Best 5 Southwest Cheese Grits Recipes

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Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of Southwest Cheese Grits, a delightful Southern dish that combines the bold flavors of the Southwest with the comforting texture of grits. This versatile dish can be served as a hearty breakfast, a savory side, or even as a main course. Our collection of recipes offers a range of options to suit your taste preferences, from classic to spicy, and even a vegetarian version. Each recipe is crafted with a blend of sharp cheddar cheese, creamy milk, and tender grits, creating a rich and satisfying base. Whether you prefer roasted poblano peppers, zesty green chiles, or a combination of both, our recipes guide you through adding the perfect amount of heat and flavor to your grits. Get ready to savor the cheesy, spicy, and smoky goodness of Southwest Cheese Grits, a dish that is sure to become a family favorite.

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

CHEESE GRITS



Cheese Grits image

Whisk butter, whole milk and sharp cheddar together with ground cornmeal for Alton Brown's creamy Cheese Grits recipe from Good Eats on Food Network.

Provided by Alton Brown

Categories     side-dish

Time 35m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 cups whole milk
2 cups water
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 cup coarse ground cornmeal
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 ounces sharp Cheddar, shredded

Steps:

  • Place the milk, water, and salt into a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Once the milk mixture comes to a boil, gradually add the cornmeal while continually whisking. Once all of the cornmeal has been incorporated, decrease the heat to low and cover. Remove lid and whisk frequently, every 3 to 4 minutes, to prevent grits from sticking or forming lumps; make sure to get into corners of pot when whisking. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes or until mixture is creamy.
  • Remove from the heat, add the pepper and butter, and whisk to combine. Once the butter is melted, gradually whisk in the cheese a little at a time. Serve immediately.

VAL'S SOUTHWEST GARLIC CHEESE GRITS



Val's Southwest Garlic Cheese Grits image

A traditional southern favorite meets southwest flavor in this tasty dish. Make your traditional Garlic Cheese Grits and add hot breakfast sausage and Rotel tomatoes. A home run every time.

Provided by Vals Home

Categories     Breakfast

Time 1h20m

Yield 10-12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 cup quick-cooking grits (not instant)
2 cups water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 lb Velveeta cheese, diced
2 teaspoons garlic, minced (may used bottled)
1/2 cup butter, sliced for quicker melting
2 large eggs
1 (10 ounce) can Rotel Tomatoes, diced, including juice
1 lb breakfast sausage, spicy, browned, drained and crumbled

Steps:

  • In 4 quart saucepan, bring 2 cups and salt water to boil. Stir in the grits. Cook according to grits pkg directions.
  • After cooking the grits, place eggs in a measuring cup, then completely fill the cup with water. In a small mixing bowl whisk the eggs and water slightly.
  • Cut up cheese and butter and add to hot grits, stirring over low heat until butter and cheese are melted.
  • Add diced tomatoes and juice.
  • Temper egg and water mixture by adding about 1/4 cup of grits mixture to the eggs and water -- and stir.
  • Immediately add egg mixture to the hot grits.
  • Pour all into slightly greased 9 x 12-inch baking dish.
  • Bake 1 hour at 300°F.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 380.4, Fat 28.2, SaturatedFat 13.6, Cholesterol 117.7, Sodium 1002.7, Carbohydrate 15.9, Fiber 0.3, Sugar 2, Protein 15.4

SOUTHERN GRITS CASSEROLE



Southern Grits Casserole image

If you're from the South you will definitely love this recipe, which includes grits, eggs, sausage, and cheese. When I cook it, I place it in the slow cooker to stay warm. There is nothing worse than cold grits.

Provided by Ella Baldwin

Categories     Side Dish     Grain Side Dish Recipes     Grits

Time 1h

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 8

6 cups water
2 cups uncooked grits
½ cup butter, divided
3 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
1 pound ground pork sausage
12 eggs
½ cup milk
salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a large baking dish.
  • Bring water to a boil in a large saucepan, and stir in grits. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer about 5 minutes, until liquid has been absorbed. Mix in 1/2 the butter and 2 cups cheese until melted.
  • In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sausage until evenly browned. Drain, and mix into the grits. Beat together the eggs and milk in a bowl, and pour into the skillet. Lightly scramble, then mix into the grits.
  • Pour the grits mixture into the prepared baking dish. Dot with remaining butter, and top with remaining cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Bake 30 minutes in the preheated oven, until lightly browned.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 403.2 calories, Carbohydrate 16.8 g, Cholesterol 201.8 mg, Fat 29.9 g, Fiber 0.3 g, Protein 16.5 g, SaturatedFat 14.5 g, Sodium 458.9 mg, Sugar 0.9 g

CHEESY GRITS



Cheesy Grits image

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

2 cups 2% milk
1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup water
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup uncooked old-fashioned grits
2 to 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
Pepper and additional salt to taste

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.

SOUTHERN CHEESE GRITS



Southern Cheese Grits image

A Southern tradition, creamy cheese grits with a zip of spice makes for a perfect side dish to barbecue, or for a holiday get together. They were always on the table at my mother-in-law's house. A real family tradition.

Provided by Deborah

Categories     Side Dish     Grain Side Dish Recipes     Grits

Time 1h45m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 13

nonstick cooking spray
4 cups water
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup regular grits, uncooked
1 egg, well beaten
1 ½ cups grated sharp Cheddar cheese, divided
½ cup milk
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons butter
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
1 dash hot pepper sauce (such as Tabasco®), or more to taste
1 pinch paprika, or as needed

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Coat a 2-quart casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
  • Bring water and salt to a boil in a pot over high heat. Add grits, reduce heat to low, and let simmer until tender, about 30 minutes.
  • Pour grits into a large mixing bowl. Add beaten egg slowly, followed by 1 1/4 cups Cheddar cheese, milk, Worcestershire sauce, butter, pepper, garlic powder, and hot sauce. Mix thoroughly and pour into the prepared dish. Sprinkle remaining Cheddar cheese on top and sprinkle lightly with paprika for coloring. Cover.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until thickened and cheese is melted, about 1 hour, uncovering the last 10 minutes to let a crust form on top.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 222.1 calories, Carbohydrate 17.7 g, Cholesterol 56.5 mg, Fat 12.6 g, Fiber 0.4 g, Protein 9.4 g, SaturatedFat 7.7 g, Sodium 386.7 mg, Sugar 1.5 g

Tips:

  • For a smoother texture, blend the cooked grits in a food processor or blender until creamy.
  • Add a tablespoon of butter or olive oil to the grits while cooking to add richness and flavor.
  • Season the grits with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste.
  • Top the grits with your favorite toppings, such as cheese, bacon, eggs, or salsa.
  • Use fresh vegetables for the best flavor and texture.
  • If you don't have fresh vegetables, frozen or canned vegetables can be substituted.
  • Adjust the amount of chili powder and cumin to taste.
  • Serve the grits immediately or store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Conclusion:

Southwest cheese grits are a delicious and easy-to-make breakfast, lunch, or dinner recipe. They are perfect for a quick and easy meal or for a special occasion. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful and satisfying dish that the whole family will enjoy. So next time you're looking for a tasty and versatile recipe, give southwest cheese grits a try!

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