Southern Style Cheese Grits Recipe

Introduction
Cheese grits are a beloved Southern classic, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a savory side dish for dinner. With their creamy texture and cheesy flavor, cheese grits are a comforting dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to the table. The simplicity of grits, combined with the richness of cheese and butter, makes this dish a crowd-pleaser that’s enjoyed by many in the Southern United States and beyond.

Grits are made from ground corn, and when cooked properly, they transform into a creamy, buttery dish that pairs perfectly with eggs, bacon, shrimp, or sausage. Adding cheese to the grits takes them to the next level, making them decadent and flavorful. Whether you’re serving them as a standalone dish or as part of a larger Southern meal, cheese grits are sure to become a favorite in your cooking repertoire.

In this recipe, we will guide you through making Southern style cheese grits from scratch, offering tips for perfect grits every time, and giving you variations to make the dish even more flavorful and satisfying.

Ingredients

For the Grits:

1 cup stone-ground grits (or quick grits if you prefer a faster cook time)
4 cups water (or a combination of water and milk for extra creaminess)
1 teaspoon salt (for seasoning)
1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for extra richness)
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (for a tangy, bold flavor)
½ cup heavy cream (optional, for added creaminess)

Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor:

1 clove garlic (minced, for a hint of garlic)
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (for a little heat)
1 tablespoon cream cheese (for extra richness)
Fresh herbs (such as chives or parsley, for garnish)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for a tangy flavor)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Grits

Start by bringing 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. If you’re looking for extra creaminess, you can replace half of the water with milk or even a combination of milk and cream. Some people prefer to cook grits with milk, but if you’re using stone-ground grits, water works just as well.

Once the water is boiling, add 1 teaspoon of salt to the water to season it. Slowly stir in the stone-ground grits. It’s important to add the grits gradually, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. After the grits are added, lower the heat to a simmer. Stone-ground grits can take longer to cook than quick grits, so allow them to simmer on low heat for about 30 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

If you’re using quick grits, the cook time will be much shorter, usually around 5 to 7 minutes, so check the instructions on your grits package.

The goal is for the grits to absorb the liquid and become thick and creamy. You may need to add more water or milk if the grits start to thicken too quickly, as the cooking process can vary depending on the type of grits used. Stir occasionally to ensure the grits don’t stick to the bottom of the pan.

Step 2: Add Butter and Cheese

Once the grits are cooked to a creamy consistency, add 1 tablespoon of butter to the grits and stir until fully melted. This will add richness and depth to the dish.

Next, add 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the grits and stir until the cheese is fully incorporated and melted into the grits. The cheese will give the grits that wonderful creamy, cheesy texture and flavor.

If you like your cheese grits to be extra creamy, you can also add ½ cup of heavy cream at this point. This will make the dish even more indulgent, adding a velvety smooth texture that’s irresistible.

Step 3: Enhance the Flavor (Optional)

For a little extra depth of flavor, you can add some optional ingredients to enhance the grits. If you enjoy garlic, sauté 1 clove of minced garlic in a little bit of butter before adding it to the grits for a savory kick.

For those who like a bit of heat, you can add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the grits. This will give the dish a subtle spice that balances the richness of the cheese.

If you want to get creative, adding 1 tablespoon of cream cheese will give the grits an ultra-creamy texture, while 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard can add a tangy, mustardy flavor that pairs well with the cheese.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

Once the grits are fully cooked and the cheese has melted, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Add more salt or pepper if you like.

Serve the cheese grits hot, either on their own or as a side dish. Garnish with fresh herbs like chives or parsley for a pop of color and freshness. A drizzle of extra melted butter can also be added on top for added richness.

Tips for the Best Southern Style Cheese Grits

Use Stone-Ground Grits for Best Flavor: Stone-ground grits have a coarser texture and a more robust corn flavor compared to quick grits. If you have the time, go for stone-ground grits for the most authentic, flavorful grits. Just be prepared for a longer cook time.
Slow and Low Cooking: The key to creamy, smooth grits is cooking them over low heat and allowing them to simmer gently. Stir often to prevent the grits from sticking to the pan and to help them cook evenly.
Don’t Rush: If you’re using stone-ground grits, don’t rush the cooking process. Let them simmer slowly for 30-45 minutes, or until they’re soft and creamy. This patience will pay off in texture and flavor.
Customize Your Cheese: While sharp cheddar is a classic, you can experiment with different cheeses for unique flavor profiles. Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or even Parmesan can be used to add depth and complexity to the dish. Combining cheeses can also work well.
Make It Creamier: If you like ultra-creamy grits, add heavy cream, cream cheese, or even half-and-half. The addition of dairy adds a luxurious texture that makes the grits feel more indulgent.
Add More Toppings: Don’t hesitate to get creative with toppings! A sprinkle of crisp bacon or sausage, a dollop of sour cream, or even a few fried eggs on top can elevate this dish even more. For a classic Southern touch, serve them with shrimp or fried chicken.

Variations of Southern Style Cheese Grits

Shrimp and Grits: A classic Southern dish, shrimp and grits are often served together. Prepare your cheese grits as directed, and top them with sautéed shrimp, garlic, and a little bit of Cajun seasoning for a delicious and hearty meal.
Grits with Bacon or Sausage: Add crispy bacon or crumbled sausage to your cheese grits for added texture and flavor. The saltiness and crunch of the bacon pair perfectly with the creaminess of the grits.
Spicy Grits: For a spicy version, add jalapeños or hot sauce to your grits. You can even top them with some sautéed spicy sausage for an extra kick.
Vegan Cheese Grits: If you prefer a dairy-free version, you can substitute the butter and cheese with vegan butter and vegan cheese. There are several dairy-free cheese options that melt well and give the grits a creamy texture.
Southern-Style Grits with Greens: For a more wholesome version, you can add collard greens or spinach to the grits. Sauté the greens with a little garlic and onions, then stir them into the cheese grits for a Southern-inspired vegetable twist.

Nutritional Benefits of Southern Style Cheese Grits

High in Protein: The addition of cheese provides a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall health.
Rich in Healthy Fats: The cheese and butter add healthy fats to the dish, which are essential for brain function and overall well-being.
Good Source of Carbohydrates: Grits are made from corn, a whole grain that provides complex carbohydrates, which give you sustained energy throughout the day.
Vitamins and Minerals: Grits are a good source of B vitamins (especially niacin and thiamine) and iron, which are essential for energy production and red blood cell function.

Conclusion

Southern Style Cheese Grits are the ultimate comfort food, rich, creamy, and full of flavor. Whether you enjoy them on their own, paired with eggs or sausage, or topped with shrimp, cheese grits are an indulgent and versatile dish that can be customized to suit any palate. With just a few simple ingredients—grits, butter, cheese, and cream—you can create a comforting dish that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity, but you can easily enhance the flavor with spices, fresh herbs, and extra toppings. So next time you’re craving a satisfying and hearty meal, turn to these Southern-style cheese grits and savor every bite of this classic comfort food.