Grits are an important part of Southern culture. Most Southerners will have grits for breakfast at least once per week, some maybe every day. One way that many Southerners will enjoy grits is with cheese and butter. This Cheesy Southern Cheese Grits Recipe is our favorite way to enjoy grits.
This recipe starts with just grits and water, and then we jazz it up with chicken broth, sharp cheddar cheese, and cream cheese to have a cheesy-creamy decadent side dish or even a main dish. You will love these creamy cheddar grits topped with crispy bacon. You could even use this recipe to make Shrimp and Grits!
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Southern Cheese Grits Recipe
- Creamy and Rich Flavor
- Comfort Food Appeal
- Versatility
- Regional Appeal
- Hearty and Filling
- Easy To Make
History Behind the Popularity of Grits in the South
Corn was such an important grain in Southern culture. Not only was it used to feed families, but it was also what was used to feed their livestock. Depending on what you wanted to use the corn for, depended on how the corn was milled.
Corn was fed into the mill through a shute and made its way between two stones. These two stones have groves cut in them in a special pattern called furrows. One stone is stationary and the other turns. There is a system of pulleys and gears that turn the stone that is usually powered by an animal or even water-powered if the grist mill is located near a water source.
The distance between the stones determines how fine the grain is milled. Cracked corn took the least amount of time to mill. If you wanted grits, the gap was closed between the stones to make finer cracked corn. If you wanted corn meal, that was milled into a finer powder-like texture.
Creeks, Streams, and rivers were dotted with grit mills. The flowing water was used to power these mills to grind corn for communities. Southerners grew their corn and would take the corn to the community grits mill where they would have it ground into grits and cornmeal.
Not only was this a staple food, but it also was a community event. Folks would gather around the grits meal and have conversations while their corn was ground.
What Are Grits?
If you are not from the South, you may be wondering “What are grits?” Grits are a type of comfort food and one of the many iconic Southern recipes. They start as dried corn on the cob that is then shelled into loose corn. The corn is then milled on a grist mill into ground corn.
Most Southerners grew up eating grits for breakfast because they are cheap and can feed a lot of people. Corn grew very well in the South and it was plentiful and cheap.
You can use corn in many ways such as making cornmeal to make cornbread, corn on the cob, loose corn, as well as many other dishes. Southern grits are a true Southern classic dish, and Southern cheese grits are no different.
Grits are a Very Versatile Dish
Grits can be enjoyed as the main entree for breakfast, or they can be a side dish as well. Although they are mainly served at breakfast, many people will eat them for supper (dinner) as well.
They can be served for supper (dinner) such as Shrimp and Grits. Shrimp and Grits is an entree that originated in South Carolina as well. If you’re interested, I have a list of my Top 15 Traditional Foods SC is known for, which includes some delightful dishes deeply rooted in South Carolina’s culinary heritage.” [Traditional South Carolina Foods: 15 foods SC is known for]
Leftover grits once they get cold are fried up and served with fish dishes as a side. Cheesy Southern Cheese grits also make an awesome side dish with blackened fish.
There are many other ways to enjoy grits whether it be a simple breakfast meal or some special occasions but the main thing is you have to know how to cook them right.
Different Kinds of Grits Used to Make Southern Cheese Grits
Before we cook go over this delicious Cheesy Southern Cheese Grits Recipe, you need to understand the different types of grits.
First off is the color, you have white corn and yellow corn. This is strictly preference but I mainly grew up eating white corn grits. Yellow grits pretty much taste the same as white grits.
Stone Ground Grits
Next, you have three types of grits that you will find in a grocery store. The first is stone ground grits. These are the grits that our ancestors would have eaten when they took their corn to the community grist mill to have milled into grits.
These are coarsely ground and take longer to cook. Stone ground grits are the most flavorful because the grits contain all the parts of the corn. These usually take about 30 to 40 minutes to cook.
Quick-Cooking Grits
The most popular type of grits that you will find in the grocery store is called quick grits. Quick grits (also known as Quick-cooking grits) are what most people cook these days. Quick grits are the same as stone-ground grits, but they are finer ground. This makes the cooking time quicker.
They usually cook for around 5 to 10 minutes. These are what we mainly eat, but are not as healthy as the stone ground grits.
To read more about Stone Ground Grits vs Quick-Cooking Grits I have written a full dept article explaining the differences [Stone-Ground Grits Vs. Quick Grits (What’s the Difference)]
Instant Grits
The last type of grits we will talk about is instant grits. Instant grits are also pre-cooked and then dehydrated. Instant grits usually come in an individual package and will cook in less than a minute. I typically do not like these types unless it is all you can find.
What You Need To Make This Southern Grits Recipe
Ingredients for Southern Cheese Grits
Check out our blog post on how to cook grits before going any further if you have any questions about how to cook them. This post will go into detail about grits and will give a basic recipe for grits.
That post is similar to this one as it explains a lot about grits, but this post will have the recipe for creamy Cheese Grits.
Grits-Start with a good brand of stone ground grits. Most brands you will find will be from a smaller local mill from the South. Sometimes you will find stone ground grits in grocery stores.
If you cannot find them in your grocery store or a local store near you, I recommend ordering grits from Palmetto Farms, Marsh Hen Mill, The Old Mill, or Cotton Hills Farm. For this recipe, you will need 1 cup of grits.
Water-For the basic recipe to cook grits, you will need water. The ratio of water to grits is typically 1 to 4 or 1 to 5. 1 cup of grits to 4 to 5 cups of water. We will be using half the amount of water and the other half with chicken broth to add extra flavor. With this being said, you will need 2 cups of water.
Chicken Broth-Savory and salty, chicken broth add depth to Cheese grits.
Butter-Butter will add a little bit of creaminess to the grits and some savory notes.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese-Sharp Cheddar gives cheese grits that bold bite and tanginess that is distinct from sharp cheddar cheese. Make sure to grate your cheese for the ultimate flavor.
Cream Cheese-Adding in cream cheese is one of the secrets to having the creamiest grits you have ever tried.
Seasonings and Garnishes/Toppings
Salt-I prefer to use sea salt when making grits. Table salt or iodized salt can give a chemical or off taste.
Black Pepper– Black pepper is pungent, spicy, and slightly earthy. This is a great addition to many dishes.
Crispy Bacon-In this recipe, we will fry the bacon until it is crispy, then chop it up, and add it as a topping.
Green Onion or Chives-For a garnish, we will use green onions or chives. You need 2 tablespoons of whichever one you choose to use.
Note: See the recipe card at the bottom for quantities.
Optional Ingredients
- Cajun Seasonings-There are various ingredients you can add such as heavy cream, garlic powder, green onions as a garnish, as well as herbs and other seasonings like Cajun Seasonings. Cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes will turn up the heat.
- Hot Sauce-Hot sauce is a great optional ingredient to kick up the spice. have cooked.
- Parmesan Cheese– Its nutty and salty flavor can complement the creamy texture of the grits quite well, adding a rich depth of flavor.
- Pepper Jack Cheese-Pepper Jack cheese is a great option to add a spicy kick to grits.
There are many other different cheeses to choose from. If there is a cheese that you prefer to the ones we have listed you can use those in place of these. White cheddar makes a great substitute for Sharp Cheddar and Soft crumbled goat cheese can mimic the creamiest of cream cheese.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Medium Stock Pot or Large Stock Pot- A good heavy-bottom stock pot this one makes the difference between burning grits and having great thick creamy cheese grits.
- Whisk- You need a good heavy-duty whisk for cooking grits, especially cheese grits. I love this one from OXO.
- Serving Ladel-ThermoWorks just launched a new silicone ladle. I love their products and always use and recommend them when they make a product that fits a need. The next company I always recommend is OXO.
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Cheese Grater-Check out this viral Cheese grater. It seriously has gotten so much attention online that it keeps selling out faster than they can keep it in stock. I have one similar to this but this one is much smaller and compact in design.
How To Make Cheesy Southern Grits
Step-by-step instructions
Grits directions
Step 1
Start with a medium saucepan or medium stock pot. Add in water and chicken brother. Turn the burner on to medium-high heat.
Step 2
Add salt and butter to the pot. Bring the water up to a rolling boil.
Step 3
Once the water is up to a rolling boil, add in the grits slowly with one hand while stirring with a whisk with the other hand. Continue to stir until all the grits are in the pot.
Step 4
To get smooth creamy grits, continue to constantly stir the grits. Continue to do this throughout the whole cooking process. This causes the grits to release the starch making for a creamy texture. This is the secret from one of my favorite breakfast restaurants, Joey’s Pancake House, that was told to me by one of the waitresses.
Step 5
Once the grits start to thicken slightly, turn the heat down to low heat. Stone ground grits will take about 10 to 15 minutes to cook. Once the grits reach the consistency you like, they will be done.
Step 6
Add in the sharp cheddar cheese and Cream cheese. Stir until both have melted and have been well incorporated.
Bacon:
Step 1
In a large skillet, fry bacon until it is crispy.
Step 2
Cut or break the bacon into small pieces. Add to the top of the grits once you have plated each dish.
Garnish:
Chop up the green onion or chives and use them as a garnish.
Note: I like my grits thick and when you place them on your plate, they do not spread. If you prefer the grits to be thinner, you can add a little water at the end to adjust the texture.
Recipe Notes:
Quick Gits will have the same ingredients and you will cook them the same way. The exception with cooking quick grits is you will only cook for 5 to 10 minutes.
What Can You Eat Cheese Grits With?
- Homemade Biscuits and Sausage Gravy
- Shrimp and Grits
- Fried Egg
- Scrambled Eggs
- Bacon or Sausage
- Grits and Fish is a classic Southern favorite.
- Pork Chops
- Poached egg
Conclusion
I hope you enjoy this recipe for grits with cheese. Southern cheese grits are a quintessential comfort food that embodies the rich flavors and traditions of the South. With their creamy texture and cheesy goodness, they’re sure to satisfy your soul and leave you craving more.
Whether served as a side dish or a comforting main course, these grits are a beloved staple in Southern cuisine, and now, you can bring a taste of the South to your kitchen. Enjoy!
FAQ’s
What is the ratio of grits to water?
The ratio of grits to water is 1 to 4 or 1 to 5. This depends on how thick you want the result.
What are Grits made from?
Grits are made from ground Dent corn.
What can I do if my grits are lumpy?
If your grits are lumpy you can add a little water and use a whisk to try to even the lumps out.
Do Southerners put sugar on grits?
Most Southerners do not put sugar on grits, at least not in the area I grew up in.
What is the secret to cooking good grits?
The secret to cooking good grits is cooking the grits slowly and stirring often.
Why do my grits taste grainy?
If the grits taste grainy, they need to cook longer. If they are thick, add in a little water, stir, and continue to cook until they are no longer grainy.
Can I Use Other Types of Cheese in These Southern Cheese Grits?
Yes. You can use other types of cheese such as white cheddar cheese, gouda cheese, and blue cheese are all great options.
If the grits taste grainy, they need to cook longer. If they are thick, add in a little water, stir, and continue to cook until they are no longer grainy.
-Ronnie | Let’s Get Food Junked
Cheesy Southern Cheese Grits Recipe
Grits are an important part of Southern culture. Most southerners will have grits for breakfast at least once per week, some maybe every day. One way that many southerners will enjoy grits is with cheese and butter. This Cheesy Southern Cheese Grits Recipe is our favorite way to enjoy grits.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of stone ground grits or quick grits
- 2 cups of water
- 2 cups of chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 oz of cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 6 strips of bacon
- 2 tablespoons of green onion or chives
Instructions
- Start with a medium saucepan or medium stock pot. Add in water and chicken brother. Turn the burner on to medium-high heat.
- Add salt and butter to the pot. Bring the water up to a rolling boil.
- Once the water is up to a rolling boil, add in the grits slowly with one hand while stirring with a whisk with the other hand. Continue to stir until all the grits are in the pot.
- To get smooth creamy grits, continue to constantly stir the grits. Continue to do this throughout the whole cooking process.
- Once the grits start to thicken slightly, you can turn the heat down to low heat. Stone ground grits will take about 10 to 15 minutes to cook. Once the grits reach the consistency you like and you taste them and they do not taste grainy, they will be done.
- In a large skillet, fry bacon until it is crispy.
- Cut or break the bacon into small pieces. Add to the top of the grits once you have plated each dish.
Bacon:
Garnish:
Chop up the green onion or chives and use them as a garnish.
Notes
I like my grits thick and when you place them on your plate, they do not spread. If you prefer the grits to be thinner, you can add a little water at the end to adjust the texture.