Best 6 Bacon Cheddar Grits Recipes

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Indulge in the Southern comfort classic that is Bacon Cheddar Grits, a delightful dish where creamy grits meet crispy bacon and sharp cheddar cheese. Savor the harmonious blend of flavors and textures in every bite. This versatile recipe offers variations to suit your preferences, from creamy to cheesy or spicy to smoky. Each variation promises a unique culinary experience, ensuring you find your perfect match. Join us on this culinary journey to discover the irresistible charm of Bacon Cheddar Grits, a dish that will warm your heart and tantalize your taste buds.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

CHEDDAR BACON GRITS



Cheddar Bacon Grits image

In the South, grits are served plain with a little butter or loaded with extras, like my recipe with bacon, cheddar and green chiles. -Amanda Reed, Nashville, Tennessee

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Breakfast     Brunch     Side Dishes

Time 30m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

8 cups water
2 cups uncooked old-fashioned grits
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon paprika
2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
5 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chiles
Sliced green onions, optional

Steps:

  • In a 6-qt. stockpot, bring water to a boil. Slowly stir in grits, salt and paprika. Reduce heat; cook, covered, 15-20 minutes or until thickened, stirring occasionally., Reduce heat to low. Stir in cheese, bacon and chiles until cheese is melted. If desired, sprinkle with green onions.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 199 calories, Fat 8g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 22mg cholesterol, Sodium 418mg sodium, Carbohydrate 24g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 7g protein.

BACON-CHEDDAR GRITS



Bacon-Cheddar Grits image

This Southern side dish pairs well with fried chicken or grilled pork and shrimp.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Pork Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 6

4 slices bacon, finely chopped
1 jalapeno, finely chopped (optional)
4 1/2 cups water
1 cup quick-cooking grits
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1 cup plus another 1/2 cup grated sharp cheddar (2.5 ounces)

Steps:

  • In a medium saucepan, cook bacon and jalapeno (optional) over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until bacon is browned, about 8 minutes. With a slotted spoon, transfer bacon and jalapeno (if using) to a small bowl. Remove pan from heat and carefully add 4 1/2 cups water (fat may sputter).
  • Bring liquid to a boil over high and whisk in grits. Whisk until mixture begins to thicken, then reduce heat to low and gently simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, 25 minutes or until creamy. Season with salt and pepper. Whisk in 1 cup grated cheddar and three-fourths the bacon mixture. Pour into a 2-quart serving dish and top with remaining cheddar and remaining bacon mixture.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 300 g, Fat 13 g, Protein 13 g

CAJUN SNAPPER AND SHRIMP OVER BACON CHEDDAR CHEESE GRITS WITH RED PEPPER COULIS



Cajun Snapper and Shrimp over Bacon Cheddar Cheese Grits with Red Pepper Coulis image

Provided by Robert Irvine : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h20m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 22

10 ounces chicken stock
1 red onion chopped
2 cloves garlic
1/2 cup white wine
3 red bell peppers
2 tablespoons cornstarch
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 cups water
2 cups uncooked grits
6 ounces raw chopped shrimp
4 tablespoons butter (1/2 stick)
4 tablespoons sliced scallions (5 to 6 scallions)
2 tablespoons diced tomatoes (about 1 plum tomato)
1 teaspoon chopped fresh cilantro leaves
4 tablespoons cooked bacon, chopped (about 4 slices)
4 ounces shredded Cheddar
6 (6-ounce) red snapper fillets, scaled but with skin on
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons Cajun spice
1/8 cup grapeseed oil
6 large shrimp peeled and deveined
Sliced scallions, for garnish

Steps:

  • To begin red pepper coulis, preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
  • On the stovetop, bring the chicken stock, onion, garlic and wine to a simmer in a saucepan. Place the peppers in a roasting pan and roast in the oven, checking every 15 minutes, and turning them with tongs until the skin is fully wrinkled and charred black. When the peppers are done, use tongs to put them in a resealable bag which (for safety reasons) you have resting on a plate - (remember, they're volcanically hot!). Carefully close the bag shut, and allow them to sweat for 5 minutes. Use oven mitts to prevent getting burned while you handle the bag in the next step of sliding the peppers from the bag into a bowl filled with a couple of inches of ice water. You can then use your fingers to work quickly to slip off and discard the skins of the peppers while they are in the water. You will be left with beautifully cooked red peppers with a wonderful color. Chop the peppers and add them to the simmering chicken stock mixture, and continue simmering until reduced by half, about 20 minutes. Create a slurry of cornstarch in a small amount of water and add to the red pepper sauce. Process coulis in a blender until a smooth consistency is achieved. Then season with salt and pepper, to taste.
  • For the grits: Bring the water for the grits to a boil. Add grits and chopped shrimp, reduce heat and cook until grits are soft, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in scallions, tomatoes, cilantro, bacon and cheese, and keep covered in a warm place.;
  • For the fish: Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  • Coat both sides of red snapper with salt and pepper and Cajun spice. Then on the stovetop, heat some grapeseed oil in a large non-stick saute pan, and when it begins to shimmer, saute the shrimp only until they turn pink, and then remove shrimp to a utility platter. In the same pan, sear each side of the fish. (When you place the fillet into the pan, leave it undisturbed for a couple of minutes to allow the seasoning to cook into the surface of the fish.) Cook until golden brown, then finish in the oven for a further 2 to 3 minutes and remove it to rest for 5 to 8 minutes. (Please take care to avoid overcooking the fish, as it will continue to cook even after you remove it from the oven.)
  • Place some of the grits in the middle of serving plate, then position a fish fillet on top, and drizzle the coulis around the fish. Top with a shrimp. Garnish liberally with the scallions.

CAJUN FISH AND SHRIMP OVER BACON CHEDDAR CHEESE GRITS



Cajun Fish and Shrimp over Bacon Cheddar Cheese Grits image

Be adverturous and try it. The Cajun spice mix adds a distinctive warm, smoky flavor to fish. Note: The original recipe called for red snapper, which is divine, btw, but not always accessable and even expensive. Great for brunch.

Provided by gailanng

Categories     Cajun

Time 50m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

4 cups water
2 cups uncooked regular grits
6 ounces chopped raw shrimp
4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons sliced green onions, plus additional for garnish
2 tablespoons diced tomatoes (cut out the seeds)
1 teaspoon freshly chopped cilantro
4 slices cooked bacon, chopped
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 lbs red snapper or 2 lbs tilapia fillets
2 tablespoons cajun seasoning, mix (or more to taste)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (plus additional)
1 tablespoon butter (plus additional)
6 large shrimp, peeled and deveined (lightly seasoned with salt and pepper or additonal Cajun seasonin)

Steps:

  • For the cheese grits:.
  • Bring water for grits to a boil and lightly season with salt. Add grits and chopped shrimp, reduce heat and cook until grits are soft, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in butter, green onions, tomatoes, cilantro, bacon and cheese; keep covered in a warm place.
  • For the fish:.
  • Dry the fish with paper toweling and coat both sides with Cajun spice mix. (Note: I find bring the fish to room temperature helps the seasoning mix adhere better.).
  • On the stovetop, heat the oil and butter in a large nonstick saute pan. When it becomes very hot, saute the shrimp only until they turn pink; remove shrimp to a platter.
  • In the same pan (adding additional oil and butter), sear each side of the fish. (When you place the fillet into the pan, leave it undisturbed for a couple of minutes to allow the seasoning to cook into the surface of the fish.) Cook until golden brown. (Please take care to avoid overcooking.).
  • Divide among plates the grits by placing in the middle, then position a fish fillet on top. Top with a shrimp. Garnish liberally with green onions.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 651.3, Fat 31.6, SaturatedFat 13, Cholesterol 181.9, Sodium 603.3, Carbohydrate 42.1, Fiber 2.5, Sugar 0.5, Protein 46.9

BACON AND CHEDDAR GRITS QUICHE



Bacon and Cheddar Grits Quiche image

Make and share this Bacon and Cheddar Grits Quiche recipe from Food.com.

Provided by KathyP53

Categories     Breakfast

Time 1h4m

Yield 10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

6 bacon, slices (thick cut)
2 1/4 cups milk
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup uncooked stone-ground grits
2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
1 teaspoon black pepper, divided
2 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
6 large eggs
2 1/2 cups half-and-half
1 cup heavy cream
1/3 cup sliced green onion

Steps:

  • Preheat over to 350 degrees.
  • Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon; drain and crumble. Transfer 2 teaspoons bacon drippings to a saucepan.
  • Bring drippings, milk, and butter to a boil over medium heat. Gradually whisk in grits, 1 teaspoons kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoons pepper; cook, whisking constantly, 15 minutes or until very thick. Remove from heat; let stand 10 minutes. Stir in 1 cup cheese; let stand 10 minutes. Stir in 1 egg; spread in a 9" springform pan coated with cooking spray.
  • Bake for 25 minutes or until set and browned. Sprinkle remaining 1 1/2 cups cheese over warm grits, spreading to edges. Let stand for 15 minutes.
  • Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees.
  • Combine half-and-half, cream, green onions, and remaining 5 eggs, 1 teaspoons kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoons black pepper. Pour over grits; sprinkle with crumbled bacon. Place pan on a foil-lined baking sheet.
  • Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until lightly browned and just set. Let stand 20 minutes. Run a sharp knife around edges of quiche; remove sides of pan.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 425.5, Fat 34.6, SaturatedFat 20.2, Cholesterol 213.3, Sodium 804.8, Carbohydrate 13, Fiber 0.5, Sugar 0.5, Protein 16.1

CHEDDAR GRITS AND BACON ROULADE



Cheddar Grits and Bacon Roulade image

Categories     Milk/Cream     Egg     Breakfast     Brunch     Bake     Cheddar     Bacon     Gourmet     Sugar Conscious

Yield Makes 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour plus additional for dusting
1 cup whole milk
1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
4 large egg yolks
2 cups cold water
1/2 cup quick-cooking grits (not instant)
4 1/2 oz coarsely grated extra-sharp Cheddar (1 3/4 cups)
6 large egg whites
8 bacon slices (7 oz), cooked until crisp, then drained and crumbled (1 cup)
1/3 cup finely chopped scallion
Special Equipment
a 15- by 10-inch shallow baking pan; parchment paper

Steps:

  • Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 350°F. Butter baking pan and line with parchment paper, then butter paper. Dust pan with flour, knocking out excess.
  • Melt butter (3 tablespoons) in a 1- to 1 1/2-quart heavy saucepan over moderately low heat, then add flour and cook roux, whisking, 3 minutes. Add milk in a slow stream, whisking, then add nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Increase heat to moderate and bring to a boil, whisking constantly, then reduce heat and simmer mixture, whisking occasionally, 5 minutes. Remove from heat and add egg yolks 1 at a time, whisking well after each addition. Transfer to a large bowl and cover surface of mixture with a sheet of buttered parchment (buttered side down, to keep yolk mixture from forming a skin), pressing gently.
  • Bring water to a boil in cleaned saucepan and gradually add grits, whisking constantly. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in 1 cup cheese, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Whisk grits into yolk mixture until combined well.
  • Beat egg whites in another large bowl with an electric mixer at medium-high speed until they just hold stiff peaks, then stir one third of whites into yolk mixture to lighten. Fold in remaining whites gently but thoroughly.
  • Spread evenly in lined baking pan, then bake until golden and firm to the touch, 25 to 30 minutes.
  • Toss together bacon, scallion, and remaining 3/4 cup cheese in a bowl.
  • Remove roulade from oven and cover with well-buttered parchment paper (buttered side down) and then a kitchen towel and invert a baking sheet over towel. Invert roulade onto baking sheet. Carefully peel off parchment from top of roulade and discard, then trim 1/4 inch from each short side of roulade. Scatter bacon mixture evenly over top of roulade.
  • Starting with a long side, roll up the roulade jelly-roll style, using towel to help lift and support as you roll and carefully removing parchment as you go. Arrange roulade, seam side down, on baking sheet and bake, uncovered, just until cheese is melted, about 5 minutes.

Tips:

  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the flavor of your grits.
  • Don't overcook the grits. They should be cooked until they are tender but still have a slight bite to them.
  • Season the grits liberally. Salt and pepper are essential, but you can also add other spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or cayenne pepper.
  • Add the cheese and bacon at the end of the cooking process. This will prevent the cheese from becoming rubbery and the bacon from getting too crispy.
  • Serve the grits immediately. They are best when they are hot and fresh.

Conclusion:

Bacon cheddar grits are a delicious and easy-to-make breakfast or brunch dish. They are perfect for a special occasion or a lazy weekend morning. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a dish that your family and friends will love.

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