Craving a Southern comfort food that's both creamy and cheesy? Look no further than cheesy grits! This classic dish is made with stone-ground grits, milk, and plenty of cheese, and can be served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Whether you prefer your grits creamy or firm, cheesy or plain, there's a recipe in this article that's sure to satisfy your cravings. Find instructions for basic cheesy grits, as well as variations like cheesy grits casserole, cheesy grits with bacon, and cheesy grits with shrimp. With so many options to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect cheesy grits recipe to warm your heart and soul.
Let's cook with our recipes!
CHEESY SHRIMP AND GRITS
Shrimp and grits with cheese.
Provided by Mr. du
Categories Side Dish Grain Side Dish Recipes Grits
Time 1h
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Bring water to a boil in a pot. Add salt and pepper. Stir in grits; reduce heat and let simmer until water is absorbed, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in Cheddar cheese and butter.
- Rinse shrimp and pat dry.
- Place bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain bacon slices on paper towels.
- Heat remaining bacon grease in the skillet over medium heat. Cook shrimp until they are bright pink on the outside and the meat is opaque, 3 to 4 minutes. Add bacon, scallions, parsley, garlic, and lemon juice. Saute for 3 minutes.
- Spoon grits into a serving bowl. Add shrimp mixture and mix well. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 448.8 calories, Carbohydrate 23.4 g, Cholesterol 188.7 mg, Fat 25.8 g, Fiber 0.9 g, Protein 30 g, SaturatedFat 14.8 g, Sodium 704.8 mg, Sugar 0.9 g
CHEESY GRITS
Grits ... easy, cheesy, and delicious!
Provided by elljoymit
Categories Side Dish Grain Side Dish Recipes Grits
Time 15m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Bring water and salt to a boil in a saucepan. Whisk in grits, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook until thickened, 5 to 6 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Stir in Cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and butter until fully combined and cheeses have melted. Season with pepper and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 353.2 calories, Carbohydrate 32 g, Cholesterol 53.7 mg, Fat 18.5 g, Fiber 0.7 g, Protein 14.4 g, SaturatedFat 11.4 g, Sodium 958.2 mg, Sugar 0.5 g
CHEESY CAJUN SHRIMP AND GRITS
I was born and raised in the South. A few years ago I moved to Pennsylvania, where good Southern comfort food was hard to find. So I created these creamy, smoky Cajun shrimp and grits to remind me of home. -Kailey Thompson, Palm Bay, Florida
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 30m
Yield 8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- In a large saucepan, bring water and salt to a boil. Slowly stir in grits. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook, covered, until thickened, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Stir in cheese and butter until melted; keep warm., Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp, stirring occasionally. Remove with a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels. Cook and stir shrimp in bacon drippings until shrimp turn pink, 3-4 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in Cajun seasoning and parsley., Divide grits among 8 serving bowls; top with shrimp mixture and the bacon.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 560 calories, Fat 34g fat (17g saturated fat), Cholesterol 215mg cholesterol, Sodium 968mg sodium, Carbohydrate 32g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 32g protein.
CHEESY BACON AND GRITS CASSEROLE
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°. In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp, stirring occasionally. Remove with a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels., Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, bring water, milk and salt to a boil. Slowly stir in grits. Reduce heat to low; cook, covered, until thickened, 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Stir in 1-1/2 cups cheese until melted. Slowly stir in eggs until blended. Stir in bacon, corn and pepper. Transfer to a greased 2-qt. baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheese., Bake, uncovered, until edges are golden brown and cheese is melted, 35-40 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. If desired, serve with avocado. , Freeze option: Cool unbaked casserole; cover and freeze. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Remove casserole from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350°. Bake grits as directed until heated through and a thermometer inserted in center reads 165°, increasing time to 45-55 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 261 calories, Fat 13g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 81mg cholesterol, Sodium 534mg sodium, Carbohydrate 23g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 13g protein.
CHEESY GRITS
As a comfy side dish, cheese grits have fantastic potential but sometimes need a flavor boost. For add-ins, try red pepper flakes, fresh rosemary or crushed garlic. -Paula Hughes, Birmingham, Alabama
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Side Dishes
Time 25m
Yield 8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Combine milk, broth and water in a large saucepan; bring to a boil. Add salt. Whisk in grits; reduce heat to low. Cook, stirring frequently, until creamy, 15-20 minutes., Stir in cheese until melted. Season with pepper and additional salt to taste.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 225 calories, Fat 11g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 34mg cholesterol, Sodium 629mg sodium, Carbohydrate 20g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 10g protein.
CHEESY BAKED GRITS
I had this at a party at a colleague's house. I've loved cheese grits for years, but these are by far the best I've ever had.
Provided by ABBYLADYBUG
Categories Side Dish Grain Side Dish Recipes Polenta Recipes
Time 1h25m
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a medium baking dish.
- Bring the milk to a boil in a pot over medium heat. Melt 1/2 cup butter in the boiling milk. Gradually mix in the grits, and cook 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat, and season with salt and pepper. Beat with a whisk or electric mixer until smooth. Mix in the Cheddar cheese and 1/3 cup butter. Transfer to the prepared baking dish, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake 1 hour in the preheated oven, until firm.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 266.5 calories, Carbohydrate 14.5 g, Cholesterol 56.1 mg, Fat 19.5 g, Fiber 0.2 g, Protein 8.4 g, SaturatedFat 12.3 g, Sodium 453.2 mg, Sugar 4 g
CREAMY CHEESY GRITS
Steps:
- In a saucepot over medium-high heat, add 3 cups water and a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil, and then stir in the grits and milk. Raise the heat to bring to a boil again, and then lower to a simmer and cook for about 4 minutes. When the grits begin to thicken but there is still plenty of moisture left, add the mozzarella and Cheddar along with a few grinds of pepper. Stir to melt the cheese, taste and season with salt, if needed. Serve warm.
SHRIMP AND CHEESY GRITS WITH BACON
Lowcountry style shrimp and grits at its best!
Provided by Diane
Categories Side Dish Grain Side Dish Recipes Grits
Time 1h
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Bring chicken broth and evaporated milk to a boil in a large saucepan; stir in grits and salt and return to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer grits until thick, stirring often, about 5 minutes. Stir in 1 cup Cheddar cheese until melted. Set grits aside and keep warm.
- Cook and stir bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer bacon to a bowl. Drain all but 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings from the skillet and cook and stir shrimp, green bell pepper, and onion in bacon drippings until shrimp are bright pink and no longer translucent inside and green pepper is tender, 5 to 8 minutes. Stir bacon into shrimp mixture.
- Spread grits into a serving dish, top with shrimp mixture, and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon Cheddar cheese for garnish.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 445.5 calories, Carbohydrate 16.6 g, Cholesterol 248.1 mg, Fat 24.4 g, Fiber 0.7 g, Protein 38.7 g, SaturatedFat 13 g, Sodium 1119.5 mg, Sugar 10.9 g
CREAMY CHEESY GRITS
Rich and creamy these grits make a great side dish for a Southern-style meal. I make these at my annual Kentucky Derby party.-Kristin Arnett, Elkhorn, Wisconsin
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Side Dishes
Time 35m
Yield 8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- In a large saucepan, bring the broth, milk and salt to a boil. Gradually whisk in grits. Reduce heat to low; cook, uncovered, for 25 minutes or until grits become thick, stirring frequently. , Stir in the cheeses, white pepper, cayenne and nutmeg if desired. Serve hot.
Nutrition Facts :
SHRIMP AND SAUSAGE WITH CHEESY GRITS
Shake up your dinner rut with this PM-play on shrimp and grits. Here, smoky Andouille sausage and juicy shrimp are seared in the skillet and then arranged on top of a comforting bowl of cheesy grits. A saucy fried egg is the crowning achievement on this breakfast-for-dinner winner.
Provided by Lauryn Tyrell
Categories Food & Cooking Ingredients Meat & Poultry Pork Recipes
Time 50m
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Stir grits into 4 cups salted boiling water. Reduce heat to medium; cook, stirring, until thickened, 10 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in 2 tablespoons butter and cheese; season to taste.
- Cook sausage in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until browned, 6 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Add 1 tablespoon butter and shrimp to skillet; season to taste. Cook until just opaque, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in lemon juice and hot sauce; transfer to another plate.
- Add remaining butter, poblano, onion, and tomatoes to now-empty skillet and cook, stirring once, until browned, 5 minutes. Return sausage and 1/4 cup water to skillet; cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook until tomatoes collapse, 1 minute more. Stir in shrimp and serve, with grits and eggs.
GARLIC SHRIMP AND CHEESY GRITS
Shrimp cooked with garlic and onion are served over garlic cheese grits. This is a dish for garlic lovers. Serve with garlic bread, or your preference of bread.
Provided by AURORAGLXY7
Categories Side Dish Grain Side Dish Recipes Grits
Time 35m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Bring chicken broth, milk, and 1 teaspoon garlic to a boil in a saucepan. Stir in grits, reduce heat to low, and simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and thoroughly mix in Cheddar cheese; season with salt and black pepper. Set grits aside and keep warm.
- Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir onion and 2 teaspoons garlic until softened and beginning to brown, about 5 minutes.
- Stir shrimp into onion mixture and cook until shrimp are pink and no longer translucent in the center, about 5 more minutes. Stir in hot pepper sauce.
- Serve grits in a large serving bowl topped with shrimp mixture.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 267.7 calories, Carbohydrate 10 g, Cholesterol 154.8 mg, Fat 15.3 g, Fiber 0.7 g, Protein 22 g, SaturatedFat 8.2 g, Sodium 664.7 mg, Sugar 4 g
CHEESY SAUSAGE BREAKFAST GRITS
Provided by Food Network
Categories side-dish
Time 1h25m
Yield 8 to 10 servings
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- In a 10-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and the fat is rendered, about 10 minutes, breaking up the chunks of sausage with the back of a wooden spoon. Remove the sausage to a bowl and set aside.
- Add 2 cups of the milk and 2 cups water to the skillet and bring to a boil. Whisk in the grits slowly until smooth and no lumps remain. Reduce the heat and continue to cook, whisking, until very thick, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in about half of the grated cheese.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs with the hot sauce and remaining 1 cup milk. Slowly stream the egg mixture into the skillet with the grits while continuously whisking. Fold in the cooked sausage, scallions and jalapeno and season with salt and pepper. Top with the remaining cheese and bake until a knife inserted in the center comes out mostly clean, 50 minutes to 1 hour.
- Slice the reserved scallion tops and sprinkle on top just before serving.
EASY CHEESY LOADED GRITS
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 325°. In a large skillet, cook sausage and onion over medium heat for 6-8 minutes or until sausage is no longer pink, breaking up sausage into crumbles; drain., In a large saucepan, bring water and salt to a boil. Slowly stir in grits. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook, covered, about 5 minutes or until thickened, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat., Add green chiles, 3/4 cup cheddar cheese, 3/4 cup Monterey Jack cheese, butter and pepper sauce; stir until cheese is melted. Stir in eggs, then sausage mixture., Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Top with remaining cheeses; sprinkle with paprika. Bake, uncovered, until golden brown and set, 50-60 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with cilantro.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 399 calories, Fat 28g fat (15g saturated fat), Cholesterol 116mg cholesterol, Sodium 839mg sodium, Carbohydrate 19g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 18g protein.
CROCKPOT CHEESY SOUTHERN GRITS
Make and share this Crockpot Cheesy Southern Grits recipe from Food.com.
Provided by toasterhead1
Categories Breakfast
Time 6h15m
Yield 16 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Soften the butter.
- Combine all ingredients except the shredded cheese.
- Cook on low in the crock pot for 6-8 hours stirring occasionally.
- About 15 - 30 minutes before serving stir in shredded cheese. Enjoy!
BEEF GRILLADES WITH CHEESY FRESH CORN AND SWEET ONION GRITS
Provided by Bobby Flay
Categories main-dish
Time 2h35m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 34
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- For the grillades: Cut the steak in half. Sandwich each half between 2 pieces of plastic wrap or wax paper, and pound to an even 1/8-inch thickness. Sprinkle the steak on both sides with salt and pepper, and cut into 2-inch pieces.
- Mix the paprika, New Mexican chile powder, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano and chile de arbol powder in a small bowl until combined. Put the flour in a shallow baking dish and season it with salt and pepper.
- Heat the butter and canola oil in a large, high-sided saute pan over high heat. Working in batches, coat the steak pieces in the seasoned flour, shaking off the excess, and brown them on both sides in the hot fat. Transfer the steak to a plate as you finish each batch. Add the onions, poblano and red pepper to the pan, adding more oil if needed, and cook until the vegetables are very soft, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the spice mixture and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the chicken stock, tomatoes, thyme and bay leaf, and bring to a boil. Return the beef to the pan, cover and transfer to the oven to cook until tender, about 45 minutes.
- When done, remove the beef to a plate and cover to keep warm. Using potholders, move the pan to the stovetop and set over high heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened into a gravy, about10 minutes. Season with a splash of vinegar. Add honey, salt and pepper to taste; stir in the parsley. Before serving, return the grillades to the pan, cover and warm them up over medium-low heat.
- For the grits: Heat the butter and canola oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until soft. Add the corn, season with salt and pepper and cook for a few minutes. Add the milk and 3 cups water and bring to a boil. Slowly whisk in the grits until well combined and continue whisking until smooth. Reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened and smooth, about 45 minutes; add more water as needed to keep the mixture creamy. Remove from the heat, and whisk in the cheddar and Parmesan and the green onions.
- To serve: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the grillades to a shallow platter. Pour over some of the gravy. Top with the grits, poached eggs if using, and some of the remaining gravy. Garnish with green onions and parsley.
SAUSAGE, SHRIMP AND PEPPERS OVER CHEESY GRITS
Steps:
- For the grits: Bring the chicken stock, the cream and butter to a simmer in a heavy saucepan. Gradually whisk in the grits. Reduce the heat and simmer until the grits have thickened, 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid lumps. Once the grits are thick and creamy, stir in the cheeses and adjust the consistency with stock and/or cream and season with salt and pepper. These grits provide a wonderful bed to soak up the flavor from the sausage, shrimp and veggies.
- For the sausage, shrimp and peppers: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet. Add the sausages and brown. Then transfer to a plate with a slotted spoon, leaving all of the fat in the skillet. Add the garlic, bell peppers and onions to the skillet, sprinkle with salt and pepper and saute until tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the shrimp and saute until they begin to turn pink, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the reserved sausage and the chicken stock to the skillet and let reduce a bit to intensify those flavors. Stir in the butter at the end and garnish with parsley.
- Serve the sausage mix over the grits.
CHEESY GRITS WITH POACHED EGGS, GREENS, AND BACON
Winter's answer to the grain bowl, this feels super hearty and satisfying.
Provided by Claire Saffitz
Categories Breakfast Bacon Cheddar Cheese Egg Chile Chard Bon Appétit Sugar Conscious Wheat/Gluten-Free Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free
Yield Serves 4
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Bring 4 1/2 cups water to a gentle simmer in a medium saucepan. Crack an egg into a small bowl, then gently slide egg into water. Repeat with remaining eggs, waiting until whites are opaque before adding the next one (about 30 seconds apart). Poach until whites are set but yolks are still runny, about 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer eggs to paper towels as they are done; set aside.
- Fish out any wispy pieces of cooked egg with slotted spoon; discard. Bring same saucepan of water to a boil and add a couple pinches of salt. Whisking constantly, gradually add grits. Reduce heat to low, cover saucepan, and cook grits, whisking occasionally and scraping bottom to prevent sticking, until tender, thick, and creamy, 25-40 minutes, depending on coarseness.
- Meanwhile, cook bacon in a medium skillet over medium-low heat, stirring often, until bacon is crisp, 8-10 minutes. Transfer bacon to a small bowl with slotted spoon. Combine chile and vinegar in another small bowl.
- Pour off all but 2 Tbsp. fat from skillet; cook shallot, stirring often, until softened, about 3 minutes. Add chard in batches, letting it wilt slightly before adding more, and cook, tossing, until completely wilted, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and season with salt, pepper, and some chile-soaking vinegar.
- Remove grits from heat and season with salt and lots of pepper. Add butter, then gradually add cheese, whisking until melted and combined; thin with a bit more water if too thick.
- Divide grits among bowls; top with chard, poached eggs, bacon, and chiles. Season eggs with salt and pepper.
ROBIN'S CHEESY CHIPOTLE GRITS
These spicy, creamy grits are a hit at every family barbeque. People ask me for the recipe every time I make them.
Provided by Robin B.
Categories Side Dish Grain Side Dish Recipes Grits
Time 1h
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Preheat an oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the onion, and cook until the onion softens and turns translucent, about 5 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth and milk. Bring to a boil over high heat, then turn the heat to low. Slowly whisk in the grits, then cover the saucepan, and cook for 5 minutes.
- Once the grits have cooked, stir in the salt, pepper, cumin, chipotle peppers, green chiles, and 1 cup of Cheddar cheese until the cheese has melted. Pour the grits into the prepared 9x13 inch dish, and sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of Cheddar cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese is bubbly, and has begun to brown, 30-45 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 148.3 calories, Carbohydrate 14.6 g, Cholesterol 18.9 mg, Fat 7.1 g, Fiber 0.7 g, Protein 6.5 g, SaturatedFat 3.7 g, Sodium 784 mg, Sugar 2.9 g
CAJUN SPICED CHEESY GRITS
This recipe gives a Cajun twist to a Southern favorite! Cheesy grits makes an easy 15-minute side dish to round out any meal.
Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens
Categories Side Dish
Time 15m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- In 2-quart saucepan, heat milk, water, Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper and garlic powder to boiling. Gradually add grits, stirring constantly. Reduce heat. Simmer uncovered about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened.
- Add cheeses to grits mixture; stir until cheese is melted. Serve warm. Garnish with onions.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 300, Carbohydrate 26 g, Fiber 1 g, Protein 13 g, SaturatedFat 9 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 830 mg
VELVEETA® CHEESY BAKED GRITS
These creamy grits are baked with lots of cheese--a great addition to a hearty breakfast or brunch buffet.
Provided by VELVEETA Cheese
Categories Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips VELVEETA Cheese
Time 1h
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Bring water to boil in medium saucepan on medium-high heat. Gradually stir in grits; cook on low heat 5 min., stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Add butter, garlic powder and pepper; stir until butter is completely melted and mixture is well blended.
- Beat eggs in small bowl until blended. Add small amount of hot grits; mix well. Gradually add to remaining grits mixture in pan, stirring constantly until blended.
- Pour into 8-inch square baking dish sprayed with cooking spray; top with VELVEETA.
- Bake 40 min. Let stand 10 min. before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 202.3 calories, Carbohydrate 18.6 g, Cholesterol 76.8 mg, Fat 10.6 g, Fiber 0.3 g, Protein 8 g, SaturatedFat 6.3 g, Sodium 466.7 mg, Sugar 2.6 g
Tips:
- Use fresh ingredients. Fresh grits, cheese, and milk will give you the best flavor.
- Cook the grits slowly. This will help them to develop a creamy texture.
- Season the grits to taste. Add salt, pepper, and other spices to taste.
- Use a variety of cheeses. This will give your cheesy grits a more complex flavor.
- Add mix-ins. Cooked bacon, sausage, shrimp, or vegetables are all great additions to cheesy grits.
- Serve the cheesy grits immediately. They are best when they are hot and fresh.
Conclusion:
Cheesy grits are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They are easy to make and can be customized to your liking. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a cheesy grits dish that is sure to please everyone at the table.
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