Creamy Cheese Grits Recipe
Introduction
Cheese grits are a comforting Southern classic, perfect as a creamy side or a hearty breakfast. This simple recipe combines rich cheddar with flavorful broth to create a smooth, cheesy dish everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water (or milk)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup grits (not instant or stone-ground)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup butter
- Heavy whipping cream (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium saucepan, bring the water, chicken broth, garlic powder, and salt to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Step 2: While whisking, slowly add the grits and salt. Reduce the heat to low and cook uncovered for 18-20 minutes until thick and creamy, or follow the cooking time on your grits package.
- Step 3: Remove from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and butter until melted. Add a little heavy whipping cream if you prefer a richer texture.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika.
- Use milk instead of water for creamier grits.
- Stir in cooked bacon or sautéed shrimp for a heartier dish.
- If using stone-ground grits, allow more cooking time and stir frequently to avoid lumps.
Storage
Store leftover cheese grits in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the texture as needed.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use instant grits for this recipe?
Instant grits cook much faster and have a different texture. For best results, use regular or stone-ground grits as suggested to achieve the creamy consistency.
How can I prevent grits from becoming lumpy?
Whisk the grits in slowly while the liquid is boiling and cook over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid lumps and sticking.
PrintCreamy Cheese Grits Recipe
This creamy and comforting Cheese Grits recipe combines the rich flavors of cheddar cheese and butter with perfectly cooked grits. Made with chicken broth and a hint of garlic, these cheesy grits are a perfect side dish for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients
Liquids
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water (or milk)
- heavy whipping cream (optional)
Dry Ingredients
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup grits (not instant or stone-ground)
Dairy
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup butter
Instructions
- Boil Liquids: In a medium saucepan, combine the water, chicken broth, garlic powder, and salt. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat to create a flavorful cooking base for the grits.
- Add Grits and Cook: While whisking constantly to avoid lumps, slowly sprinkle in the grits. Reduce the heat to low and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 18-20 minutes or until thick and creamy, following the specific cooking times recommended on your grits package.
- Finish with Cheese and Butter: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and butter until fully melted and incorporated. For even creamier grits, stir in a splash of heavy whipping cream if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use stone-ground or regular grits for best texture; avoid instant grits as they have different cooking times.
- Adjust salt to taste, especially if using salted chicken broth or cheese.
- For extra richness, add heavy cream gradually to reach your preferred creaminess.
- Cheddar cheese can be substituted with other cheeses like gouda or pepper jack for different flavors.
- Serve with eggs, bacon, or your favorite breakfast proteins for a complete meal.
Keywords: cheese grits, cheesy grits, southern grits, cheddar grits, creamy grits, breakfast grits, grits side dish
