Cheesy grits are the pinnacle of Southern comfort food. Every bite is creamy, cheesy, deliciously savory, and deeply satisfying.
And with a mixture of sharp cheddar, nutty Parmesan, and salty bacon bits, what’s not to love?
But the best part is, they’re easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients, you’re on the way to flavor town.
Cheesy grits are perfect for any occasion, pairing with eggs, sausage, or grilled shrimp for a true Southern feast.
Why You’ll Love These Cheesy Grits
Comfort Food: A warm, creamy bowl of Southern-inspired grits will wrap you in a cozy culinary hug.
Taste Sensation: Sharp Cheddar and nutty Parmesan perfectly balance the subtle sweetness of grits. Crispy bacon bits round out the flavor profile for an incredibly delicious dish.
Quick Fix: You can whip up this satisfying dish in 15 minutes. This makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or impromptu brunches.
Crowd-Pleaser: This simple, delicious dish will earn rave reviews at your next gathering or potluck.
Ingredients
- Quick-Cooking Grits: These grits cook up fast for a creamy, dreamy base.
- Water and Salt: The dynamic duo brings the grits to life.
- Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar is sharp, tangy, and oh-so-melty. It adds a bold kick to the dish.
- Parmesan Cheese: Nutty, salty, and packed with umami goodness, it elevates the grits to new heights.
- Unsalted Butter: Smooth, rich, and creamy, butter adds luxe creaminess to the grits.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper is the perfect finishing touch.
- Bacon Bits: Crispy, smoky, and irresistible bacon bits top off the dish with a savory crunch.
How to Make Cheesy Grits
These cheesy grits are a cinch to make!
1. Cook the grits. Add water and salt to a saucepan and bring it to a rolling boil. Gradually whisk in the grits. Lower the heat to medium-low and cook, stirring frequently, until the grits become thick and creamy, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove the pan from heat.
2. Add the butter and cheese. Mix in the Cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and butter, stirring until the cheeses are fully melted and the mixture is smooth. Season with black pepper to taste.
3. Serve with bacon. Serve the cheesy grits hot, topped with bacon bits for added flavor and crunch. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Cheesy Grits
These easy tips will make your grits come out perfect.
- Whisk them well. Gradually add the grits to the boiling liquid while whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
- Cook low and slow. Cook the grits on low heat, stirring frequently, to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking or burning.
- Serving them as a savory side. Serve cheesy grits as a side dish with grilled or roasted meats. Or top them with a fried egg and hot sauce. Either way, it makes for a seriously satisfying breakfast.
Variations
- Choose your favorite cheese. The recipe calls for sharp cheddar, but you can try any cheese you like. Smoked Gouda, Colby, or Pepper Jack are fantastic options.
- Add more flavor with liquid. Consider using milk, chicken broth, or a combination of water and milk instead of just water.
- Make them extra creamy. Stir in a few tablespoons of heavy or sour cream just before serving.
- Spice them up. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, paprika, or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Toss in tasty extras. Stir in cooked, crumbled sausage, sautéed shrimp, or roasted vegetables for a heartier dish.
How to Store and Reheat
Want to enjoy your grits again? Follow these tips.
To Store: Transfer leftover cheesy grits to an air-tight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Ensure the grits are cooled to room temperature before sealing the container.
To Freeze: Allow the cheesy grits to cool completely, then portion them into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 1 month, and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
To Reheat: Reheat the cheesy grits in a saucepan over low heat. Add a splash of water or milk to restore creaminess, and stir until heated. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
Cheesy Grits
4
servings5
minutes7
minutes410
kcalGet a taste of the South with these classic cheesy grits! They’re perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or anytime a craving strikes.
Ingredients
4 cups water
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup quick-cooking grits
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup bacon bits for topping
Instructions
- Add water and salt to a saucepan and bring it to a rolling boil. Gradually whisk in the grits. Lower the heat to medium-low and cook, stirring frequently, until the grits become thick and creamy, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove the pan from heat.
- Mix in the Cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and butter, stirring until the cheeses are fully melted and the mixture is smooth. Season with black pepper to taste.
- Serve the cheesy grits hot, topped with bacon bits for added flavor and crunch. Enjoy!
