or punch up the flavor with fresh herbs and other seasonings. You can even chill grits and once solidified cut them into rounds or squares and fry on the stovetop in bacon drippings or butter.
Other Southern Grits Recipes to Add to the Menu
As I mentioned prior, when it comes to grits the sky's the limit. They're a stellar option that can be eaten at any meal throughout the day.
- Smoked Sausages and Cheese Grits makes a fabulous all in one entrée.
- Shrimp and Cheddar Grits began as a breakfast dish that spans the whole gamut for variations and serving options.
- Southern Grits and Greens Casserole which can also be served at any meal.
- Polenta Recipe with Creamy Mushrooms from Two Peas and Their Pod
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Cheesy Cheddar Grits
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 442kcal
Ingredients
- 5 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ¼ cup quick cooking grits [not instant]
- 2 tablespoon salted butter
- ½ cup heavy cream or half & half
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese plus additional for garnishing
Instructions
- In a heavy bottomed saucepan, gently bring the milk and salt to a boil. stirring constantly. Whisk the grits into the milk in a steady stream.
- Continue to whisk for 1-2 minutes until fully incorporated. Immediately lower the heat to low and cover.
- Allow the grits to gently bubble on low heat for 15 minutes stirring periodically to prevent sticking.
- Uncover and check the consistency at 15 minutes. Add more milk or water to thin, if needed. Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes. The grits should be thickened and creamy the consistency of porridge.
- Add 2 tablespoons of butter and ½ cup cream or half & half at the end of cooking. Stir until the butter has completely melted.
- Remove from the heat and mix-in the shredded cheddar cheese, stir until melted.
- Serve immediately with additional shredded cheese on top, if desired.
Notes
You can lighten-up these grits by using light butter and low fat half and half.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 442kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 77mg | Sodium: 751mg | Potassium: 378mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 895IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 525mg | Iron: 1mg
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Athena
Will this recipe be good portions for serving 4 people? I'm going to be adding shrimp to each serving.
Melissa
I think this would be a good serving for 4. That depends on the appetites of those you're serving, of course. This recipe easily doubles if you're concerned.
Athena
Thank you!
Nikki Moranville
This recipe was just what I needed today! Looking for some comfort grits to go with my pot roast. Thank you for your quick cooking grits version!
Melissa
Awesome, thanks so much!
Tweet
Love your recipes!
Sooo tasty and simple.
Thank you for working so hard for all of us.
Melissa
Aww what a sweet note, thank YOU for visiting!
Melissa
Thanks Melissa!
Melissa @ My Recent Favorite Books
I haven't had Grits in a long time! Your recipe sounds good!