Creamy Southern Cheese Grits Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Southern Cheese Grits are a comforting classic, rich with melted cheese and a hint of spice. This smooth, velvety dish makes a perfect side or hearty breakfast to start your day with warmth and flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 cup old-fashioned yellow corn grits
• 4 cups water
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the water, heavy cream, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir well and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
2. Step 2: Gradually add the grits to the boiling liquid while stirring constantly to prevent clumping. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and simmer the grits for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally until thick and creamy.
3. Step 3: Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the shredded parmesan and cheddar cheeses until melted and fully incorporated. Add the butter and stir until it has melted completely into the grits.
4. Step 4: Transfer the cheese grits to a serving bowl and finish with freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, creamy goodness.

Tips & Variations

• Use stone-ground grits for a more authentic texture and flavor.
• For a smoky twist, substitute half the cheddar cheese with smoked gouda or smoked cheddar.
• If you prefer a thinner consistency, add a splash of milk or cream while simmering.
• Gently stir the grits while cooking to avoid sticking and ensure creaminess.

Storage

Store leftover cheese grits in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove with a splash of milk or water, stirring constantly to restore creaminess. Avoid microwaving without stirring to prevent uneven heating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant grits instead of old-fashioned grits?

Instant grits cook faster but have a different texture and less creaminess. For best results, use old-fashioned or stone-ground grits as they absorb flavors and create a richer dish.

How spicy will these grits be with cayenne pepper?

The 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne adds a mild, warm kick without overwhelming the dish. You can omit it if you prefer no heat or adjust the amount to suit your taste.

Creamy Southern Cheese Grits Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 96 reviews

• Author: Aiden
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Creamy Southern Cheese Grits recipe delivers a rich, cheesy, and comforting side dish perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner. Made with old-fashioned yellow corn grits simmered in a flavorful blend of water, heavy cream, and spices, then enriched with sharp cheddar and parmesan cheeses along with butter, it results in a luscious, velvety texture that pairs beautifully with Southern-style meals.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

• 1 cup old-fashioned yellow corn grits
• 4 cups water
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Heat the liquid base: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine water, heavy cream, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir well and bring the mixture to a rolling boil to infuse the flavors and prepare for cooking the grits.
2. Add and cook the grits: Gradually add the grits to the boiling liquid while stirring constantly to prevent clumps from forming. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and simmer the grits for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to maintain a creamy consistency and prevent sticking.
3. Incorporate the cheeses and butter: Once the grits are thick and creamy, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the shredded parmesan and sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and combined. Add the unsalted butter and stir until it is melted and incorporated, enriching the dish with a luscious creamy texture.
4. Serve: Transfer the finished creamy cheese grits to a serving bowl. Finish by seasoning with freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy this classic Southern comfort food.

Notes

• Use old-fashioned yellow corn grits for the best texture and flavor; quick-cooking grits will produce a different consistency.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, do not omit the cayenne pepper; otherwise, it can be left out for a milder flavor.
• Stir the grits frequently during cooking to prevent lumps and sticking to the pan.
• For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream but expect slightly less richness.
• Freshly cracked black pepper can be adjusted to taste for added heat and flavor.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Southern

Keywords: Southern cheese grits, creamy grits recipe, cheesy grits side dish, comfort food, Southern cooking