Cheesy Grits
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
45 mins
Total Time
55 mins
The secret to really delicious cheesy grits is to use the right raw grits. That means no instant grits, but stone-ground grits instead. You can get many different varieties of stone-ground grits, but do make sure they are stone-ground. Once you know how to make beautifully cheesy grits, you can add any number of different ingredients, like ham, shrimp, tomatoes or just more cheese.
Course:
Entrées, Side Dishes
Cuisine:
American
Keyword:
Breakfast/Brunch, One Pot Meal
Servings: 4
Calories: 493 kcal
Ingredients
- 1 cup coarse corn grits not the instant variety; stone-ground preferred
- 4 cups water, or chicken stock
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1½ cups grated Cheddar cheese, optional
- ½ cup heavy cream, or more water
- 3 tablespoons butter
- freshly ground black pepper
- chopped fresh chives
Instructions
-
Combine the grits and water in a 3-quart saucepan and heat over medium-high heat. Whisk until the grits have a moment to become suspended in the water rather than sinking to the bottom of the pot – about 3 to 5 minutes.
-
Once the grits come to the boil, reduce the heat to very low and season with salt. Cook, covered but stirring regularly (every 5 to 10 minutes), for 30 to 40 minutes. If the grits become too dry, whisk in a little more warm water and continue to cook. When fully cooked, the grits should be tender and creamy.
-
Stir in the cheese, heavy cream and butter and season to taste with salt and lots of freshly ground black pepper. Let the grits cool to an edible temperature. Sprinkle chives on top and serve.
Recipe Video
Nutrition Facts
Cheesy Grits
Amount Per Serving
Calories 493
Calories from Fat 306
% Daily Value*
Fat 34g52%
Saturated Fat 21g105%
Cholesterol 107mg36%
Sodium 943mg39%
Potassium 117mg3%
Carbohydrates 32g11%
Protein 14g28%
Vitamin A 1210IU24%
Calcium 335mg34%
Iron 0.7mg4%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.