The Best Southern Cheese Grits

User Reviews

5

360 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    5 mins

  • Cook Time

    10 mins

  • Total Time

    15 mins

  • Servings

    4 servings

  • Calories

    280 kcal

  • Course

    Breakfast

  • Cuisine

    American

The Best Southern Cheese Grits

The Best Southern Cheese Grits are creamy, cheesy grits cooked with butter and seasoned with garlic and black pepper. This recipe yields tender grits with a smooth texture and sharp cheddar flavor, a classic Southern side dish versatile to pair with many meals. It is straightforward to prepare and delivers comforting warmth and richness.

Description

This recipe for The Best Southern Cheese Grits begins by boiling water with butter and salt, then adding grits while whisking to prevent lumps. The grits simmer covered until tender as per package instructions. After cooking, black pepper and garlic powder are stirred in for seasoning, followed by sharp cheddar cheese that melts into the hot grits creating a creamy and flavorful texture.

The final dish is smooth and rich, with a mild garlic undertone balanced by the sharpness of cheddar cheese. The grits have a comforting, thick consistency that makes them suitable as a hearty accompaniment for breakfast or dinner. The cooking approach avoids excessive stirring and maintains proper simmering to achieve the right texture.

Serve these cheese grits as a base for savory toppings or alongside meats and vegetables for a Southern-inspired meal. They reheat well with added water to restore creaminess and should be kept covered in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Reheating in the microwave at reduced power or slowly on the stove while stirring prevents sticking and helps regain smoothness. The recipe can use any type of grits including stone-ground, quick-cooking, or regular, with timing adjusted accordingly.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 2 ⅔ cups water
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • cup grits stone-ground, quick cooking, or regular
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 5 ounces cheddar cheese grated, sharp

Instructions

  1. Bring the water, butter and salt to a boil in a small saucepan.
  2. Add the grits to the boiling water using a whisk.
  3. Cover the pot, lower the heat to a simmer and cook the grits according to the package directions.
  4. When the grits are done, stir in the black pepper and garlic powder.
  5. Add the cheese and stir until blended.

Notes

  • Store leftover cheese grits tightly covered in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days to retain moisture and freshness.
  • Reheat the grits in the microwave at 50% power, stirring every 30 seconds, or gently reheat over low heat with a splash of water, stirring often to prevent sticking.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Serving 1 Calories 280kcal (14%) Carbohydrates 20g (7%) Protein 11g (22%) Fat 18g (28%) Saturated Fat 11g (55%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g (6%) Monounsaturated Fat 5g (25%) Trans Fat 1g (50%) Cholesterol 52mg (17%) Sodium 860mg (36%) Potassium 80mg (2%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 1g (2%) Vitamin A 531IU (11%) Vitamin C 1mg (1%) Calcium 265mg (27%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 280 kcal

% Daily Value*

Serving 1
Calories 280kcal 14%
Carbohydrates 20g 7%
Protein 11g 22%
Fat 18g 28%
Saturated Fat 11g 55%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 5g 25%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 52mg 17%
Sodium 860mg 36%
Potassium 80mg 2%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 1g 2%
Vitamin A 531IU 11%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 265mg 27%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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5

360 reviews
Excellent

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