Ultimate Creamy Southern Cheese Grits Recipe
Introduction
Ultimate Creamy Southern Cheese Grits are a comforting and cheesy classic that bring warmth to any meal. Rich, creamy, and packed with sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, this dish is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side to your favorite Southern dishes.
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup stone ground grits (not instant)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring the water and salt to a boil in a medium saucepan.
- Step 2: Slowly whisk in the grits to prevent lumps. Reduce the heat to low.
- Step 3: Cover the saucepan and simmer, stirring every 5 minutes, for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the grits are tender and have absorbed most of the liquid.
- Step 4: Stir in the heavy cream and butter until melted and combined.
- Step 5: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese until fully melted and the grits are smooth and creamy.
- Step 6: Season with black pepper. Serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For extra richness, substitute half the water with chicken broth for more flavor.
- Use smoked cheddar to add a subtle smoky taste.
- If you prefer a thinner consistency, stir in a little extra cream or milk before serving.
- For a spicy twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce when seasoning.
Storage
Store leftover grits in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream and warm gently on the stove while stirring to restore creaminess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use instant grits instead of stone ground?
Instant grits cook much faster but have a different texture and flavor. Stone ground grits provide the best creamy and hearty consistency for this recipe.
How do I prevent the grits from getting lumpy?
Whisk the grits in slowly while the water is boiling and stir frequently during cooking. This helps avoid lumps and ensures a smooth, creamy texture.
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Ultimate Creamy Southern Cheese Grits Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Ultimate Creamy Southern Cheese Grits recipe delivers a rich and velvety texture, blending stone-ground grits with sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Slow-simmered to tender perfection, these grits make a comforting and hearty side dish perfect for breakfast or dinner.
Ingredients
Liquid Base
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup stone ground grits (not instant)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Cheese Blend
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Boil Water and Salt: In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water and 1 teaspoon of salt to a rolling boil to prepare the base for the grits.
- Add Grits Gradually: Slowly whisk in 1 cup of stone-ground grits to the boiling water, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Once combined, reduce the heat to low to begin cooking gently.
- Simmer Grits: Cover the saucepan and let the grits simmer gently. Stir every 5 minutes to prevent sticking, cooking for 25 to 30 minutes until the grits are tender and have absorbed most of the water.
- Incorporate Cream and Butter: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 4 tablespoons unsalted butter into the cooked grits until both have melted and are fully incorporated, enriching the texture.
- Add Cheeses: Remove the pan from heat. Mix in 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, stirring until melted and the mixture is creamy and smooth.
- Season and Serve: Finish by seasoning with 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Serve the creamy cheese grits immediately while warm.
Notes
- Use stone-ground grits for the best texture; instant grits will not deliver the same creamy consistency.
- Stirring frequently during simmering helps prevent lumps and sticking at the bottom of the pan.
- Feel free to adjust the cheese types or quantity to suit your taste preference.
- Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper can give a nice subtle heat if desired.
- This dish pairs excellently with eggs, bacon, or fried chicken for a classic Southern meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Keywords: Southern cheese grits, creamy grits, stone ground grits, comfort food, cheesy side dish
